These 11 veteran players now face uncertain futures

	Even if he returns next season, K-Mart may not have the same impact on the court. AP

In the NBA this season, "limbo" is more than just a form of timeout entertainment shown on the overhead video board. It also describes the career status of several notable players.

Whether due to injury, poor performance or other factors, these one-time stars/big contributors suddenly find themselves facing an uncertain future. Where will they end up when the music stops?

1. Kenyon Martin, Nuggets

The 6-9 power forward -- and former No. 1 overall pick - recently underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee and will miss the rest of the season. He says he will play in 2007-08, but it's unlikely he will ever be the same. No NBA player has ever come back from microfracture surgery on both knees (Martin had the procedure on his left knee in '05).

The Nuggets tried hard last summer to trade Martin, who had clashed with coach George Karl, but no team wanted to take on the remaining five years and $70 million on his contract. Now Denver is stuck with Martin (though insurance will pick up part of the tab).

Long-term prognosis: He'll make it back, but Martin will join the real K-Mart as a former blue chip that has seen better days.

2. Darius Miles, Trail Blazers

Like Martin, this 6-9 forward is a former high draft pick (No. 3 overall in 2000) whose career is in jeopardy because of microfracture surgery. Also like Martin, Miles has had previous knee problems (arthroscopic surgery on the same right knee in Dec. '05).

The good news for Miles is that he's still relatively young (25). The bad news is that his game is predicated on explosiveness and athleticism. Like Martin, Miles also has a bloated contract (three more years, $26.2 million) that makes him all but untradeable.

Long-term prognosis: He'll play again, too, but does he love the game enough to make a successful comeback?

3. Chris Webber, Sixers

The five-time All-Star is getting benched in the fourth quarter, and is not happy about it. He denies he has asked for a trade, but it is clear he would like to find a new team. The Sixers would love to accommodate him, but Webber's large salary ($20.7 million this season) makes matching up salaries difficult. He also has another year (at $22.3 million) on the deal.

Webber is still capable of putting up 20 and 10 on a consistent basis, but he hasn't had the same explosiveness since undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee a few years ago. It is possible he could thrive again with a fresh start somewhere, but he's always going to be a defensive liability -- and, at age 33, his best days are clearly behind him.

Long-term prognosis: Even if the Sixers can find a sucker to take on his contract (get Isiah Thomas on the phone!) Webber will have to learn to accept a lesser role.

4. Morris Peterson, Raptors

The 6-7 swingman won't make a big issue of it, but he is not happy about losing his spot in the starting lineup to Fred Jones. Though still a part of coach Sam Mitchell's regular rotation, Peterson believes he deserves better after being one of Toronto's most consistent players the past few years. He might be able to wait out this latest storm, but a trade is also a possibility.

In the final year of a deal that pays him $4.5 million, Peterson could be in high demand for a team looking for veteran help down the stretch. The Raptors clearly need help of their own, so it makes sense to try to deal him.

Long-term prognosis: Peterson will continue to be a solid player wherever he goes. But after six years in Toronto, he probably could use a change of scenery.