The Hornets might have up to 5 free agents this summer. Peja Stojakovic and Darius Songaila both have early termination options on their contracts. Stojakovic isn’t going anywhere but Songailia might leave as he might be able to get more minutes and money from another team. Ike Diogu and Sean Marks might also be leaving town this summer. Aaron Gray is a restricted free agent but the Hornets like him so they will likely match any reasonable offer for him.

A year ago I would say the Hornets would be nuts to trade Chris Paul. But after Darren Collison played out his butt as a rookie you have to wonder if the Hornets might float his name out there in trade talks to see what they could get for him. Paul played in 45 games (all starts) last season for the Hornets and he averaged 38.0 minutes, 18.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game. He is only 25 years old and he is one of the best players in the NBA. He has now played in 345 games (all starts) in his five years with the Hornets in which he has averaged 37.3 minutes, 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Personally I wouldn’t even entertain offers for Paul but you have to think the Hornets might be thinking differently after missing the playoffs last season.

The Hornets have to be ecstatic with the play of their rookies this year. 22-year old point guard Darren Collison was outstanding for the Hornets last season. He played in 76 games (37 starts) for the Hornets this year and he averaged 27.8 minutes, 12.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He shot 40% from three point range this season which is also outstanding. Collison’s emergence could make the Hornets comfortable in trading Chris Paul which is crazy when you think about it. 22-year old shooting guard Marcus Thornton was also outstanding this year for the Hornets. Thornton played in 73 games (17 starts) for the Hornets this season and he averaged 25.6 minutes, 14.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. No team did better in the NBA Draft last season overall than the Hornets did, period.

The Hornets shot 63.8% from the floor last night as they simply outshot the Rockets and that was the biggest reason for the win. David West led the way for the Hornets last night with 35 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Darren Collison had another outstanding game last night with 26 points, 2 rebounds and 11 assists. Marcus Thornton pitched in with 20 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists and 2 steals. The Hornets finish up the season with a 37-45 record.

The Timberwolves didn’t show up tonight and the Hornets stung them hard and often. The Hornets outshot the T-Wolves 52.4% to 39.4% tonight and they also outrebounded them 49-30 which helps explain the final score. Emeka Okafor led the way for the Hornets tonight with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Marcus Thornton also had a good offensive night finishing with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Darren Collison did a great job of running the offense with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists and 3 steals tonight. Julian Wright probably had his best game of the season tonight for the Hornets finishing with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist in only 24 minutes on the court. The Hornets are now 36-45 on the season.