'Rifleman' Signed By Charlotte

Chuck Person, waived by the Chicago Bulls after they acquired him in a trade just four days earlier, signed Tuesday with the Charlotte Hornets.

Person, a 12-year veteran and a first-round draft pick from Auburn in 1986, has a career average of 15.7 points, and is a career 37-percent shooter from 3-point range. He spent the last four seasons with San Antonio.

"Chuck is a true professional with experience that this team can use," said vice president Bob Bass. "He is a proven scorer and a threat from 3-point range."

The team did not specify the length or amount of the contract. Person said earlier in the day he would sign a one-year contract.

Person will help fill the gap left by Glen Rice's elbow injury. Rice, the Hornets' starting small forward, had surgery on his right elbow last week and could miss the next six to eight weeks.

Rice averaged 22.3 points last season. The Hornets' other alternatives at small forward are journeymen Chucky Brown and Travis Williams.

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