10-09-2007, 12:32 AM
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#23 (permalink)
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Join Date: Nov 2005
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Re: '07 Training camp/Pre-season thread...
Richardson takes notes
Summer standout faces uncertain future with Hornets
There are no guarantees that Anthony Richardson will remain on the Hornets' roster after the first cuts are made in the next week or so.
Richardson doesn't know if will play tonight at Oklahoma City in the team's preseason opener against the Houston Rockets.
What Richardson does know is that he is near the bottom of the depth chart at the small forward and power forward spots, behind first-round draft pick Julian Wright, small forward Rasual Butler and power forward Melvin Ely.
Richardson, 6 feet 9, who played at Florida State, was the only player on the Hornets' summer league team to earn an invitation to training camp.
But whether he gets waived or remains on the bench through the preseason, Richardson said he has taken advantage of every practice since last week.
"It's a blessing, a chance to get some experience and be around some NBA players and see what I can do," Richardson said. "If I don't make it this year, I can come back some other time to make it possibly with some other team or come back next year with the Hornets.
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Stojakovic makes return to the lineup
Hornets begin preseason play in OKC before returning to N.O.
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Everyone's a chiropractor.
For months, Hornets faithful have offered opinions on the medical fate of Peja Stojakovic's injured back, ranging from "he's fine" to "he's done." Doctors granted Stojakovic permission to participate in training camp and tonight, 319 days after his last game, the small forward will suit up and play.
The Hornets play their first preseason game tonight, hosting the Houston Rockets in Oklahoma City. Yes, the Hornets are back in New Orleans, but the team scheduled one preseason game at Ford Center to thank the Sooner State fans for their support.
Stojakovic, who missed 69 games in his first season with the Hornets, has played encouragingly during training camp, fighting through screens, hustling on defense and making long-range jump shots, his forté.
"The game will be a good test," said Stojakovic, a three-time All-Star. "I just want to get comfortable with the game and gain some confidence for the next one."
Stojakovic, 30, is back at small forward where he thrived during his years with the Sacramento Kings. Last season, he started at shooting guard and averaged 17.8 points per game, at times playing brilliantly alongside point guard Chris Paul. However, the Hornets lost small forward Desmond Mason to free agency and signed shooting guard Morris Peterson, so Stojakovic is back at the three, where he will continue to shoot the 3.
"When Peja is out there playing," Paul said, "it gives our team a little bit more energy and a lot more confidence."
Hornets Coach Byron Scott will start his regular five tonight but will play four of those five just 15-20 minutes. Peterson likely will play more minutes, giving him game situations to feel his way through the offense.
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