After all was said and done, the Hornets had two options at this fork in the road: 1. Exercise the option to renew the OKC lease for 06-07; 2. Not renew the OKC lease and return to the "completed and ready" arena in NO. Given the current set of circumstances, this was the best case scenario for OKC.

We are hearing the same lip service from Shinn, Cornett, Stern, etc. regarding their "hope" to return to NO in 07-08. This is no different from what we have heard in the past. In fact, this is the same language we heard prior to the option being picked up for next year. In short, status quo remains and we will be having this same conversation exactly one year from now. Also note that so-called contract requirements are already being broken (See: "When the arena is playable, we're supposed to come back," Stern told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "That's just the way it is.")


Shinn, Stern and Co. will have the opportunity to evaluate NO's ability to support pro teams with the Hornets this year, the (terrible) Saints next year, and the Hornets for 8-10 games next year. My gut says that while NO may show up for three games (including the Lakers) this year, the " rally around the Hornets" sentiment will have worn off by next year and a true barometer of NO's desire to have the Hornets will be seen.

Meanwhile, OKC will continue to support the Hornets this year and next, with the hope of keeping them still alive amongst the fans. The team will likely improve, or at the very least, continue to be competitive. Thus, fan and corporate support will remain strong, making Shinn and Stern's decision that much tougher.

All things considered, OKC got the best news it could. Another year with the Hornets and no hard and fast commitment that they will be leaving in 07-08. Overall, great news for OKC, in my opinion.