http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/10947994626570.xml Mashburn still in limbo Team in tough spot concerning forward's nagging knee injury Friday, September 10, 2004 By John Reid Staff writer With less than a month left before the start of training camp, the Hornets still don't know if forward Jamal Mashburn will be able to participate, and any possible trade talks have been put on hold because of his injury. Mashburn has been unable to work out since reinjuring his right knee in a game at Toronto on March 7, and team officials confirmed that results from an MRI test taken three weeks ago showed no significant improvement. Training camp opens on Oct. 5. If he can't pass a physical examination, the league won't approve a trade. Hornets general manager Allan Bristow said they won't make a final decision on Mashburn's status until a few days before camp starts when he undergoes another MRI test. "I think we've got to look at all the possibilities, and we will lay them all out in front of us when he comes in, and we'll go from there," Bristow said. "I think it will all clear itself at the end." The Hornets have not ruled out the possibility of trying to make a trade if Mashburn recovers and can pass a physical examination. The Hornets also could consider putting Mashburn on the injured list, which appears to be the most likely choice. While several of his teammates have begun working out at the Alario Center, Mashburn continues to be advised by team doctors to avoid strenuous exercising because of the potential for swelling. Mashburn, whose offseason home is in Miami, could not be reached for comment this week. Earlier this summer, Mashburn said he could not walk around Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., with his family without experiencing swelling in his knee. "I have a condition that's not going to change," Mashburn said. "I don't have cartilage in my knee." Mashburn, a 6-foot-8 forward, missed the first 44 games last season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He returned in mid-January. Knowing that Mashburn's status was uncertain, the Hornets signed free-agent forward Rodney Rogers this summer. Rogers and George Lynch are expected to compete for the starting small forward spot if Mashburn can't go. When camp begins, the Hornets' roster could include up to 18 players, with several free agents vying for possible spots on the regular-season roster, Bristow said. The Hornets currently have 13 players under contract, including this summer's two draft picks, J.R. Smith and Tim Pickett. Bristow said the team probably will sign five or six free agents. "That's the workable number that Coach Scott wants," Bristow said. "We possibly could have a position or two open. We'll just see how some of these guys pan out. There are a lot of practices between the first day of camp and the first game. You want to make sure you have enough bodies, because you don't want to overwork them." Despite an expanded camp roster, the Hornets are not likely to make an offer to re-sign restricted free-agent guard Courtney Alexander, who missed the 2003-04 season because of a ruptured Achilles tendon. "He's coming off a tough injury that I just think he'll continue to rehab," Bristow said. "Our doctors say it takes between a year and 18 months." Alexander said he has fully recovered. Later this month, he plans to meet with several teams, so their doctors can check him. A month ago, Alexander had planned to work out in Atlanta for several teams. But he said it would be better for him to take trips to meet with interested teams and their doctors. "I'm above 100 percent right now," Alexander said. "I don't feel any type of soreness or pain in my foot. Their (Hornets) stance has done nothing more than make me a stronger person and basketball player. Never one day since this injury happened have I lost faith in myself." . . . . . . . John Reid can be reached at [email protected] or at (504) 826-3405. --

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