Longtime Raptor Morris Peterson Reportedly Signs With Hornets
Posted July 13, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
To longtime fans he’s the player most synonymous with Toronto Raptors basketball, and as we suggested Monday, Morris Peterson‘s days as a Dino are done.
After seven seasons toiling in Toronto, Peterson bid adieu to his NBA home Friday, agreeing with the New Orleans Hornets on a four-year contract. The contract hasn’t officially been announced by the club or Peterson’s camp, but is expected to be unveiled following a brief vacation for the Flint, Michigan native.
Peterson visited Salt Lake City earlier this week to meet with Utah Jazz officials while also weighing interest from Detroit, New Jersey, Cleveland, Miami and Toronto.
Still, with the acquisitions of Carlos Delfino and Jason Kapono, the writing was on Toronto walls for Mo Pete, who has career averages of 12 points along with nearly four rebounds, two assists and a steal despite limited production last season. Kapono was introduced by general manager Bryan Colangelo Thursday, holding a jersey with Peterson’s No. 24.
As for on the court, the swingman’s play may not be immediately missed in Toronto, but for fans his penchant for circus shots and clutch defence almost certainly will.
If and when Peterson, once the NBA’s active leader in consecutive games played, does don a Hornets uniform, it will be a longtime coming. As a restricted free agent in 2004, the Hornets signed Peterson to a $15-million, three-year offer sheet before Toronto retained him by matching the deal.
After helping Michigan State capture the 2000 NCAA national basketball championship, Peterson was drafted 21st overall by the Raptors.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Al Bello
