Jamaal

Magloire

His status for tonight’s game is questionable.

He is going to start tonight for the Hornets.

Any team can do this if it’s legitimate if you have hardship of injury,” GM Allan Bristow said. Bristow would like to have a free agent post player signed by Thursday.

He could be out up to a month with a broken finger. “After talking to my trainer (Terry Kofler), we’re looking at him possibly missing up to three to four weeks,” coach Byron Scott said. P.J. Brown will shift to center with David West getting to start at power forward.

The transaction should take place on Saturday. Baron Davis, Rodney Rogers, and Jamal Mashburn are already on the IL for New Orleans. They are expected to bring in a center out of the CBA, but there are also rumors they could trade for New Jersey’s Aaron Williams, who played for coach Byron Scott with the Nets.

The Hornets could get a much-need boost if Magloire and Baron Davis return after the break, as expected. Magloire hasn’t played since early December because of a broken finger.

Magloire also had 13 rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal. He’s a Top 10 center and should be active in all leagues.

Magloire, the 19th overall pick in the 2000 draft, is eligible for a contract extension for the first time. He and Kenyon Martin are two of the few players from that draft likely to get a big contract this summer.

Magloire should be Joel Przybilla’s primary backup in Portland, although it’s quite possible he could win the starting job in training camp. He could also see some time at power forward as well. He averaged over nine points and nine boards last season and there is some speculation that the Blazers could be prepared to trade rookie big man LaMarcus Aldridge along with disgruntled forward Darius Miles. If they do trade Aldridge, this deal makes more sense for the Blazers, but either way, they stole a quality big man without having to give up much at all.

The Blazers have improved their rebounding significantly after finishing last in the league last year. They also have Zach Randolph, LaMarcus Aldridge and Raef LaFrentz at power forward. Magloire finished 10th in the league in rebounding with 9.5 per game.