Pargo brothers upstage Thornton at Hornets workout

Written by Ken Trahan, President--NewOrleans.Com/Sports | Monday, 08 June 2009 15:17 | Hornets News

Jeremy's older brother, Jannero, tagged along to watch his brother's workout. He could not keep himself off of the familiar practice floor of the Alario Center. Jannero found himself on the floor shooting hoops with Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott. Incidentally, the coach can still shoot. He beat Pargo in a contest of three-point shots from the right corner.

Scott could not hide his desire to re-acquire the elder Pargo. When asked if Jannero brings a set of skills missing to the 2008-2009 Hornets, Scott said "yes." For his part, Pargo looked at home, kibitzing with everyone surrounding the Hornets, including a pair of New Orleanians who played in the NBA, Randy Livingston (Newman) and Robert Pack (Lawless), both of whom played briefly for the New Orleans Hornets.

Pargo was sent packing a year ago after seeking $4 million per year. The Hornets were willing to pay him $3 million, maybe more, but would not agree to the $4 million dollar figure, sending him to Moscow before he left there to play for Olympiakos (Greece). New Orleans struggled to find quality play from Mike James, Antonio Daniels and Devin Brown behind Chris Paul this past season.

For his part, Paul wants Pargo back. He has made that very clear. Scott wants Pargo back. Pargo's agent, Mark Bartelstein, admits mutual interest. Despite the familiarity and homecoming of sorts, Pargo reluctantly rejected an interview request, saying that Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower told him not to talk to reporters.

Barring a financial snafu, it is obvious that Jannero Pargo is set to re-join the Hornets by July 11 (or soon after) for the 2009-2010 season. He fits extremely well in New Orleans. While he could play elsewhere, he knows the territory and would be very comfortable with his coach, teammates and minutes in New Orleans. He knows the way to the Alario Center without a GPS device.

Meanwhile, the workout today featured LSU's Marcus Thornton, Jeremy Pargo, guard Darren Collison of UCLA, guard Jack McClinton of Miami, guard Eric Maynor of VCU and guard Jermaine Taylor of Central Florida.

The 6'4, 205 pound Thornton was the most impressive player at the workout. The 2009 SEC Player of the Year showed shooting skills, the ability to drive to the hoop and finish and athletic ability. Scott was impressed with Thornton: "He had a very good workout. He is strong. He can shoot. He can score. He showed very good skills. He is a true two-guard. He looks to score." On the other hand, Scott admitted some consternation about Thornton's height at the two-guard slot (6'4).

"I think that would be one of the concerns. The other concern is the things we've heard about him as far as his work ethic, but other than that, once he gets on the floor, he's a competitor. I'm just going from what I've heard about his work ethic. One of the knocks on him is that he doesn't bring it every day in practice. He kind of just nonchalantly goes through some things. When the game is on, he seems to kind of relish that. That's something that he has to do a better job of working to be ready to go every day at this level," said Scott.

Thornton felt good about the workout and said he would love to become a Hornet: "I think it went good for the most part. I shot it well and played good defense. We'll just have to wait it out and see."

Thornton feels he understand what aspects of his game he must improve to become an NBA player.

"Basically, just getting in the lane and floating it over the big guys, just getting my shot off and working on my mid-range game. In the NBA, they take a lot of charges. Man, I would love to play in New Orleans. Every time I go home, my family tells me they hope the Hornets draft me. If it's God's way, I will be here," said Thornton, a native of Baton Rouge from Tara High School.

Jeremy Pargo, a muscular 6'2, 220 pound guard, showed very good strength and finishing ability for his size. He is a physical on-the-ball defender but may be a "tweener," between a point and a shooting guard. He would be a nice get as a free agent, should he last beyond the draft (which may not happen).

Darren Collison (6'0, 160) of UCLA displayed great foot speed and was in tremendous shape. He has quickness but plays a position (point guard) that the Hornets would appear settled at if they sign Jannero Pargo. Scott was impressed by Collison: "I thought he played real well." Bower agreed, saying all played well but praised Thornton and Collison.

Jack McClinton (6'1, 185) of Miami has good shooting range. He set an ACC record, shooting 44% from three-point range at Miami and shot well today. Again, he plays a position at which the Hornets appear not to have a need.

Eric Maynor of VCU (6'3, 175) is a player who can get his own shot and was the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year twice at VCU. He can shoot and pass the basketball.

Jermaine Taylor (6'4, 215) of Central Florida has an NBA-ready body and the ability to shoot from deep. Today, he was gassed, starting very quickly in the scrimmage we were allowed to watch and video but staggering home.

Thornton says he will not work out for the Hornets a second time, as had been scheduled. He heads for Detroit next. The Hornets will hold another workout Tuesday for prospective players.

More Video: Monday's workout, Part 1 ◊ Monday's workout, Part 2

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