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Byline: Stephen F. Holder
MIAMI _ Hornets forward P.J. Brown is a quiet leader who speaks in soft tones, choosing his words carefully. And if you think he's reticent under normal circumstances, just ask him to disclose his real first name, which he treats like a state secret.
"All these years, and I still don't know his first name," New Orleans veteran guard Steve Smith said.
Well, the secret is out. The name is Collier Brown, Jr., according to a reliable source, which begs the question: What was the big secret?
It seems Brown's actual identity is pretty much the only thing about him that has been questioned during his 11-year NBA career. Certainly, there are no doubts about his commitment, energy or desire.
"He does the stuff you appreciate as a teammate and as a coach," Smith said. "Today, the young kids who look at TV might see this or that from other guys. But people who know the game, they'll sit down and tell their kids, `Watch this guy on and off the court.' A guy like him you can really follow.
"P.J. came into this game quietly, he's going to leave quietly, but the mark that he'll leave on this game is going to be tremendous."