VF,
While I agree this article is most likely slanted by the author to make a splash, after reading it, I wasn't that surprised. That is what I have a problem with here. Peja may not have said it, but if I read it in the Bee from him it really wouldn't surprise me. Coming into the season, I was more inclined to agree with Peja, or at least to be sympathetic to him. Webber came back and it appeared as though Peja suddenly lost his place in the offense. then Vlade departed in the offseason. So, when he requested a trade, I understood how he could be frustrated by what was occuring. I didn't necessarily agree with how he handled himself but I wasn't mad.
The way Peja has conducted himself this season though has been dissapointing to say the least. He used to be known as the guy who never stopped moving on offense and would wear down his defender and be all over the court. I remember the way he moved and he isn't moving like that this year. The guy is not putting his all into it, and that just simply is NOT professional. What makes this even more frustrating is that Chris Webber has suddenly apparently turned the corner and become a professional. Although he's still battling physical troubles the guy has been a leader and has simply brought 100% every time out. I always respected his talent but disliked Chris for his pinache for doing the unprofessional especially after his free agent year fiasco, and his pot shots at team mates after last season's playoffs.
Peja may not have said these things to a reporter, but he's said them loud and clear the way he has played this year. If he is going to pout through the year I'm all in favor of trading him. Cat suddenly makes him more expendable giving us a second deep threat to go with Mike, so if we can land another top flight SF ala Sean Marion ( probly no longer available ), Paul Pierce (not sure how the salaries would match up ), Carmello Anthony (maybe throw in Bobby and try to steal Nene too), Richard Jefferson, or maybe even throw Artest's name back into this mix ( we might be able to pry Bender away for free given Artests insanity).
Either way, I don't want a guy on the team who doesn't want to give his all for it, and Peja has not given it his all this year. Mitch was my favorote basketball player of all time and I firmly beleive one of the most underrated 2 guards of his era, BUT when he checked out on the team his final year I knew it was time to say good bye no matter how loyal and great he had been before. Peja is doing the same thing Mitch did his final year.