Top pick Collison playing catch-up

Entering the final two preseason games, Hornets Coach Byron Scott said it is too early to say if first-round draft pick Darren Collison has earned a spot in the rotation for next week's regular-season opener at San Antonio.

Although Collison has made progress, he is battling Bobby Brown for the primary backup point guard spot behind Chris Paul. Based on performances in the previous six games, it appears Brown is ahead of Collison.

Brown has emerged as the Hornets' fourth-leading scorer in the preseason with a 12.0 average, and he has shot 42.9 percent (9-of-21) on 3-point attempts.

After scoring 12 points with six assists in his debut against Charlotte on Oct.8, Collison has scored nine points with five assists in the past four games. He has shot only 26.1 percent (6-of-23), including 1-of-5 from behind the 3-point arc.

"I still think it's too early to say if he's in the rotation, but I think he has played some great games when he's been out there," Scott said. "Bobby has done some great things for us, and we know what C.P. can do.

"To be honest, I really can't go wrong with the backups at the point guard, no matter who is in the rotation at that time. And who is not in the rotation is obviously going to get a chance somewhere down the line this season, and he's going to shine just like the guy backing up C.P."

The Hornets selected Collison with the 21st pick in the first round in June, hoping he can emerge as the top backup. However, Brown, entering his third NBA season, has been productive since training camp began last month in Lafayette.

Brown was obtained this summer in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves that included forward Darius Songaila in exchange for Antonio Daniels....