Baseball Guru
09-01-2006, 05:10 PM
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9541451
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
The Hornets are hoping whatever has foiled Peja Stojakovic over the past few seasons is gone.
Tired body? Exorcism. Reduced role? Exorcism. Lost confidence? Exorcism.
It comes in the form of an agreed-upon five-year, $64 million deal that wipes the slate clean and puts pressure on him at the same time. Stojakovic has become known for folding in clutch situations and is considered one-dimensional, with that one dimension -- perimeter prowess -- slowly and steadily slipping.
Stojakovic also was once considered one of the world's best shooters.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City took a gamble, contingent on him passing a physical. He missed a few playoff games with a bum knee, and if that condition persists, he won't earn his last big payday when contracts can be signed July 12. But don't expect that to be an issue, with Stojakovic providing a force the Hornets haven't had since they moved from Charlotte to New Orleans and then Oklahoma City.
With apologies to Rasual Butler, this is the wing the Hornets want anchoring things. If they get their money's worth, they hit the jackpot, If he doesn't live up to expectations, there's significant trouble ahead.
Here are the rest of the best available free-agent small forwards:
1. Al Harrington, Atlanta: The experienced Harrington is ready for someone to wow him with a lot of money to secure his services. The Hawks, given their glut at forward, are not an option.
"As of right now it's pretty clear to me that I won't be back in a Hawks uniform next year," Harrington told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "It's pretty much a wrap for me there."
Where his story continues is anyone's guess. but at this point, there's no one better on the market. The team that gets him will be extremely fortunate.
2. DerMarr Johnson, Denver: His best days are ahead of him, and someone needs to recognize that. If I'm a GM, I throw this guy a little extra to make sure he's happy and on my side and then sit back and watch him prove himself to be a bargain. At some point, sooner than later, he'll be special.
3. Matt Harpring, Utah: Word out of Jazz camp is that they're keeping him, which shows loyalty on both ends. Harpring isn't spectacular at any one thing but will fight for every inch and is the type of player championship contenders covet. Apparently, no one bit. Their loss.
4. Jared Jeffries, Washington His condor-like wingspan and ability to run the floor make him a perfect fit for the new NBA, but with more qualified guys in front of him in D.C., it's unlikely he'll get many chances to showcase his talents there. It's time for him to make a bold move and bolt for a better opportunity.
5. Qyntel Woods, New York: He has an opportunity to be a nice player, but does he fit in with the Knicks? Considering they inexplicably took South Carolina's Renaldo Balkman in the first round of this year's draft, look for Woods' stock to rise elsewhere.
6. Rasual Butler, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: He responded well as a starter, but with Stojakovic on board, he'll see reduced minutes if he re-signs. As long as he continues to carve out a reputation as bona fide sniper, his career will be long one.
7. John Salmons, Philadelphia: He's versatile enough to play three positions, including the point for stretches. Philly granted him a qualifying offer, meaning it's likely he'll stay put.
8. Jumaine Jones, Charlotte: If there is one thing he can do, it's score. He was The Man in college and has maintained that mentality in the pros despite bouncing around. Jones has to work on the other parts of his game to ensure a lengthy career.
9. Adrian Griffin, Dallas: The gritty wing became a favorite of coach Avery Johnson thanks to his hustle and defense. Because the price for him is low, don't expect Griffin to go anywhere. He's after a championship, and he'll be a vital part of the Mavs run.
10. Devean George, L.A. Lakers: It will be interesting to see whether he ends up back in L.A., but it's obvious Phil Jackson didn't trust him. A playoff-tested contributor, George might opt for a destination where he can add to his ring collection.
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
The Hornets are hoping whatever has foiled Peja Stojakovic over the past few seasons is gone.
Tired body? Exorcism. Reduced role? Exorcism. Lost confidence? Exorcism.
It comes in the form of an agreed-upon five-year, $64 million deal that wipes the slate clean and puts pressure on him at the same time. Stojakovic has become known for folding in clutch situations and is considered one-dimensional, with that one dimension -- perimeter prowess -- slowly and steadily slipping.
Stojakovic also was once considered one of the world's best shooters.
New Orleans/Oklahoma City took a gamble, contingent on him passing a physical. He missed a few playoff games with a bum knee, and if that condition persists, he won't earn his last big payday when contracts can be signed July 12. But don't expect that to be an issue, with Stojakovic providing a force the Hornets haven't had since they moved from Charlotte to New Orleans and then Oklahoma City.
With apologies to Rasual Butler, this is the wing the Hornets want anchoring things. If they get their money's worth, they hit the jackpot, If he doesn't live up to expectations, there's significant trouble ahead.
Here are the rest of the best available free-agent small forwards:
1. Al Harrington, Atlanta: The experienced Harrington is ready for someone to wow him with a lot of money to secure his services. The Hawks, given their glut at forward, are not an option.
"As of right now it's pretty clear to me that I won't be back in a Hawks uniform next year," Harrington told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "It's pretty much a wrap for me there."
Where his story continues is anyone's guess. but at this point, there's no one better on the market. The team that gets him will be extremely fortunate.
2. DerMarr Johnson, Denver: His best days are ahead of him, and someone needs to recognize that. If I'm a GM, I throw this guy a little extra to make sure he's happy and on my side and then sit back and watch him prove himself to be a bargain. At some point, sooner than later, he'll be special.
3. Matt Harpring, Utah: Word out of Jazz camp is that they're keeping him, which shows loyalty on both ends. Harpring isn't spectacular at any one thing but will fight for every inch and is the type of player championship contenders covet. Apparently, no one bit. Their loss.
4. Jared Jeffries, Washington His condor-like wingspan and ability to run the floor make him a perfect fit for the new NBA, but with more qualified guys in front of him in D.C., it's unlikely he'll get many chances to showcase his talents there. It's time for him to make a bold move and bolt for a better opportunity.
5. Qyntel Woods, New York: He has an opportunity to be a nice player, but does he fit in with the Knicks? Considering they inexplicably took South Carolina's Renaldo Balkman in the first round of this year's draft, look for Woods' stock to rise elsewhere.
6. Rasual Butler, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: He responded well as a starter, but with Stojakovic on board, he'll see reduced minutes if he re-signs. As long as he continues to carve out a reputation as bona fide sniper, his career will be long one.
7. John Salmons, Philadelphia: He's versatile enough to play three positions, including the point for stretches. Philly granted him a qualifying offer, meaning it's likely he'll stay put.
8. Jumaine Jones, Charlotte: If there is one thing he can do, it's score. He was The Man in college and has maintained that mentality in the pros despite bouncing around. Jones has to work on the other parts of his game to ensure a lengthy career.
9. Adrian Griffin, Dallas: The gritty wing became a favorite of coach Avery Johnson thanks to his hustle and defense. Because the price for him is low, don't expect Griffin to go anywhere. He's after a championship, and he'll be a vital part of the Mavs run.
10. Devean George, L.A. Lakers: It will be interesting to see whether he ends up back in L.A., but it's obvious Phil Jackson didn't trust him. A playoff-tested contributor, George might opt for a destination where he can add to his ring collection.