A fourth place finish in the Southwest Division was enough to get the New Orleans Hornets into the playoffs last season, but the Nuggets knocked them out in the first round. The 2009-10 season looks good for the team, having upgraded at center by trading the often injured Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor (and cutting more than a million dollars from their luxury tax payment). They also addressed their lack of depth by drafting Darren Collison, signing Ike Diogu and trading for Darius Songaila. With a greatly improved frontcourt and superstar Chris Paul at the helm, expect the Hornets to return to the playoffs this season. How deep they’ll go depends on fan support – so get your New Orleans Arena tickets and help cheer the Hornets all the way to the NBA Championship!

Some Hornets history: The Hornets started in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1988. The Hornets got a new home in New Orleans in 2002. Past Hornets stars include Larry Johnson, fan favorite Muggsy Bogues and Alonzo Mourning. The team was led by guard Kelly Tripucka, Charlotte's top scorer for the franchise's first two seasons.