Hornets' Stojakovic has surgery, West next
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - 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.
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 per cent from three-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 three-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.
