Rasual Butler was a key player last season for the Hornets after injuries struck them big-time. But, this season his shooting stroke has gone cold (37.6% from the floor) and he will likely lose playing time soon if he doesn’t straighten things out soon. In his first 18 games of the season Butler has averaged 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. The Hornets need Butler to find his stroke because he is the best long range shooter the Hornets have on the bench.

The Hornets need Marc Jackson to step his game up even a little more than he already has done in April.  He’s played in 4 games this month and he’s averaged 32.5 minutes, 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.  The Hornets also need him to bring up his defensive game a tad with Tyson Chandler out because he’s the only really tall player the Hornets are giving big minutes to.  The Hornets are only 1 game out of the playoffs right now and the play of Jackson could determine whether they make the playoffs or watch them on TV.

Desmond Mason hasn’t shot well the last 5 games (32.4%) and it’s hurting his game.  Over the last five games, Mason is averaging 38.0 minutes, 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.  Mason just needs to take better shots to improve his shooting % and help the team.

Jannero Pargo needs to shoot better if he’s really going to help the Hornets during their big time of need with all the injuries that have hit them.  Pargo is only shooting 38.1% from the floor and 33.9% on three-pointers, and those percentages need to improve.  He has played in 36 games and has averaged 10.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game this season.