New Orleans Hornets Officially Ink Former Rap Mo Pete

Morris Peterson was a Raptors draft pick, and for seven seasons he patrolled  NBA floors in purple, white and red and did a pretty good job of it, at one point even holding the record for the longest active games played. But that’s all over, and so is Mo Pete’s tenure with the Raptors, as the swingman officially became a New Orleans Hornet Monday, signing the contract it was long expected he would.

“I’m excited about getting a fresh start in New Orleans,” Peterson said. “It’s an opportunity to make history and be a part of a franchise on the rise. They faced a lot of adversity the last two years, and didn’t complain. “Coach (Byron) Scott is a guy who knows the game and has had success as a player and coach. He understands guys and has won championships on this level.”

Peterson flirted with the Hornets once before, when the club offered him a three-year contract as a restricted free agent in 2004. It was rumoured to be a done deal, but then-Raps GM Rob Babcock matched the deal, keeping him in Toronto.

But this time it was Mo Pete’s call, and with the Raptors interest waning and new players in the fold, Peterson was ready to make the move and New Orleans hadn’t forgotten about the defensive-minded Michigan State product.

Peterson said the Hornets were the first team to call him when the free agency period began July 1. He travelled to Salt Lake City to meet with the Jazz two weeks ago and said Cleveland, New Jersey, Detroit, and Miami also made contact.

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

Photo courtesy Getty Images