"The New Orleans Hornets are in pursuit of a possible backup center, Gustavo Ayon, a Mexican player currently under contract with a rather large buyout, sources said Sunday night.

Ayon, 6 feet 10, 245 pounds, has been a member of the Mexican national basketball team since 2007. A member of the Hornets' staff, sources said, scouted the 26-year-old several times prior to the start of the 149-day lockout."