The news thrilled the 26-year-old Wesley, who was excited by the money (he made $350,000 last season with the Celtics) and by the opportunity to play for a contender (Boston was 82-163 in his three years there). He did worry, however, about how he would be received by fans in Charlotte, where 5'3" Muggsy Bogues, one of the original Hornets and the most popular player in franchise history, had two years remaining on his contract. Even though the response to Wesley at Charlotte Coliseum during the preseason was overwhelmingly positive, he has nevertheless been careful to avoid saying or doing anything that might offend Bogues or his backers.

At 32 Bogues is trying to hang on despite a left knee that has no cartilage remaining. "We've got to see if the knee is going to hold up," says Bass. "He missed 17 games last year, and there were a lot of other games where he'd play eight or 10 or 12 minutes and not be able to go back." The Hornets would like Bogues to retire and gracefully move into the front office, opening the way for Wesley and for second-year sub Tony Delk, who needs playing time at the point if he's to continue to make the transition from shooting guard. Whatever happens with Bogues, however, Wesley isn't going to let it bother him.

"People are making more of it than it really is," he says. "Muggsy wants to play; I want to play. I know the fans are going to go wild whenever Muggsy comes into the game. But they'll appreciate what I can do. It's just a changing of the guard."

Indeed, with the signing of Wesley and shooting guard Bobby Phills from Cleveland (seven years, $33 million), the Hornets have completed the rebuilding of their lineup that began with the acquisition of swingman Glen Rice from the Heat in November 1995. Trades for center Vlade Divac (from the Lakers) and power forward Anthony Mason (from the Knicks) followed. Now, says coach Dave Cowens, Charlotte has a starting five that "has no glaring weaknesses." Moreover, the bench is bigger and better than ever, thanks to 7-foot Matt Geiger and to 6'9" J.R. Reid, who's in his second stint with the Hornets after playing last year in France.

When Wesley thinks about the possibilities, he smiles. "This seems to be a good place to be," he says. "It's the first time I've had this many weapons to go to when I lead the charge. Coach Cowens keeps telling us, 'We're going to run, we're going to run,' and I like that, too."

Undrafted out of Baylor despite being the Southwest Conference MVP as a senior in 1992, Wesley came up the hard way. He spent a year with Wichita Falls of the CBA, then a season as Kenny Anderson's backup in New Jersey. He joined the Celtics in 1994 and blossomed, playing so well that Boston traded Sherman Douglas in 1995-96 and benched Dana Barros the year after. Last season Wesley averaged 16.8 points while ranking fifth in the league in steals (2.19), sixth in minutes (40.5) and 12th in assists (7.3). "In the last two years," says former Celtics assistant coach John Kuester, who is in the same capacity with the 76ers, "he's made as big a leap as a player can."

One reason that Bass liked the 6-foot, 198-pound Wesley is his strength. "Our trainer told me he's got a 48-inch chest, the biggest on the team," Bass says. Wesley is a better rebounder, tougher defender and more accurate shooter than Bogues. "He's more concerned with running the offense right now," says Bass, "but, as we go along, he's going to be an excellent scorer."

Despite the awkward situation with Bogues, Wesley is tickled to be the floor leader of what should be the best team in the franchise's 10-year history.

—William F. Reed