In what is expected to be a competitive battle at shooting guard this upcoming season, Hornets rookie Marcus Thornton could be vying for substantial playing time.
In the first two games in the Las Vegas Summer League, Thornton has been able to create his own shot off the dribble, make 3-pointers and lead the Hornets on scoring surges. He has averaged 20.5 points and has shot 44.4 percent from the field. In Tuesday night's 88-86 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Thornton scored 10 of his 19 points in the third quarter to help the Hornets overcome a 12-point deficit and briefly a take the lead.
The Hornets acquired Thornton in a draft night trade last month from the Miami Heat because of his offensive potential. As a senior at LSU last season, Thornton was the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, averaging 21.1 points and 5.5 rebounds.
"He can make shots and moves extremely well without the ball," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said. "His physical toughness is something I like."
The battle at shooting guard is expected to be one of the most competitive in training camp this fall. Starter Rasual Butler and backups Morris Peterson, Devin Brown and Thornton all will be competing for playing time.
"I know I have to earn my minutes, but I'm ready to show the world I can play," Thornton said. "I realize nothing is going to be easy."
Though he anticipates tough competition, Butler said he has no intentions of losing his starting job that he won this past season. Butler has been a frequent visitor at the Alario Center for the past month, working extensively on conditioning and shooting drills.
Peterson also has been working out at the facility.
"I always feel competition is healthy, and you need to have guys who can intensify practices," Butler said. "People need to know that they have to come to work every day. But I want to do anything and everything I can to help him (Thornton), so his road won't be as bumpy as mine."
After Thornton scored a team-high 22 points in Sunday's 92-86 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Scott praised him for his offensive play but still issued a warning.
"On the defensive end, it was a totally different story with him jogging back," Scott said. "I told him he'll be sitting right there on the bench if that happens.
"He has to exert more effort in defensive transition and with guarding his man and becoming a better help defender. He has to realize that is a part of who we are, and that's how we've been successful the last few seasons."
Thornton took heed to Scott's warning and had two steals against the Clippers. With three games remaining, Thornton said he is pushing for improvement and plans to continue working to prepare for training camp after the Hornets' summer league schedule is completed.
"There's always room for improvement," Thornton said. "I just have to get back and help crash the boards every time."
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John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3407.
