By Steve Hunt
FOXSportsSouthwest.com
Maverick fans hoping to catch their first glimpse of recent addition Peja Stojakovic in a Dallas uniform on Tuesday night against the Clippers will be sorely disappointed. That's because the veteran sharpshooter is on the Mavs' inactive list, something head coach Rick Carlisle informed the media of during his remarks after the morning shootaround at the American Airlines Center.
Still, even though Stojakovic won't be on the floor tonight, he's definitely glad to be a Maverick, his third different team already this season.
"I'm excited. There have been a lot of locations for me this year but I'm excited to be here and to be part of something special," the 33-year-old newest Mav said. "The Mavericks are a great organization. I'm glad to be part of it."
Peja started this season in New Orleans and played six games for the Hornets, including one in Dallas against the Mavericks back in November before being shipped to Toronto in mid-November. With the Raptors, he played in just two games after missing the last 26 due to a knee injury. He was bought out by Toronto last week and joined the Mavs officially on Monday.
"I feel OK. I haven't played basketball in four or five weeks," Stojakovic said. "It's more getting into playing shape. I have to work with the trainers, coaches and keep progressing. I had irritation [in my knee]. I guess there was some swelling. It stayed a little longer than I expected. I talked to the doctors. It was nothing major."
One of his new teammates is fellow Serbian Sasha Pavlovic, who is glad to see his countryman join the Mavs.
"I'm happy that he's here. I already told him the guys are great here and they have really accepted me," Pavlovic said after practice on Monday. "They will do the same with him. I'm just happy for him to be here."
Stojakovic is also reunited with ex-New Orleans teammate Tyson Chandler.
"It's exciting. Tyson has really improved his game since we played together," he said. "He's a really high-energy player. I'm glad to see him improving, especially with his shooting."
He's also looking forward to playing alongside a future Hall of Famer like Jason Kidd.
"I always was a big fan of J-Kidd. He's one of those guys that always puts you in good position and gets you the ball in good position," Stojakovic said.
Even though its official he won't be on the floor against the Clips tonight, he could make his Maverick debut as soon as Thursday against Houston.
"I'm hoping it's going to be soon. It doesn't matter how much you practice," Stojakovic said. "I think as soon as I get back out there, it's going to be better for me. That's something that we [the coaches and trainers] have to talk about."
And he was asked about joining a team he tormented on more than a few occasions during past postseasons when he was with the Sacramento Kings. His reply was pretty deadpan.
"Times change. It feels OK. They have one goal, to win the championship," Stojakovic said. "I want to be part of that."
