OKLAHOMA CITY -- New Orleans guard Peja Stojakovic had a
disc fragment removed from his lower back Sunday, a move the
Hornets hope will help speed the three-time All-Star's return to
the lineup.
West
Stojakovic
The Hornets, who also announced that forward David West will
have surgery on a bothersome right elbow, provided no timetable for
Stojakovic's return. He has missed nine games already, with what
initially was diagnosed as back spasms.
West has missed 15 games since straining his right forearm Nov.
10 against Portland, and New Orleans also has been without top
reserve Bobby Jackson with a cracked rib.
"We will evaluate Peja and David once they have recovered from
their surgeries before we make a determination on their status,"
Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "Although our team has
been slowed by injuries as of late, we don't want to rush their
returns to the detriment of their health."
Stojakovic was averaging 17.8 points and shooting 41 percent
from 3-point range as the Hornets jumped out to a strong start. He
had a career-high 42 points in a win against Charlotte and hit the
game-winning 3-pointer in a victory at Minnesota.
West, the team's top scorer last season, averaged 17.4 points
and 8.3 rebounds in New Orleans' first seven games.
The Hornets started the season 8-3, but have lost nine of their
last 11 as injuries have piled up.