Hornets coach Byron Scott doesn't need statistics to back his case, though the numbers are glaring: Hornets forward David West averages 16.9 points per game; the team's three centers average 16.2 combined.

"We're going to look for another big man -- period," Scott said. "We've got to bring someone else in here sooner or later."

Though P.J. Brown has been solid for the Hornets, and Chris Andersen has provided energy when healthy, the Hornets don't have the desired depth at the post position. Jackson Vroman is unpolished and seldom used.

And Maciej Lampe?

"Can we talk about something else?" Scott said when questioned about the inactive and oft-injured center. "I think he's got everyone around here disappointed. He comes back from one practice, gets hurt, and he's gone for a week or two. I'm not real high on him right now."

As the season creeps toward the Feb. 23 trade deadline Scott yearns for reinforcement. He made it clear Wednesday that he and the Hornets' brass will make efforts to strengthen their weakness. Scott said there are "eight or nine" players on his roster he is comfortable with, implying there are others at the end of the bench who could be used as trade bait.

"(General Manager) Jeff Bower will start getting tons of calls because everyone knows we're under the salary cap, and we have a lot of money for next summer," Scott said. "And, we're very young and have a roster spot to fill.

"We're in a great position to take on another player if we need. To me, we have a couple of needs. We need the big guy, but as Jeff and I talked about today, point guard is another position. I've talked about carrying three, and decided not to. But that might something we need to consider after the Atlanta loss (Jan. 7). With Chris (Paul) not playing, we really, really struggled."