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Hornets Wanted Armstrong Or Simmons, Drafted Both
With the 12 and 15 picks, the Hornets needed size and settled on Connecticut's Hilton Armstrong with the 12th pick, only to see the other player that they coveted, Cedric Simmons, drop to them at the 15th pick. "We're about as happy as we could be right now," said Jeff Bower in his first draft as Hornets general manager. "We had them ranked back-to-back, and the scrutiny that went into placing one in front of the other was the most we had to put into a prospect decision in a long, long time. We really had a long process trying to put one of the two first. That's how even we felt they really were, and how comfortable we were with both of them." Via New Orleans Times-Picayune Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Hornets Reward Scott With 3-year Extension
Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but in 2004, Scott signed a three-year, $10 million contract with the Hornets, with a team option for a fourth year. Scott said earlier this week that the new deal included bonuses for wins, reaching the playoffs and other milestones. "It wasn't anything that I was worried about," Scott said about the delay in signing the extension. "I knew it was just a matter of time. We had other pressing issues that we had to deal with and we still have to deal with, but I'm very excited and very happy about this being done at this particular time." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Scott's Business Manager Confirms Extension Agreement
Under the terms of the new deal, three years of his contract will be guaranteed with the team having an option to renew for a fourth year. "Like I said before, it wasn't something I was really worried about," Scott said. "But I'm glad that it's done. I know how hard I'm going to work to make this team better than we were last year, and just each year make a gradual step in the right direction. We've got stability with having the same coaching staff." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Hornets Jun 2006 Archive
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The debate roared behind the scenes, Armstrong or Simmons, Simmons or Armstrong, but inevitably, the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets landed both players in this year's NBA Draft.
Hornets coach Byron Scott signed a three-year contract extension Tuesday that will keep him with the team through the 2008-09 season, the Associated Press is reporting.