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: --Coach Byron Scott said he has a second reason for curtailing Chris Paul's minutes. He wants to take an extended look at Devin Brown and Mike James, who are competing to be Paul's primary backup.
--Backup center Hilton Armstrong is trying to become a regular member of the rotation as he enters his third season. Scott said Armstrong's biggest problem continues to be a lack of confidence.
--Reserve shooting guard Rasual Butler is trying to find minutes at a position that also features free-agent acquisition James Posey and second-year player Julian Wright. Butler, who wasn't used in 30 regular-season games or any of the 12 playoff games and averaged just 4.9 points per game, arrived in New Orleans early for voluntary workouts prior to the start of training camp. "When you have a down year, you really have to change some things up," Butler said. "I just came around early to show people that I was in good spirits and that I was working. I've put last season behind me, but it's something that I'm always going to remember, because it was one of the most empty feelings I have experienced in my life."
