Even though the Hornets season is over, New Orleans is expected to continue to reap the benefits from all of the resulting national TV exposure. Experts say what the team has done for the area during their playoff run could indeed be priceless.

UNO Economist Dr. Janet Speyrer said not only do we look to be recovering, but also right at the top of our game. Having those positive images shown over and over to a national audience could mean not only a handsome payoff in future tourism, but also a major lure to the one time evacuees to convince them that they need to come back.

''Having people see New Orleans as a very fun place to be with lots of alternatives for fun and excitement is very good not only for our tourism industry, but for people looking to relocate back to New Orleans,'' said Speyrer.

Speyrer compared the Hornets success to the 2006 Saints, but with much more exposure from the many more playoff games the Hornets played.