As Chris Paul sat down for another interview and David West posed for a few more snapshots, Hornets coach Byron Scott reminded his two young stars they would be fined if late for the team's flight to New Orleans.
After two hours of questions and answers, flashbulbs and fanfare in Oklahoma City, the team returned to its original hometown, where they'll spend their first week of training camp.
The Hornets again will split time between the two cities _ playing 35 home games in Oklahoma City and six in New Orleans.
``It's good to have one home but having two is even better _ more fans, more opportunities, more support,'' forward Desmond Mason said. ``I think being able to go back to New Orleans and play there and continue to build the spirits and morale of the city and also let them know that we're there for them, it's going to be wonderful. And then Oklahoma City, last year I think spoke for itself.''
Eighteen of the team's 36 games in Oklahoma City sold out last season as the city got a taste of major league sports.
This time the Hornets will have the comfort of knowing what to expect.
``I think it makes it easier, because now we have a pretty good feel on how it's going to be. Everything was new to us last year,'' said Scott, who reassured Paul and West he was only kidding about the fines. ``It's just like being married in your first year. You're still trying to get to know each other, but the second year at least you know each other a little bit better.''
The Hornets will start their season with two road games before home openers in New Orleans on Nov. 5 and Oklahoma City on Nov. 7.
Most of the Hornets' players have been training together for weeks in Oklahoma City. Last year such preparations weren't possible, after hurricane Katrina smashed into New Orleans.
The Hornets are spending their first week of training camp in New Orleans to get reacquainted with the city and each other.
The team features plenty of new faces. Peja Stojakovic, Bobby Jackson and Jannero Pargo came in as free agents, and Tyson Chandler was acquired in an off-season trade with Chicago. Rookies Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons, both first-round picks, also are expected to play in the team's rotation.
``We're still trying to get to a San Antonio and Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat type of level,'' Scott said. ``Hopefully this starting team will be here for a while, and we'll just keep adding pieces to it to make us a better team.''
The NBA has said the Hornets will return to New Orleans next season, and the team has been working to gauge corporate support and interest in season tickets as the city rebuilds.
``It's gradually coming. I still feel very positive that everything is going to be fine,'' owner George Shinn said. ``It just takes time.''
