No Mashburn for Hornets in playoffs

"It’s all about his health," said Hornets coach Tim Floyd. "He’s a great talent and we’d love to have him on the roster, but he just can’t go right now."

Mashburn, the club’s second-leading scorer behind Baron Davis, battled through a knee injury the entire season. He missed the first 44 games before coming back for the ensuing 19. After averaging 20.8 points in 18 starts and one reserve appearance, Mashburn went back on the injured list with more knee problems.

The Hornets, who finished the year at 41-41, will due battle with fourth- seeded Miami when their playoff series commences on Saturday.

Floyd had his hand forced with injuries to his top three guards, leaving him with virtually no choice but to leave Mashburn off the roster in favor of more guard depth. Maurice Carter got the nod because of nicks to Davis, Darrell Armstrong, and David Wesley.

"We had to make a decision, and based on the health of our three guards — Baron’s ankle, Darrell’s ankle, David Wesley’s toe — we made the decision to go with Mo (Carter)."

The 31-year-old Mashburn was the Hornets’ leading scorer during the 2002-03 campaign with a 21.6 points-per-game average. He played in all 82 games in the 2002-03 season, including 81 starts, and also averaged of 6.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Carter originally signed a 10-day contract with New Orleans on March 25 before getting picked up for the remainder of the season. He averaged 3.3 points in only six contests through the rest of the year from that point.