Considering what happened to him, last season was one to forget for the Charlotte Hornets' Derrick Coleman, writes The Herald's Gary McCann.

And you couldn't blame anyone who wanted to say Coleman's productive years in the NBA were over.

After being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, he missed all the preseason work. Once the season started, he played just 34 games, missing 41 either with injuries or because head coach Paul Silas couldn't stand what he was watching when Coleman was on the court.

With a fat contract and not trade in the works, the Hornets appeared stuck with Coleman for at least two more years.

But Coleman came into this season with a renewed attitude, a slimmed down body and high expectations.

If the way he played in Tuesday night's 99-88 preseason win over Boston in front of 10,410 at the Coliseum is an indication, Silas may have a decision to make about his starting lineup before the regular season begins Oct. 31.

When healthy, Coleman has never come off the bench and has said, "I don't see myself in that role."

With Jamal Mashburn (hamstring) and Elden Campbell (eye) sitting out with injuries, Coleman started and in 28 minutes, had 13 points, a game-high 15 rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot as the Hornets evened their preseason record at 2-2. When on the floor with David Wesley, Baron Davis, P.J. Brown and Lee Nailon, the offense was smooth and productive.