Stephen A. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that he?s not surprised that Baron Davis wants to leave the Hornets. More than a week ago, the Hornets, who have relocated to New Orleans, offered Davis the league maximum contract. As of Friday, it still had not been signed.

Smith writes, ?The same organization that lost Alonzo Mourning, let go of Larry Johnson, lost Glen Rice and allowed draft pick Kobe Bryant to escape its grasp is now on the verge of losing yet another star-in-the-making in Davis. And the Hornets can't find a sympathetic soul in this hemisphere.?

Hornets? owner George Shinn has not only alienated an entire state of NBA fans, but he has also alienated his star guard to the point that he refuses to accept the big-money payday that all players wish for.

"We received the offer and we haven't signed it," Davis' agent, Jerome Stanley, said last week. "That's not to say what we will or won't do, but our intent is clear." Stanley's intent is to reiterate forcefully that Davis has no desire to be associated with the Hornets' franchise any longer. That Davis wants to be traded. To New York or Los Angeles (Lakers or Clippers) would be ideal.

But he wants to be anywhere other than New Orleans.

The Hornets hold his rights for the next two years whether Davis signs the extension or not. He can play in New Orleans for the next two years and leave when his rookie contract expires. He could also sign a 3-year deal (instead of the maximum 6-years) and put the league on notice that he will be available after those three years are up.

Smith adds, ?Either scenario qualifies as sad, especially with the development that Davis has shown over the last two years. But then the Hornets (Shinn) would have no one to blame but themselves.?