http://www.azcentral.com/sports/sun...sunsnb0109.html
Cabarkapa returns to much-changed team
Paul Coro and Bob Young
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 9, 2004 12:00 AM
Think back a blockbuster trade, a couple of key injuries and a coaching change ago. Way back to the last time the Suns were at .500.
That was the last appearance for Phoenix rookie Zarko Cabarkapa, who is expected to return tonight against Sacramento.
The Nov. 26 blowout of Dallas, which made Phoenix 7-7, was a promising performance for Cabarkapa. He had season highs in points (17) and rebounds (nine) before Danny Fortson's cheap shot fractured his right wrist.
Cabarkapa was back in practice Thursday with some confidence to regain.
He said the wrist still hurt when he shot. He can flex his shooting wrist back only to a 45-degree angle.
Cabarkapa was tentative, particularly on screens and drives.
"It's hard for me to sit on the bench and watch the games," he said. "This is much better."
It will only get better for the smooth, 6-foot-11 Serbian. Cabarkapa saw limited time until just before the injury. Suns coach Mike D'Antoni plans on him playing 30 minutes a game.
Recruiting influence
Cabarkapa may play a part in obtaining one of the Suns' new acquisitions, Yugoslavian point guard Milos Vujanic. The friends spoke after the Suns received Vujanic's rights from the Knicks. Vujanic, who is playing in Italy, told European reporters that he wants to play for Phoenix next season.
Lighting the Lampe
There is some quickly forming admiration for another player the Suns obtained from the Knicks. Maciej Lampe, who turns 19 next month, has looked like another versatile, 6-11 player.
"We've got to talk about that one," D'Antoni told Suns Chairman Jerry Colangelo after practice Thursday. "He can really play."
Cabarkapa, Lampe and Leandro Barbosa were on the top of the Suns' draft board last summer, Colangelo said.
Bad rumor
Rasheed Wallace in purple and orange?
Asked of a rumor that had Wallace coming to Phoenix for Shawn Marion, Colangelo said, "No and double no."
Amare's return
Amare Stoudemire's return from his ankle injury may not be until next Friday's home game against Golden State.
Cabarkapa returns to much-changed team
Paul Coro and Bob Young
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 9, 2004 12:00 AM
Think back a blockbuster trade, a couple of key injuries and a coaching change ago. Way back to the last time the Suns were at .500.
That was the last appearance for Phoenix rookie Zarko Cabarkapa, who is expected to return tonight against Sacramento.
The Nov. 26 blowout of Dallas, which made Phoenix 7-7, was a promising performance for Cabarkapa. He had season highs in points (17) and rebounds (nine) before Danny Fortson's cheap shot fractured his right wrist.
Cabarkapa was back in practice Thursday with some confidence to regain.
He said the wrist still hurt when he shot. He can flex his shooting wrist back only to a 45-degree angle.
Cabarkapa was tentative, particularly on screens and drives.
"It's hard for me to sit on the bench and watch the games," he said. "This is much better."
It will only get better for the smooth, 6-foot-11 Serbian. Cabarkapa saw limited time until just before the injury. Suns coach Mike D'Antoni plans on him playing 30 minutes a game.
Recruiting influence
Cabarkapa may play a part in obtaining one of the Suns' new acquisitions, Yugoslavian point guard Milos Vujanic. The friends spoke after the Suns received Vujanic's rights from the Knicks. Vujanic, who is playing in Italy, told European reporters that he wants to play for Phoenix next season.
Lighting the Lampe
There is some quickly forming admiration for another player the Suns obtained from the Knicks. Maciej Lampe, who turns 19 next month, has looked like another versatile, 6-11 player.
"We've got to talk about that one," D'Antoni told Suns Chairman Jerry Colangelo after practice Thursday. "He can really play."
Cabarkapa, Lampe and Leandro Barbosa were on the top of the Suns' draft board last summer, Colangelo said.
Bad rumor
Rasheed Wallace in purple and orange?
Asked of a rumor that had Wallace coming to Phoenix for Shawn Marion, Colangelo said, "No and double no."
Amare's return
Amare Stoudemire's return from his ankle injury may not be until next Friday's home game against Golden State.
