Approaching the 30-minute post-practice mark Monday at the Alario Center, New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams surveyed the scene on the two practice floors and saw activity at all four baskets, led at separate locations by All-Star captains Chris Paul and David West.
Six weeks ago, when this team convened for training camp, there were seven new faces on the roster and before the preseason ended, the number had swelled to nine.
Yet two weeks into the regular season, the Hornets (6-0) are one of two unbeaten teams in the NBA, along with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers (7-0).
General Manager Dell Demps, admits the speed in which this group has created a bond, and resulting chemistry, is surprising.
"I would say a little bit, " Demps said. "I think it's a credit to the guys and the coaching staff. They've really worked hard at it, and it's good to get some fruit from all the labors."
And Demps is quick to credit Williams, the youngest coach (39) in the league, for the unexpectedly quick transformation into a cohesive unit.
"As you can see, we finished practice 20 minutes ago, and guys are still going at it -- and they'll probably be here for a while. I think they enjoy being around each other, but it also helps to have certain leadership on the team with Chris and the starting group and Willie (Green) on the bench. Those guys kind of hold it down and keep the groups together."
What most impressed Paul after Saturday night's win at Milwaukee, coming 24 hours after an emotional upset of the Heat at the Arena, was the single-minded cohesion the Hornets exhibited in the second of a back-to-back, as well as the team's complete acceptance of Williams' defense-first philosophy.
"The craziest thing is we're still not where we need to be defensively, " said Paul, though the Hornets rank third in total defense through Sunday, allowing 91.5 points per game. "I think that says a lot about our team. Everybody understands that it's all about winning. Right now, this team is mad when other teams score."
