Hornets Sign Morris Peterson

“Morris was our top free agent target this summer, so this is an exciting day for the team and our fans,” said General Manager Jeff Bower. “He is a reliable veteran scorer who can stretch the defense with his three-point range, which is exactly the role we were looking to fill.”

Peterson (6-7, 220) holds career averages of 12.0 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting .421 from the field, .782 from the free throw line and .371 from three-point range in 542 games. He has played his entire seven-year career with the Toronto Raptors and averaged 8.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 71 games.

“I’m looking forward to having Mo on our team this season,” said Head Coach Byron Scott. “In addition to what he brings to us on the court, he exemplifies the type of high-character individual that can help us build a positive team environment.”

Peterson’s best statistical season came in 2005-06 when he averaged 16.8 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting .436 from the field, .820 from the free throw line and .395 from three-point range in 82 games. He has averaged double figures in scoring in four of his seven NBA seasons and has played in at least 70 games in six of his seven seasons (competing in all 82 games four times).