<<< "We don't have guys who are very tough," coach Paul Silas said in an
emotional outburst. "That's just the way it is. We're soft. As soft as tissue
paper."
During his angry outburst, Silas used the word "ridiculous" seven times,
"embarrassing" four times and "roll over and die" twice. That was before they
went to Miami and lost, before they came home and were beaten by the
Pistons, then by the Knicks. In 11 games they beat Boston once, New Jersey
twice. "He said a lot of things out of frustration," guard David Wesley said.
"But I don't think he'll feel bad about anything he said. I agree with what he
said."
Forward P.J. Brown knows something about toughness after playing for Pat
Riley. He recognizes a lack of resolve.
"I guess he means soft in the mind," Brown said. "I agree. Soft-as-tissue
teams go out in the first round, too. We've got to tighten up."
Much of the Hornets' problem has been blamed on forward Derrick Coleman
and his five-year, $40 million contract. Coleman has had an impact on his
team similar to that of Isaiah Rider on the Hawks last season.
Treated last fall for a heart irregularity, later benched for obesity, Coleman is
shooting a career-low .378 percent, averaging 8.3 points in only 31 games.
The Hornets are 9-22 when he plays this season and 34-14 when he is out.
Over his three seasons in Charlotte, they are 67-75 with him and 51-18 without
him. >>>
It's safe to say the Hornets won't be drafting Kris Lang. -g- |
