text: Can the Hornets Conquer the West?  PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Hornets are  going to have their work cut out for them in the 2004-05  season. When the NBA approved its realignment plan, the Hornets  became the newest member of the Western Conference as the  expansion Charlotte Bobcats were placed in the East, giving  each conference 15 clubs comprised of three divisions of five  teams.