Despite the loss of Phills, and a 7-game losing streak between December and January, the Hornets were competitive and finished the first half of the season strong with a respectable 27–20 record, as Eddie Jones was selected for the 2000 NBA All-Star Game. At midseason, the team acquired Dale Ellis from the Milwaukee Bucks, and re-signed free agent Chucky Brown after a brief stint with the San Antonio Spurs. The Hornets won their final seven games finishing second in the Central Division with a 49–33 record, and qualified for their fifth playoff appearance. Jones averaged 20.1 points and 2.7 steals per game, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, while Derrick Coleman averaged 16.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, and Wesley provided the team with 13.6 points and 5.6 assists per game.