(left to right : formerly employed, currently limping)

A full season and change removed from a 56 win campaign, the New Orleans Hornets had “begun to moonwalk” under recently deposed head coach Byron Scott, argues the Times-Picayune’s John DeShazier.   The New York Post’s Peter Vecsey — a longtime Scott castigator — was far less diplomatic, citing “offensive predictably, stagnation and susceptibility to being bullied”, and worst of all, a recent loss to the Knicks. Ignoring the ugly exits in New Jersey and New Orleans, True Hoop’s J.A.. Adande yesterday considered Byron Scott’s future job options and for the time being, anyway, analyst work seems more likely than coaching.

There are plenty of good golf courses in Southern California, and it™s possible Scott could wind up back there when Phil Jackson decides to leave the Lakers. Scott™s on the list of potential replacements, along with Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis and Lakers assistant Brian Shaw. Remember, Scott began and ended his playing career with the Lakers, spending his final season alongside a rookie named Kobe Bryant. Last year Scott told the Los Angeles Times that the Lakers are œan organization that will be embedded in my heart for the rest of my life.

But Phil Jackson is looking more and more embedded in the organization. His health and energy seem better than they have in years and his team appears set to be a championship contender for a few seasons. Then there™s the possibility that there could be a lockout for some of the 2011-12 season, which would appeal to Jackson because he could make another run at a championship without trudging through a full 82 games.

Adande correctly surmises Scott is no more likely to return to the Swamp than Bobby Valentine is to Flushing —- though it should be stressed, the Nyets will have new ownership and Jason Kidd’s no longer around to make the big decisions.