"The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed center Jamaal Magloire to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released."

It has been reported that the extension is for three years.

So, 5 ? hours before the start of Wednesday's season opener against the Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Arena, he eliminated the problem by signing free-agent veteran guard Steve Smith to a one-year deal.

"The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed free agent guard Steve Smith. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released. In order to make room for Smith on the roster, the team waived forward Kirk Haston. Haston averaged 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds in 27 games for the Hornets over the last two seasons."

"Hornets All-Star forward Jamal Mashburn, who missed the team's entire exhibition schedule, will be sidelined at least another two weeks with a bone bruise at the back of his right knee."

The trial of Hornets backup point guard Darrell Armstrong, who is accused of assaulting a police officer in Orlando, Fla., has been delayed while the state attorney's office appeals a court ruling that throws out the player's initial statements to police.

The team announced Wednesday that Alexander's injury, sustained in Tuesday night's 89-84 exhibition victory at Orlando, would sideline him a minimum of six months, a time period that would extend through April.

"I give Tim Floyd three months, maybe four at the most, in his new job,'' Oakley said of the New Orleans Hornets' new coach. "The man is not an NBA coach. He doesn't have a clue. He proved that trying to coach the Bulls [with a 49-190 record]. And with smart veterans like Jamal Mashburn, Baron Davis, David Wesley and P.J. Brown, you can't get by trying to massage their egos. You've got to know the game.''

"I've heard stuff about the end, that the guy was frazzled, the guy was demanding," Floyd said. "Well, absolutely. My God. You want me to sit back and say, 'Here comes another loss. Here comes another transaction. This will be wonderful. We can wait another two or three years.'

"I think a coach should want and should demand, not only from his players but from the community. But I'll say this much: It was a wonderful opportunity I was given. Would I have done it again? Yes. Had I not done that I wouldn't be here and this is absolutely more than I could've dreamed for."

Last night, during their 89-84 preseason win over the Orlando Magic, the Hornets suffered what could be a huge loss.

During the fourth quarter, Alexander planted his foot while running on a fast break. At first, it just looked like a twist but it's worse.

The preliminary medical report says it's a torn right Achilles' tendon.

Hornets executive vice president of basketball operations Bob Bass was extremely dissapointed after hearing the report.

"He could be out longer than two months," Bass said. "We thought that his last two games (Dallas and Houston) were his best games."