DRAFT PICK: Darrell Arthur, F, 6-10, Kansas -- In a deal negotiated before the draft, the Hornets dealt Arthur, the No. 27 pick of the June draft, to Portland for cash considerations. They had previously traded away their second-round pick.
PLAYER NOTES: --The most competitive position in training camp appears to be the one between Mike James and Devin Brown to be the primary backup to All-Star point guard Chris Paul. Paul's backup last season, Jannero Pargo, opted out of his contract and signed with a team in Russia. James played sparingly after being acquired from Houston in a February trade and Brown rejoined the Hornets as a free agent after spending one season with the Cavaliers.
--F Julian Wright, last year's No. 1 draft pick, has been working out on his own in New Orleans to prepare himself for a potentially larger role this season. Wright, an athletic swingman, averaged 3.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 57 games last season. Scott said he'd like to see Wright earn a more prominent role.
--Reserve F Ryan Bowen's work ethic and hustle in limited minutes earned him a new contract with New Orleans after he became a free agent.
