For much of the past offseason, many around the Charlotte Hornets wondered if Lee Nailon would return to the team.

Top basketball official, vice president Bob Bass, made Nailon the lowest contract offer the team could make and still retain Nailon?s rights.

And Nailon and his agent, Larry Fox, were perplexed at what they perceived mixed messages.

Why, they reasoned, would the Hornets restrict Nailon?s free agent options and only guarantee $48,573 of a $615,850 contract?

But after Nailon discussed the matter with Charlotte coach Paul Silas, he was confident that the contract ? and his own improvement ? would take care of itself.