Peja Stojakovic of the New Orleans Hornets on the outside looking in
Peja Stojakovic of the New Orleans Hornets will earn more than $14 million dollars this year. He is the second-highest earner on the team after starting point guard Chris Paul. But the
veteran player out of Serbia, once known as one of the best shooters in the game, has not been a part of New Orleans’ perfect 6-0 start to the season.
While he averaged a mere 11.0 minutes per game for the Hornets’ first three wins, he has been on the inactive list for the last three, despite being healthy. Just last year, the small
forward, who has one year left on his contract, averaged 31.4 minutes per game.
“It’s obvious I’m not in the plans,” said the 33-year-old. “I’m not looking long term. I’m looking at this year. I’m real about it. It’s just moving on with our career and lives.”
Rookie coach Monty Williams has instilled an up-tempo and defensive-minded strategy for his team this year. It seems that with younger and more athletic players getting it done for New
Orleans, the one-dimensional Stojakovic could continue to be on the outside looking in.
Stojakovic, a three-time All-Star who has career averages of 17.3 points and 4.8 rebounds, said he will treat the situation professionally.
“It is what it is. I’m a pro, and I’m going to stay pro,” he said. “That’s as far as I can say. I feel great. Physically, I feel great. I haven’t felt better in the last two or three years.
But it’s something that we have discussed, and it’s clear to me that the team has different plans.”
Dell Demps, the Hornets’ general manager, hopes to see Stojakovic contribute to the success of his team at some point this season.
“We think he’s still a good NBA player,” said Demps. “We’ve been off to a good start, and we still believe Peja can play. We’re hoping at some point he’ll be a contributor for us this
season. It’s a marathon.”
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