http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/156107.html
Kings notes: Hornets play it safe with Stojakovic
By Scott Howard-Cooper - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:03 am PDT Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The planned return of Peja Stojakovic to New Orleans' lineup ended like the rest of the Hornets' hopes for the season, with the disappointment of continued injury and ultimately the realization that efforts are better focused on readying for 2007-08.
Monday night at Arco Arena should have been part of the comeback, against some of his former teammates and boosted by a supportive road crowd. Stojakovic, who underwent back surgery Dec. 17, was days away from being activated in late March, only to have that pushed back, then pushed back some more, then scuttled.
"We finally just shut him down," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "We said, Hey, let's start getting him ready for next season."
Stojakovic played only 13 games this season after signing a free-agent deal reportedly worth $64 million over five years. His last appearance was Nov. 18.
About nine months after being traded from the Kings to Indiana for Ron Artest, Stojakovic was projected to be a centerpiece of the renovated roster that would challenge for a playoff spot. Instead, he became a symbol of the Hornets' health issues that ruined the promise.
Making it back at least for the final three or four weeks might have been a boost for the postseason chase, which lasted longer than most would have thought, given the numerous injuries. It also would have been a chance to test the back. But the Hornets eventually decided there was no point in risking the return of a serious problem just to get in a few games, though they also said Stojakovic was close enough that he would have been used in the playoffs had the team qualified.
"I don't consider it a disappointment," Scott said of Stojakovic not making it back. "I know Peja. I know what he can do."
Price reduction -- Kings guard Ronnie Price missed his second consecutive game, and possibly an important chance to play major minutes, because of the hip pointer suffered in a hard fall in the closing seconds Friday against the Warriors.
Forward Corliss Williamson (sore heel) also did not play.
About the writer: The Bee's Scott Howard-Cooper can be reached at showard- cooper@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Hornets play it safe with Stojakovic
By Scott Howard-Cooper - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:03 am PDT Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The planned return of Peja Stojakovic to New Orleans' lineup ended like the rest of the Hornets' hopes for the season, with the disappointment of continued injury and ultimately the realization that efforts are better focused on readying for 2007-08.
Monday night at Arco Arena should have been part of the comeback, against some of his former teammates and boosted by a supportive road crowd. Stojakovic, who underwent back surgery Dec. 17, was days away from being activated in late March, only to have that pushed back, then pushed back some more, then scuttled.
"We finally just shut him down," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "We said, Hey, let's start getting him ready for next season."
Stojakovic played only 13 games this season after signing a free-agent deal reportedly worth $64 million over five years. His last appearance was Nov. 18.
About nine months after being traded from the Kings to Indiana for Ron Artest, Stojakovic was projected to be a centerpiece of the renovated roster that would challenge for a playoff spot. Instead, he became a symbol of the Hornets' health issues that ruined the promise.
Making it back at least for the final three or four weeks might have been a boost for the postseason chase, which lasted longer than most would have thought, given the numerous injuries. It also would have been a chance to test the back. But the Hornets eventually decided there was no point in risking the return of a serious problem just to get in a few games, though they also said Stojakovic was close enough that he would have been used in the playoffs had the team qualified.
"I don't consider it a disappointment," Scott said of Stojakovic not making it back. "I know Peja. I know what he can do."
Price reduction -- Kings guard Ronnie Price missed his second consecutive game, and possibly an important chance to play major minutes, because of the hip pointer suffered in a hard fall in the closing seconds Friday against the Warriors.
Forward Corliss Williamson (sore heel) also did not play.
About the writer: The Bee's Scott Howard-Cooper can be reached at showard- cooper@sacbee.com.
