[TimesPicayune] Rumor of Davis trade gains steam
http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1096008932232350.xml
Rumor of Davis trade gains steam
N.O. officials reiterate guard won't be dealt
Friday, September 24, 2004
By John Reid
Staff writer
The NBA rumor mill is swirling with news reports out
of Toronto about a possible trade involving disgruntled
Raptors star Vince Carter and Hornets star Baron Davis,
but Hornets officials said Thursday their position has
not changed.
"We are not trading Baron," said New Orleans general
manager Allan Bristow.
The Toronto Sun newspaper mentioned the rumor in its
Thursday editions, as well as a possible six-player
deal between the teams.
The rumors stem from comments made earlier this month
by Davis. Davis, a point guard, did not demand a trade,
but he voiced concerns through his agent that he doesn't
think the Hornets can make a strong playoff push if the
roster remains as it is.
Other than the expected signing of five free agents next
week for training camp, no major deals are expected
before the team begins camp.
Last week, Davis had a meeting scheduled with Bristow
and other team officials to discuss his concerns.
Bristow said Davis canceled the meeting because of the
threat of Hurricane Ivan. Davis could not be reached
for comment Thursday.
This month, several players have been working out at
the Alario Center to familiarize themselves with Coach
Byron Scott's new offense before training camp begins
Oct. 5.
Center Jamaal Magloire and Davis, both All-Stars last
season, are the only starters who haven't shown up for
the voluntary workouts.
"He (Davis) was going to come before Hurricane Ivan was
coming," Scott said. "I've talked to Baron a couple of
times, and he's fine. We've just got to get him in, and
we'll go from there."
Most of the Hornets said they are not concerned about
Davis' comments about the team's chances to be competitive
in its first season in the Western Conference.
Backup point guard Darrell Armstrong said he has not
spoken to Davis in weeks, but he foresees no problem
winning games with Scott, who guided the New Jersey
Nets to appearances in the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
"If you can't be excited about a coach who took New Jersey
-- a team that really had talent but had an All-Star point
guard who made everyone else better -- then it might be
time to retire," Armstrong said.
Forward George Lynch said it's up to Davis and Magloire
to play at a level at which high-profile free agents will
want to play alongside them.
"You have to be a leader on and off the court in order
for guys to want to play here. That's what you have to
do," Lynch said. "Baron has to come in here just like
everyone else and believe in what we have. I really
think he can win with what he has.
"Maybe he thinks we need a little more help, but it's
up to him and Jamaal to play at a level that other
(free agent) guys are going to want to play with them."
NOTE: Forward Jamal Mashburn is expected to have an
MRI exam next week on his injured right knee, then the
team will make a decision on his status for training
camp. He has not been able to work out this offseason.
Barring a major improvement, Mashburn likely will be put
on the injured list.
. . . . . . .
John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3405.
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