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Still questionable Kings don't have timetable for Peja's returnPosted: Wednesday May 22, 2002 6:57 PMUpdated: Thursday May 23, 2002 4:01 AM
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Peja Stojakovic can't get comfortable in his seat on the Sacramento Kings' bench. "It's the worst time of year to be hurt, because this is the best part of the season," Stojakovic said. "It's no good to sit there." The Kings' All-Star forward still isn't sure when he will return from the sprained ankle that has kept him out of four straight playoff games. The Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers are tied 1-1 in the Western Conference finals, which resume at Staples Center on Friday night. Stojakovic was on the court at the Kings' practice complex on Wednesday, shooting and jogging on his tender right ankle. He grimaced as he attempted lateral movements, and his workout wasn't lengthy. "The swelling is down, but if I was playing, I wouldn't be able to keep up on defense," Stojakovic said. "I'm just hoping that it gets better quickly, and I can get in some games against the Lakers." Coach Rick Adelman doesn't expect Stojakovic to play in Game 3 or in Game 4 on Sunday, but the Kings won't rule it out completely. Game 5 is Tuesday back at Arco Arena.
Though they are 3-1 when he isn't in the lineup, the Kings are a different team without Stojakovic, their second-leading scorer. Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson must carry an inordinate amount of the outside shooting load, and Sacramento sometimes faces size mismatches on defense when using both small guards simultaneously. "You can't just take one of the best shooters in the game out of the lineup and expect to be the same," Kings center Vlade Divac said. "Hedo [Turkoglu] does a good job, but we want Peja to get back out there when his ankle is ready." Turkoglu, Stojakovic's replacement in the starting lineup, is 4-for-16 from the field against the Lakers. He played 29 scoreless minutes in Game 1 and looked rattled, though he improved in Game 2. Turkoglu is an accomplished international player for Turkey, but in his second NBA season, he doesn't have the big-game experience of Stojakovic. "Hopefullly he'll be back this weekend," Turkoglu said. "He's a star." Stojakovic constantly receives electrical stimulation on his ankle during daily therapy sessions, but there's no quick fix for a severe sprain like the one he incurred in the third quarter of Game 3 of the conference semifinals against Dallas. Stojakovic hopes to participate in at least one full practice before returning to action, since his aerobic condition has been affected by his inactivity. He has been walking on a treadmill for several days. The Kings' fans want Stojakovic to return almost as badly as he wants to be back. Earlier in the week, fans came to the door of Stojakovic's suburban home, offering to massage his ankle. "Everybody wants to help," he said with a grin. "People are very nice." |
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Peja Stojakovic explains the disappointment of being injured at this time. 
