Can’t we ever catch a break with our pro sports teams?

That’s what I’m left wondering as I see the rag tag group that the Hornets are trotting out these days. First, we saw the Saints’ season compromised by a rash of injuries. But this is starting to seem comparable. No Paul, no Chandler, no West…even Julian Wright has been dusted off from time to time to eat up some minutes.

I still think this team can do some damage in the second half of the season. Somehow, it still sits right in the middle of that Western Conference pack despite the fact that its been a month since we’ve seen this team at full strength. Peja Stojakovic proved he still has a little game left when he began carrying the offense in David West’s absence a few weeks back. James Posey’s slumping, but I’d expect him to be an asset in the postseason.

I’ve read the rumors about a Tyson Chandler/Shawn Marion swap, and I can’t buy into it. Chandler’s been very disappointing this season, but even when he doesn’t play to his full potential, he still is a necessary piece to the puzzle. Look no further than the Hornet loss on Monday to Memphis — yes, the Hornets were without their offensive firepower — but they were also outrebounded 64-38.

64-38!

I’m not trading big for small if I’m the Hornets, unless I’m trying to shed cap dollars. And I think it’s really early to be jumping ship.

Speaking of the Hornets, CP3 says he’s still down for the All-Star game, which I’d question. Groin injuries are no joke, especially for a guy whose entire game is centered around quickness. I’d be surprised if he suited up for the Hornets this week, and I’d be surprised if he actually does give it a go in the All-Star game, despite what he says.

I know CP wants to put on a show, but there’s no reason to jeopardize the ‘real’ show, his second half push…who knows, maybe he has an MVP run in him.

I really like what I see from San Antonio if we’re talking about other title contenders. The interesting thing about those guys is their offense seems to boast more weapons than ever before. You still have the big three with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, you’ve added a young, long range marksman in Roger Mason, and even Matt Bonner has been an asset in stretching the floor. The flip side is, the Spurs defense is ever so much weaker than it was a season ago. It’ll be interesting to see how they match up with teams come

April.

Boston still has to be the favorite to win the title, at least to me. They’re still spectacular defensively, and Garnett, Allen and Pierce seem as hungry as ever — I didn’t think they’d sustain it into this season, and I was wrong.

Nate Robinson has laid down the gauntlet for this Saturday’s Slam Dunk contest: in response to the favorite, Dwight “Superman” Howard, Robinson has dubbed himself “KryptoNate”.

I just figured that blurb is as fitting an end to an NBA-centered column as I could find.

For the record, I like Howard’s chances to repeat.