Hornets expect chemistry test in opener

Before boarding a charter flight to San Antonio for tonight's regular-season opener, Coach Byron Scott hurriedly put his starters through a walk-through of the Hornets' offensive sets.

Several times, Scott stood beside center Emeka Okafor and pointed where he should be positioned on the high post before receiving an entry pass.

Because of injuries and trying to get six new players acclimated to the team's system, the Hornets have been on a tightrope to build chemistry before the start of the regular season.

Okafor (toe) and backup power forward Ike Diogu (knee) missed the entire eight-game preseason schedule. Starting point guard Chris Paul (upper respiratory virus), backup center Hilton Armstrong (left quad), starting power forward David West (ankle) and Julian Wright (sick) all missed at least one preseason game and some valuable practice time.

Regardless, Scott was in a much better mood Tuesday after seeing Okafor go through the entire practice, which included a scrimmage, without experiencing difficulty with his toe.

With a tough schedule that includes games against the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Portland in the opening two weeks of the season, it is vital for the Hornets to have Okafor, who is expected to start tonight.

"The last two days having Emeka back has been great," Paul said. "I'm excited about his energy. He's brought a lot of toughness these last two days. I can tell that he's ready to go. We're trying to make him as comfortable as possible. He knows how to play basketball."

But Scott said some of the newcomers easily grasped his system, and others have struggled. As a result, he said he may cut his rotation until everybody is up to speed.

Starting with the Spurs, New Orleans is hoping to spread the floor, push the tempo and involve Okafor enough to be a dominate inside presence to draw the attention of the defense.

Although Morris Peterson will start at shooting guard, Scott said he plans to use a rotation that will include Bobby Brown or rookie Darren Collison in the backcourt with Paul during certain stretches. Scott did not say after Tuesday's practice who will be on his 12-man active roster, and what three players will be placed on the inactive list. But it could include rookies Marcus Thornton and Collison, whom Scott said are still learning his system.

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