For now it appears as though Morris Peterson will be the starting shooting guard by default. The Hornets traded Rasual Butler to the Clippers recently in a move that didn’t make any sense opening up a hole in the starting lineup. The 32-year old Peterson played in 43 games for the Hornets last season and he averaged 12.0 minutes, 4.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. His best asset is his long range shooting as he nailed 38.8% from that distance last season. 30-year old Devin Brown is back for the Hornets and he will provide some offense off the bench. He played in 63 games for the Hornets last season and he averaged 13.8 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. 22-year old rookie Marcus Thornton was the 13th pick in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft and he could get some P.T. here. Peja Stojakovic and James Posey will also likely get some playing time here for the Hornets.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SHOOTING GUARDS IN 2009-2010: D+