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 [email protected] or (504) 826-3405. --

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