Hornets welcome regular refs' return

Hornets Coach Byron Scott was brief but said he was happy about the NBA and its referees union agreeing Tuesday on a new contract that likely will have them working next week when the regular season begins.

Several coaches have been fined during the preseason for criticizing the replacement referees, who have worked the entire preseason schedule. Until this month, the NBA had not used replacement officials since 1995.

"They've been out of work, and nobody wants to be locked out," Hornets forward Sean Marks said. "You want to be out there doing your job and getting paid for it, and I'm glad to see them coming back."

Forward Ike Diogu said the referees' return won't make a difference, because he said they are all the same, and that he does not expect to get any calls.

"I really don't let that stuff bother me," said Diogu, who could return from a knee injury and play in his first preseason game, one that will involve replacement officials tonight at Golden State. "People have been complaining about referees, but they do the best they can do."

INJURED: Starters David West and Julian Wright left Wednesday's practice with injuries, but Scott said he will not have information on their status until today. Scott said West's injury is to his shin or ankle, and Wright injured his right knee after trying to block a shot during a scrimmage.

Wright had his knee wrapped, and West limped noticeably on his way to the locker room just before practiced ended.

"I'm not sure if it's his ankle or shin; that's a question for (trainer) Terry Kofler," Scott said. "It is Julian Wright's right knee, a little sore, but we'll know more about it (today)."

WAIVED: Making a push to get their roster to the league maximum of 15 for the regular season, the Hornets waived forward Larry Owens and center Earl Barron, both free agents, on Wednesday....