What I want to know, is what made that happen? There is nothing I can see that links Peja to N.O.

Could it possible be that there's no pressure for Peja because the Hornets aren't yet contenders? Maybe he doesn't have to worry about his poor shooting percentage in the postseason because no one expects the Hornet to do much.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...607020370/1127

I wondered about that too. It looks like Peja is buddies with Byron Scott. He apparently said he expected to return to Indy, but I bet that's not a fun team to be on these days. Maybe Bird and RC need to get the guys together this summer for for some team bonding sessions. What do you think? A talent show? Some s'mores and and a singalong? Finger painting? Beer cup toss?

Indiana is in trouble. Should be interesting to see how Indiana rebounds from this obvious miscue. Losing Artest and getting nothing in return is unacceptable.

If he is worth 64 over 5 then BBen is worth 80 over 5.
Wait a minute BBen can't score. BBen is worth 60 over 5.

Indiana is really in trouble, Peja only played 30 games for Indiana and now he's leaving. They should of been of been smarter and trades Artest somebody with a couple years more years on the contract. Oh well, just a team that can fill the bottom of the standings in the division next
year. And on top of that, New Orleans thinks they can contend next year, they could at least be a little competive in games.

yup indiana is near-rebuilding

Let's take O'Neal.

Funny stuff here. Peja plays 42 games and the Pacers are reeling? Kudos to Bird for not overpaying this regular season wonder, playoff disappearing stiff.
Now the rumor is Al Harrington to Indiana. That, IMO, would put the Pacers in rebuilding mode if for no other reason than we all know Carlisle's reliance on vets far outweighs youngsters like Granger and the draft picks.

Carlisle can make any roster work. His system is simple. He just needs workers to be successful.

__________________
Momma was queen of the mambo, Poppa was king of the congo, deep down in the jungle, I start banging my first bongo
Every monkey like to be, in my place instead of me, cause I'm the king of bongo baby, I'm the king of bongo bong
-Manu Chao

His system is simple to get you to the playoffs. Maybe better teams want something more. That's where Joe D figured it and Bird is kind of stuck. Carlisle's system is known but how do you fire him after the last two crazy seasons? Based on his history, i'm thinking.