David West on the OKC Hornets
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Description
The 17-Foot Assassin, David West, joins the show to relive the rise of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets in the mid-2000's. West was drafted to the Hornets 18th overall in the legendary 2003 NBA Draft, joining the team for their first season in New Orleans. But just two years after West and the Hornets' arrival in New Orleans from Charlotte, they needed to move again due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Just a month before the 2005/06 season tipped off, it was determined that Oklahoma City - who had no other major sports teams - would be the Hornets temporary home until New Orleans was rebuilt (enough). From 2005-2007, the Hornets played nearly all of their home games in Oklahoma City. And to their surprise, Oklahoma City welcomed them with rabid support. This successful foster parent-like relationship laid the groundwork for the city being able to swipe the Sonics from Seattle just a few years later. Coinciding with the Hornets temporary move to Oklahoma City was the emergence of the team, led by West and the young point god, Chris Paul. In 2008, the Hornets were back in New Orleans and won a franchise-record 56 games. They would fall to the Spurs in 7 games in the West Semis, and according to West, his injured back was the only thing that kept the Hornets from making the NBA Finals. West details the rapid ascension of his team, reveals the origin to his signature mid-range jump shot, gives his opinion to why the Hornets eventually fell apart and much more. Follow Forgotten Seasons (@forgottenseasonsnba) for more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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