Marcus Thornton, G, 6-4, LSU (second round) -- Despite concerns about Thornton's size and athleticism as a defensive two-guard, the Hornets like Thornton's ability to score. He'll battle for playing time behind Rasual Butler and Morris Peterson.

FREE AGENT FOCUS: All of the Hornets' key players are under contract. Those who are free agents were role players who were part of a poor bench -- guard/forward Devin Brown, forward/center Sean Marks, forward Ryan Bowen, and forward/center Melvin Ely. Marks was the most improved reserve over the course of the season and was a rare dependable reserve down the stretch, which likely will earn him a new contract. Bowen could also return because the organization likes his work ethic and price tag, but he's not an impact player, having appeared in just 21 games. Brown was a disappointment and Ely was inactive for all the playoff games, and neither is likely to return.

PLAYER NEWS:

--C Tyson Chandler's future with the Hornets remains in limbo. He was traded to Oklahoma City in February and returned to New Orleans after failing the Thunder's physical because of a toe condition. He has since had surgery on the toe and an injured ankle and Cleveland talked to the Hornets about trading for him before pulling off the deal for Shaquille O'Neal. But Chandler remains a popular topic of discussion for teams looking for an athletic center, and the Hornets, who appear headed toward the luxury tax, are listening.

--F Peja Stojakovic is another Hornet that the team is willing to include in trade talks. Unloading his contract, which has two years remaining for $27.5 million, would solve a lot of problems for the Hornets.

--G Morris Peterson has a battle on his hands to be a contributor in the rotation next season. Peterson, who lost his starting job to Rasual Butler while injured last season, was little more than an afterthought late in the season. With the Hornets acquiring Marcus Thornton on draft night, Peterson faces even more competition.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Tyson Chandler (ankle surgery/toe surgery) is recovering from both procedures, which were done on his left foot. He's expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

--F James Posey (arthroscopic knee surgery) had cartilage removed from his right knee and is expected to be ready to play before training camp.

--F Peja Stojakovic (back) missed 17 games late in the season because of back spasms and is expected to fully recover without surgery.