The Hornets moved swiftly to sign contract extensions with two award-winning contributors to their record-setting season last season. On July 16, they finally added a new piece to the puzzle.

The Hornets signed NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott to a three-year extension shortly after the season ended. They signed All-Star point guard Chris Paul to a four-year contract extension on the first day that players were eligible to sign new deals.

Those moves were followed in mid-July by the arrival of forward James Posey, fresh off winning his second NBA championship ring with the Celtics. He also was part of Miami's title team in 2006.

A key reserve for Boston, Posey averaged 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds, and he was a critical part of the Celtics' vaunted defense.

Until Posey's arrival, the Hornets were relatively quiet in the early stages of free agency. They didn't immediately re-sign Jannero Pargo, their top priority to bring back, or bring in anyone new at the outset of the signing period. But, general manager Jeff Bower and coach Byron Scott said, that doesn't mean they're behind schedule or won't get who they're looking for.

"Sometimes people get a little antsy," Scott said. "Our top guys are still on the market. Right now players are getting a feel for what's out there for them and then they'll come back to us."

Scott said he was confident that the Hornets would be able to retain Pargo, who opted out of the second year of a two-year deal he signed last summer but expressed an interest in saying.

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