--Coach Byron Scott said he won't fill the vacancy on his coaching staff this season. Lead assistant Darrell Walker left after last season to join Michael Curry's staff with the Pistons. Scott will stick with his current staff of Kenny Gattison, Paul Pressey, and Charlie Parker for this season, then look for Walker's replacement after the season.
--The Hornets find themselves the subject of the highest expectations in franchise history. Some Las Vegas oddsmakers have their odds of winning the NBA title at 6-1, and at least one magazine has picked them to win the title. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I can't beat what I got. I'm not leaving. I'd be a fool. This city is not just a football town. It's becoming a basketball town. We love it. Last year we had our best season in 20 years, and it's going to be better this year." -- Hornets majority owner George Shinn.
