It was what can only be called a veteran move. Unfortunately for Morris Peterson, it happened in the locker room, not on the basketball court.

The second-year swingman was asked what he wanted to discuss at the players-only meeting before practice today. Peterson opened his mouth to answer, and then paused.

"I can't say," he said, getting up from his chair and heading towards the showers. "Last year, you might have got me on that."

He's no longer the rookie, who can use a lack of big-league experience as a crutch and charming, wide-eyed enthusiasm for the game as a substitute for savvy. Peterson the journeyman is finding life in the NBA to be more challenging than it was for Peterson the overachieving 21st pick.

Yesterday, during the Raptors' 93-88 loss to the Washington Wizards, Peterson was tasked with defending the undefendable Michael Jordan.