I was already to give the Hornets a glowing review here until they traded Rasual Butler to the Clippers for a 2nd round pick. That’s not to say that the Hornets have not brought in more talent than they have lost. After all, they did steal Emeka Okafor from the Bobcats for underachiever Tyson Chandler. Okafor should give the Hornets even more firepower on offense. Ike Diogu was brought in as a free agent and he should contribute off the bench this season for the Hornets. Rookies Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton should both help out the backcourt off the bench this season. SG Devin Brown and F/C Sean Marks have both re-signed with the Hornets and should have bench roles.

OFF-SEASON GRADE FOR THE FRONT OFFICE SO FAR: B