http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/109160977981530.xml Rogers in to rescue Hornets Former Net known for shooting, versatility Wednesday, August 04, 2004 By John Reid Staff writer Going into free agency the Hornets sought young and athletic players who could easily adapt to Coach Byron Scott's desired up-tempo style. But after failing to land Morris Peterson or Stephen Jackson, those plans were scrapped to get a veteran who already knows Scott's system. On Tuesday, the Hornets signed 11-year veteran Rodney Rogers, 33, to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not released. Rogers played for Scott for 1 ½ seasons with the New Jersey Nets. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 69 games last season with the Nets. The Hornets were pressed to find a small forward through free agency because of the uncertainty involving Jamal Mashburn, who could begin this season on the injured list because of knee problems. If Mashburn is unable to play, Rogers, 6 feet 7 inches, could be in a battle with George Lynch for the starting small forward spot. "We needed Rodney Rogers, we needed a player of his caliber," Hornets general manager Allan Bristow said. "He's not replacing anybody. We just had a hole there. With Jamal's medical condition, there is a lot of time to be had at that position. "I think as the process went through, his name kept popping up, even at the beginning. It's just that we had some certain criteria that we wanted to meet as far as youth. Even though he is a young 33, we didn't quite meet that criteria. But as far as his talent on the floor and what he can do, we feel like we're very fortunate to have him." Rogers became a free agent, because he declined to excersise an option in his contract from the New Jersey Nets that would have paid him $3.35 million. He drew interest from several teams, including the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. But Rogers said getting reunited with Scott and a chance to start for the first time since the 1997-98 season played big roles in his accepting the Hornets' offer. "I don't have to get familiar with a different coach, I know him and his style and his system," Rogers said. "I know what it takes to play under him. The main thing is that I can help the other guys as well, being a veteran and going through the system and his program before. "I've always wanted to play for the Hornets. When I played at Wake Forest, I used to go to the games in Charlotte. I knew Larry Johnson, Dell Curry, Kenny Gattison and David Wingate very well. A couple of years ago they were in the hunt, but I signed with New Jersey. But I'm here now." The Hornets made their push to sign Rogers after the Toronto Raptors matched their three-year, $15 million offer sheet to Peterson last Friday. "Allan and I met Monday morning, and we had a bunch of names on our list, a bunch of guys we could get real cheap and some we felt we could make a run at," Scott said. "Obviously (Rodney) was one of those guys we thought we could make a run at. A couple of hours later, Allan came back and said he thinks we got a deal with him. I was ecstatic, because I know what he can bring to the table. He can play all the positions on the frontcourt, and without a doubt he can step in as a starter. If Mash's situation doesn't get better, that's probably who you'll be looking at the three spot." Rogers is a muscular 255 pounds who can be a physical presence in the post and also an effective outside shooter. One of his best seasons came in 1999-2000 with the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds and was selected the league's Sixth Man of the Year. Rogers was the Denver Nuggets' first-round pick in the 1993 draft. He played two seasons before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers before the 1995-96 season. He then played four seasons with the Clippers before the Phoenix Suns signed him as a free agent before the 1999-2000 season. Rogers was traded by the Suns to the Boston Celtics during 2001-02, and he signed a free-agent deal with the Nets in August 2002. "Whether it be small forward or power (forward), wherever they need me to play, I just want go out there and be productive and help this team win," Rogers said. Bristow said the Hornets aren't likely to pursue any other free agents this offseason. But he didn't rule out that they could explore trade possibilities before training camp starts in October. He also said they haven't shut the door on restricted free agent Courtney Alexander. Scott and several members of the organization plan to attend his workout later this month in Atlanta. Alexander missed the 2003-04 season because of a torn Achilles' tendon. The Hornets can match any offer Alexander receives. "Whether it's August, September or October, we're in that mood where our eyes and ears are opened," Bristow said. "I think we feel comfortable with this roster, going into training camp. But we will continue to explore ways to make our team better. But it's not like we have a whole lot of holes. The holes are not there anymore, because all of our spots are taken." The Hornets now have 13 players under contract. On Tuesday, they signed second-round draft pick Tim Pickett to a one-year deal. But Pickett has to make the team before his contract is guaranteed. The Hornets, though, are projecting that Pickett will make the team. . . . . . . . John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or at (504) 826-3405. --

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