Hornets trade Wesley for Jackson, Nachbar
New Orleans Hornets News / Dec. 27, 2004
The New Orleans Hornets have acquired guard/forward Jim Jackson and forward Bostjan Nachbar from the Houston Rockets in exchange for guard David Wesley.
"Jim and Bostjan are going to fit well into our system and should be able to help us with their offensive skills," said Hornets General Manager Allan Bristow. "We're optimistic that the addition of these two players and the return of some of our injured players will give us a great boost on the court."
Jackson, currently in his 13th NBA season, holds career averages of 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 805 games. The 6-6 swingman has spent time with Dallas, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Golden State, Portland, Atlanta, Cleveland, Miami and Sacramento in addition to Houston (where he signed as a free agent prior to the 2003-04 season). He had averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 24 games with the Rockets this season.
Nachbar was selected by the Rockets with the 15th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. The 6-9 Slovenian forward averaged 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in his first two seasons with Houston and had averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 16 games with the Rockets this season.
"David Wesley has always exemplified the very best in what a Hornets player represents on and off the basketball court," said Hornets Owner George Shinn. "He has been a part of some great memories with our club, both in what he has done for us on the court and what he has meant to the community. We wish him and his family the best."
Wesley played in parts of eight seasons for the Hornets (1997-98 through 2004-05), compiling averages of 14.7 points and 4.6 assists in 522 games. He is the franchise's all-time leader in games started and ranks in the top three in 12 other categories. Wesley was originally signed by the Hornets as a free agent on July 1, 1997. He had averaged 13.9 points and 4.2 assists in 26 games with the Hornets this season.
In order to make room on the roster for Jackson and Nachbar, the Hornets waived guard Alex Garcia and forward Lonny Baxter. Garcia, who was claimed off of waivers by the Hornets on June 16, averaged 5.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in eight games. Baxter, who was signed as a free agent by the Hornets on December 12, averaged 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in four games.
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