Not exactly what they had in mind.

The Hawks turned a fast start into a lethargic performance to spoil homecoming from a moderately successful road trip Wednesday. Anyone with a fairly good memory will recall that the Hawks came home from last February's marathon and lost six in a row.

This time they were punished 98-81 by the Seattle SuperSonics.

According to Jeff Denberg of the AJC, in a crackling good game the Hawks got 32 points, eight assists from Jason Terry and 25 points, 16 rebounds from Shareef Abdur-Rahim, but it wasn't enough as Seattle put the Hawks away 99-96 in the closing moments.

Terry's 3-pointer with 13.1 seconds remaining left the Hawks a point behind. The Sonics got two at the line, and it was Hawks ball, down three, 12.2 left. Abdur-Rahim tried to tie it quickly from the corner and missed, and it was over.

He's a fifth-year pro, Predrag Drobnjak patiently reminds questioners. So while he is considered a rookie by NBA standards, the 26-year-old center has been playing professionally since 1997.

That said, his recent run of double-digit scoring games doesn't surprise him one bit.

"I'm rookie to the NBA, but not to basketball," Drobnjak said after practice yesterday. American players are more athletic, quicker and faster, he allowed, but European players bring their own set of skills: passing and jump shooting.

"I can shoot the ball really well," he said. "People know that."

Drobnjak has totaled 53 points in the past four games, giving the Sonics' front line a boost with forward Vin Baker on the injured list (three dislocated toes). Drobnjak scored 16 points in a 99-79 victory over Boston on Saturday, 14 points in a 126-116 victory at Sacramento on Sunday, 15 in a 103-91 victory at Phoenix on Tuesday and 8 in a 90-84 loss to Portland on Wednesday.

"I think he's done a wonderful job," coach Nate McMillan said of Drobnjak. "His strengths are shooting the ball and passing. We've gone to him for that."

It's unclear how McMillan will use Drobnjak tonight against the Atlanta Hawks (19-35) and versatile forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who played in his first All-Star Game earlier this month. Abdur-Rahim is averaging 21.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game -- both numbers higher than his career marks.

He also has a habit of making good defenders look inept, and Drobnjak isn't among the Sonics' better defenders. But he's working on it.

"Also on getting better position for the boards," he added.

McMillan agreed. He said he likes to play Drobnjak against slower power forwards who are loath to defend the jump shot. Forward Art Long and center Jerome James still get the call when a key stop must be made.

Abdur-Rahim isn't the Sonics' only worry. The game also marks the only visit this year by guard Jason Terry, a Franklin High School graduate averaging 18.7 points a game.

"He going to be playing at home, so he's going to be fired up," McMillan said.

Drobnjak, whom teammates call Peja, said the off-court adjustment to the United States has been fairly easy. His English is good, and playing first for Partizan ICN in his native Yugoslavia and then for Efes Pilsen in the Turkish league helped him adjust to long stretches away from home.

What's more, he's got a close friend and countryman in Sonics rookie Vladimir Radmanovic. Drobnjak also received advice from the NBA's other Peja-Vlade duo (Sacramento Kings forward Predrag Stojakovic and center Vlade Divac).

Drobnjak called the pair before coming to Seattle. He smiled when he said they gave him good advice, then clammed up when asked what that advice was.

"It's a secret," he said with a grin.

When: 7 tonight.
Where: KeyArena.

Records: Sonics 28-26, Hawks 19-34.

Radio: KJR (950 AM).

P SONICS Ht. Ppg. R/A
F Rashard Lewis 6-10 17.0 7.2R
F V. Radmanovic  6-10 6.0 3.5R
C Jerome James  7-1 4.0 3.1R
G Brent Barry 6-6 13.7 5.5R
G Gary Payton 6-4 22.3 9.1A
P HAWKS Ht. Ppg. R/A
F S. Abdur-Rahim  6-9 21.1 9.4R
F Ira Newble  6-7 7.0 5.1R
C Nazr Mohammed  6-10 10.4 8.5R
G DerMarr Johnson  6-9 7.3 2.9R
G Jason Terry  6-2 18.7 4.8A

Notes: Former Sonic Emanual Davis is out with a broken left wrist, suffered Jan. 12 against the Celtics. Davis, who is out for the season, signed with the Hawks during the summer for a minimum contract after Seattle offered him the same deal. ... Hawks guard Jason Terry, formerly of Seattle's Franklin High, is seventh in the NBA in steals.

Injuries: Sonics ? F Vin Baker (three dislocated toes, left foot) is out. C Calvin Booth (right ankle) is on the injured list. Hawks ? F Chris Crawford (left knee surgery), G Emanual Davis (broken left wrist) and C Theo Ratliff (right hip sprain) are on the injured list.

Over the past few days, several NBA teams executed blockbuster deals to transform their clubs.

The Sonics realized that a bold move could ensure reaching the playoffs. So like virtually every other team, Seattle worked the phones at a fever pitch yesterday.

But when the final buzzer of the trading deadline came at 3 p.m., Seattle elected to ignore various scenarios and keep its personnel.

"We were a difficult team to trade with because we like our young players," General Manager Rick Sund said shortly after the deadline. "And we like our situation."

Rashard Lewis, Desmond Mason and Vladimir Radmanovic ? along with Gary Payton, whose contract expires in 2003 ? spurred the most feelers from other teams. And the Sonics refused to dismantle a team that had seven new players during training camp.

"We pursued some things that we thought made some sense," Sund said. "But most of the trade talk centered around players that we certainly wouldn't want to get rid of."

Although the Sonics have been competitive using small ball, the club sorely needs a physical big man to rebound and defend.

Seattle's season has been up and down, a reflection of the team's youth. And the inconsistency isn't likely to change during the playoff push.

"It takes a lot of things to happen for a team like ours to make the playoffs," Coach Nate McMillan said. "You can't have injuries. You've got to have your guys playing basically their best basketball the remainder of the season. And you're going to need some breaks along the way."

Vin Baker appeared to be the most likely Sonic to be dealt after a rejuvenated season attracted attention from teams in the Eastern Conference. The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers believed Baker could help them in a playoff chase.

When the power forward dislocated three toes against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 14, the injury ? which put him out indefinitely ? diminished the chances of a deal.

(Indiana initially wanted Baker to team with Jermaine O'Neal to form what could have been one of the best frontcourts in the Eastern Conference. But the Pacers refused to part with any of their promising young players, like Jonathan Bender or Jeff Foster. And Tuesday, the Pacers executed the seven-player trade with Chicago that brought center Brad Miller.)

Even if Baker remained healthy, Seattle was reluctant to trade him for what was out there.

"With the trade deadline coming up, sometimes people make a rush decision, and it doesn't work out," McMillan said. "So you have to be careful about that. Sometimes, it's better when you end up not doing anything."

Calvin Booth was supposed to be the long, defensive center who would fit into McMillan's style of play. Booth's season has been put on hold ? and may be over if surgery is deemed necessary ? because of an injured right ankle.

Last summer, Gary Payton appeared set to be traded, with the Vancouver Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves as possible suitors. Payton's excellent season and improved leadership has caused management to alter its thinking about dealing him.

Shammond Williams became a prime candidate for a deal after rookie Earl Watson showed promise. But because Williams' contract is relatively small, he would have had to be packaged with one of Seattle's key players.

"It's not that easy to make a trade," McMillan said, "because the people you want, teams don't want to give up. You're trying to give away something you don't want to somebody who doesn't want it."

NBA locker rooms were filled with anxiety over the past few days as trade rumors sprouted. But McMillan didn't pull any players aside to reassure them or keep them abreast.

"There hasn't been anyone who looked disturbed or concerned," McMillan said. "So I haven't."

The only Western team vying for a final playoff spot to make a move was Phoenix. And the Suns gave Boston proven talent in Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers for a rookie, a future draft pick and backups.

So if the Sonics play as competitively as before the deadline, they could make the playoffs despite standing pat.

Seattle SuperSonics coach Nate McMillan said he had mixed feelings about the ejection of Rashard Lewis in the Sonics' victory over Boston on Saturday night.

On the one hand, McMillan said, he could understand why Lewis got upset, considering he was fouled several times and never got a call by the officials.

On the other, McMillan acknowledged that Lewis cannot speak to the officials as belligerently as he did to referee Ron Olesiak.

"He has to control his frustrations," McMillan said. "He has to have better control and know what is going on in that game and that we can't really afford to lose him down the stretch in a game like that.

"He is a young guy coming into his own in this league, and there is a certain way you approach officials. And if you don't show those guys respect, they don't forget. As we go through the league, it could be something that could hurt you a little later on.

"Go over there and say what you are going to say, but understand that it has to be done with respect."

Lewis' ejection was the first of his career, but he has become increasingly more vocal with the officials as he has gotten older.

McMillan said Lewis also needs to keep in mind that he is a team captain.

"That is a role for him that I think he still is trying to learn what all comes along with that," McMillan said. "He can talk to the officials, but as a captain, he has to approach the officials in a certain way."

Watson honored -?Rookie point guard Earl Watson returned home to Kansas City over the All-Star break and became the first player in the 65-year history of Washington High School to have his jersey retired.

"I always felt there was something special about No. 25," said Watson's high school coach, Leonard Sparkman. "I kept it in the closet because Earl was someone you rarely see in coaching. Finally, I decided that maybe we should do something about it."

Baker update - The Sonics have not placed Vin Baker on the injured list with three dislocated toes. But if they decided to sign a player to a 10-day contract, the team could place Baker on the injured list retroactive to the injury.

HIGHLIGHTS: The Sonics took a 16-10 lead after scoring eight consecutive points, four each by Brent Barry and Gary Payton. ... The lead grew to 20-12 when Barry found Payton in the corner for a jumper. ... Rashard Lewis sandwiched a pair of 3s around a Barry 3 to give the Sonics a 60-45 lead. And it kept getting bigger and bigger. ... The Sonics shot 55 percent in the game.

LOWLIGHTS: Art Long lost control of the ball, missing out on what would have been a certain jam in the second quarter. ... Barry air-balled an 18-footer in the same period.

IN THE CROWD: Former vice president Dan Quayle and South Carolina football coach Lou Holtz.

TYRA TIRADE: Kings forward Chris Webber was upset last week when his relationship with supermodel Tyra Banks was reported in the Sacramento Bee. "Y'all are talking about who the (bleep) I'm dating and how I'm living my (bleeping) life," Webber said. "I just play basketball for y'all. I don't live for y'all."

DEFENSE, DEFENSE: Long rejected Scot Pollard at the rim and then blocked Bobby Jackson's shot a minute later, both in the second quarter. ... Jerome James got into it as well, snuffing Vlade Divac's layin attempt early in the third quarter.

INJURY REPORT: No new estimates on Vin Baker's return, but best-guess estimates are early March after the Sonics return from a five-game road trip. The power forward dislocated three toes Thursday when the Sonics played the Lakers. ... Unusual reason for a King not suiting up: rookie Gerald Wallace has the chicken pox. ... Sonics reserve guard Shammond Williams, who has missed the past two games because of a death in the family, returns tomorrow for the Sonics' game in Phoenix.

NEXT UP: Phoenix, America West Arena, tomorrow at 6

-- Jim Moore

The Sonics will be without Vin Baker and Calvin Booth for at least the next three weeks, leaving the frontcourt full of inexperienced players. But Seattle isn't enthusiastic about offering a 10-day contract to another player.

As a formality, the Sonics have made a list comprised of several big men from the CBA, the NBDL and former NBA free agents. But those players aren't any better than Predrag Drobnjak, Art Long and Jerome James.

So unless another Sonics big man is injured, the club isn't likely to bring someone else in.

"Until we really need help where we can't practice, there's really no need to bring an extra guy," Coach Nate McMillan said last night. "We have some young guys who have done some good things for us. And it's an opportunity for them to play.

"Just to bring a guy up because you have an open spot, I don't think we'll do that."

Lewis won't give it a shot

Before the season, Rashard Lewis intended to markedly boost his scoring as he began to take over as the franchise player. But Lewis' scoring is barely up ? averaging 16.6 points per game entering last night ? because he has been more comfortable playing off of Baker and Gary Payton.

Baker's absence has given Lewis a chance for more shots ? and scoring. But Lewis hasn't embraced the opportunity.

"I'm not looking forward to it because I think we need Vin winding down towards the playoffs," Lewis said. "I'm upset that he's out. Everybody is going to have to step it up ? if it takes scoring more, rebounding more, defending more. It's going to take more than just me."

McMillan wouldn't mind if Lewis asserted himself more on offense but Lewis doesn't plan on it.

"I'm going to play how I play every game," Lewis said. "I'm going to let the game come to me. I'm not going to force shots and take extra shots. I don't think that's the way to go."

McMillan ignores Clips, Suns

The battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference appears to be among the Los Angeles Clippers, Sonics and Phoenix Suns. But McMillan hasn't scrutinized the remaining schedule of those teams.

"I'm just concerned about ourselves," McMillan said. "I can look at their schedule and hope like hell; stress myself out that they go 2-10 this month and 5-8 the next month. The only thing I really have control over is this team here, and making sure we continue to come in and play."

Yesterday's game at a glance

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Gary Payton produced a team-high 31 points and game-high 13 assists. His biggest contribution came down the stretch with two clutch baskets to deflate the Kings.

TOP RESERVE: Predrag Drobnjak proved that Saturday's career game against Boston wasn't a fluke. The Yugoslavian rookie center had 14 points, seven rebounds and one block.

KEY TO THE GAME: The Sonics scored 47 points in the second quarter to lead 73-50 at halftime. Although the Kings made their expected run, Seattle's early offensive wizardry was enough to overcome a spirited comeback.

NEXT: Tomorrow at 6 p.m. versus the Phoenix Suns at America West Arena.

The fans who make Arco Arena perhaps the most hostile place in the NBA stood up in the waning moments of last night's game. But instead of cheering another home victory, the sellout crowd of 17,371 said goodbye to the Kings' home-court winning streak.

They applauded politely as the final seconds ticked away in the Sonics' stunning 126-116 win, ending the Kings' run of 20 consecutive victories at home.

Of all the teams with a shot at ending the streak, the Sonics were among the most improbable. Seattle had folded like a deck of cards in losing five of its past seven home games. And the Sonics were playing the second of a back-to-back set and were without Vin Baker, one of their most effective inside players against Sacramento.

"I am very proud of them," Coach Nate McMillan said of his Sonics (27-25). "Sacramento is the best team in the league. This is one of the teams that I picked to win the championship ? them or the Lakers."

Seattle has shown the mental toughness necessary to win road games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers. But the Kings had defeated teams by an average of 15 points at Arco Arena.

"It's the atmosphere," Sonics guard Desmond Mason said. "I remember the first time I came in here last year, it just felt like a college atmosphere. People were constantly on their feet screaming, regardless of the situation."

Before the game, McMillan spoke to his players about how they were looked upon as nothing but foils against the Kings. The younger players walked out with scowls and exhorted each other even before the tipoff.

"It made guys want to go out and work out and play tough hard-nosed defense," said Mason, who had 15 points.

When the players were being introduced, Gary Payton was asked if the Sonics had a chance of ending Sacramento's streak.

"Of course," Payton responded tersely. "Why the hell would I waste my time coming down here if we didn't have a chance? Once you step on the floor you have a chance against anyone."

Seattle's chances increased because Payton (31 points, 13 assists) made the game close at the end. The Kings had whittled Seattle's lead to 120-116, when Payton made a layin high off the glass over Chris Webber with about a minute left.

After a Kings miss, Payton was isolated outside against Peja Stojakovic. The 33-year-old Sonic sliced to the lane, contorting his body just enough to find room for a layin. The basket gave Seattle a 124-116 lead with 33 seconds left.

When the Kings called timeout, Brent Barry hugged Payton and teammates mobbed him.

Barry fouled out with 4:51 left, leaving Payton with several first- and second-year players instead of his trusty sidekick.

"When Brent went out," Payton said, "I had to do a little bit extra."

The Sonics had extra room against the Kings because of a high-powered second quarter that produced 47 points. It was the most points by Seattle in a quarter and just four from its franchise record.

The offensive outburst gave the Sonics a 73-50 lead at the half, the most Seattle has scored in a half this season, and the most Sacramento has allowed.

Seattle used the same style it had during Saturday's 99-79 victory against Boston at KeyArena.

Without Baker, the Sonics were forced to move the ball until it found the open player. The Sonics showed more fluidity and quickness than usual, pushing the ball at every opportunity for layins and dunks.

"I did not imagine we scored 47 points in the quarter," McMillan said. "We were just playing in the flow."

With three seconds left in the second quarter, the Sonics inbounded the ball under Sacramento's basket. Payton received the pass and found Barry outside the three-point line. The shooting guard swished it just before the buzzer sounded to give Seattle a 23-point lead.

And even though the fans still had hope, it was a sign that these stirred-up Sonics came with an upset on their minds.

As Thursday's trade deadline looms, discussion has arisen around the Seattle SuperSonics about whether the team is better or worse without power forward Vin Baker.

Now that Baker has three dislocated toes on his left foot and is sidelined indefinitely, proponents of each side are about to find out which argument is best.

In all likelihood there was not going to be a trade for Baker before he was injured, given his inflated contract and his deflated numbers - particularly in rebounding.

So the debate will go on.

Those in favor of getting rid of Baker for a box of cupcakes - and some would say getting a box of cupcakes for one cupcake is a good deal - often say the Sonics are a more up-tempo team without Baker dragging up the court.

They notice that more players are willing to step in and rebound when Baker isn't there to play a big-man role.

They say the Sonics play better team defense without Baker because he tends to be slow on rotations, or at least when Baker chooses to rotate.

The pro-Baker camp has it's own points.

They say the Sonics have to have Baker on the roster because he is the only player on the team capable of drawing a double-team in the low post, and that his presence gets Rashard Lewis, Brent Barry, Desmond Mason and Vladimir Radmanovic open jump shots.

They also remind you that when jump shots are not falling, low-post play is a safety valve, a place to go when an offense is off or struggling to score points.

They also admit that Baker never, ever, ever will live up to his $87 million contract, but realize that his 17 points and seven rebounds per game are better than anything else they could get on the market, and that as frustrating as Baker is, he still demands some type of attention from defenses.

Good arguments on both sides. However, these are the statistical facts so you can decide on your own:

* Before the Sonics' game against the Boston Celtics Saturday night, Seattle was 7-3 when Baker did not play, 18-22 when he is on the court.

* When Baker is injured, the average score is 100.5 to 92 in favor of the Sonics, and when he plays the score is 97.3 to 96.9 in favor of the opponents.

* When Baker plays, the Sonics are outrebounded 43.2 to 40.9, but without Baker they are even with their opponents, 38-38.

Perhaps the game in which Baker was injured, a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, is the best microcosm.

Immediately after Baker got injured, the Sonics upped the pace and turned a game that could have gone either way into a 10-point lead.

Eventually, the Sonics relied on jump shots and it got them in trouble when they began missing. Los Angeles came back in the fourth quarter for a 92-87 victory.

Perhaps the answer is the Sonics need to simply take the contract, and Baker's ego, out of the equation.

Keep him around for what he provides, but play him less minutes because of his detractions.

- - -

* Reach staff writer Frank Hughes at 253-597-8742, ext. 6120, or frank.hughes@mail.tribnet.com

- - -

Around the league: EASTERN CONFERENCE

Pushing for a change

There is an interesting dichotomy occurring in New York, where interim coach Don Chaney knows that if things don't turn around, he will lose his job.

To that end, Chaney is in the papers almost every day lobbying general manager Scott Layden to do something to shake up his roster.

One day, Chaney laments the lack of a low-post presence, the next Chaney says there is no leadership. Chaney is almost giving a blow-by-blow of Layden's conversations with other teams, saying the Knicks are close to pulling off a trade, or some team happened to pull out.

"Hopefully, we're able to get something going where we can boost this team up a little bit," Chaney said.

That's why he's the coach

Sixers coach Larry Brown has taken a lot of grief for turning over so many players on a team that made it to the NBA Finals last season and is .500 this season.

But, Brown brings up a good point.

"I've heard a lot of people talk about our trades, and what our team's like. I still haven't seen Theo (Ratliff) play, or Toni (Kukoc) play much, or Tyrone Hill, and (Devean) George just got back from an injury," Brown said.

If you don't like it, leave

In the "shut up already" category, Milwaukee's Sam Cassell, who signed a three-year, $17 million extension a week ago, complains that he still is not paid what he is worth.

"I'm still underpaid,'' said Cassell, who got the best contract he could under terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Cassell said he signed it because his family wanted him to. "If I didn't sign it, I'd be leaving. And then you won't have Sam Cassell. You might end up with some other guy. George Karl would leave Milwaukee and then you're back to the old Bucks.''

Again, shut up already.

A new defense for brick laying

Boston's Paul Pierce said the 3-point shooting contest at All-Star weekend separates the pure shooters from the game shooters.

"I don't consider myself a pure shooter," said Pierce, who finished with eight points, the lowest mark in the first round. "I think I thrive on the competition, having a defender. That's what hurt me. I should have asked one of the ballboys to just stand in front of me."

Earth to Heat, earth calling Heat ...

What are they putting in the water in Miami?

The Heat are still talking as if they will make the playoffs.

"I still believe we're going to make the playoffs, especially having the talent at home," Kendall Gill said.

So here's the deal: The Heat would have to win 24 of their final 35 to get to 42 wins. That would require 16-3 at home and 8-8 on road, and the Heat entered this week with the NBA's worst home record. It also would require passing four teams in the standings.

"It's a daunting challenge, it's a great challenge, but I think it's realistic," Heat coach Pat Riley said.

- - -

WESTERN CONFERENCE

'Thunder Dan' to retire

Paul Westphal's favorite player, Phoenix's Dan Majerle, is retiring after the season.

"I'm definitely calling it quits after this season," Majerle, 36, said. "I've had a good career. My body's telling me it's time to move on, and now, my mind's starting to believe it, too.

"I get so frustrated because in your mind, you see a play happening, but your body doesn't respond well enough where you can get there. You're a step slow. That's the most frustrating thing. You've done this for so long, you've been able to make plays. Now you're at the point where you're not quick enough and you can't do what you used to."

A new spin to a real problem

The Blazers beat the Mavericks for the 11th time in 12 meetings at the Rose Garden last week, prompting Dallas coach Don Nelson to say, "I don't look at history. Besides, everybody has probably beaten us 11 out of 12 times. We hadn't won a game in 10 years."

A chance to heal old wounds

Also, this was Nelson talking about coaching former nemesis Chris Webber during the All-Star game.

"Well, I'm an emotional kind of guy - and it was just a fun time," Nelson said. "The whole thing was a 10. And it was special to coach Chris Webber and be reacquainted, if you will. (We had) some real fondness shared between us in the last couple of days, because we went through some hard times and we're back to where we call each other friends again."

Is that all you've got?

Kobe Bryant is not the only one getting booed.

Nuggets point guard Nick Van Exel, who has demanded a trade, has been booed of late, none louder than the jeers on Tuesday, when Van Exel raised his hands in the air and dared the crowd to bring the booing louder.

"It didn't hurt me because they have their own opinion," Van Exel said. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If that's how they want to go about it, so be it."

Too much Ike, literally

The Memphis Grizzlies are considering waiving center Ike Austin if it cannot trade him by the Feb. 21 trade deadline.

Austin is open to being released outright, hoping another team will sign and play him.

Fat chance, if you get the drift.

Garnett: The toast of the town

Minnesota's Kevin Garnett bought drinks for the first 10,000 fans to arrive at Target Center on Wednesday night. They could get a beer or a soda.

"I love our fans,'' Garnett said. "This is just my way of giving back and letting them know that I actually care about them and hear their screaming and booing the other guys. That's why we have a home-court advantage.

"No player in Timberwolves history has ever done anything for the fans like this. It's just my little way of giving back.''

- - -

Rim shots

BETTER LEFT UNSAID CATEGORY

"I had a mirror on my shoes so I could look up girls' skirts." - Don Nelson to Chris Webber after he saw Webber's reflective shoes during the All-Star game.

DON'T SET YOUR GOALS TOO HIGH

"If we finish sixth (in the West), I would be real pleased with that, since we finished seventh last year. That would be a step up, and we would be happy with that."

- Blazers GM Bob Whitsitt, whose payroll is $87 million.

A KING WITH A TIE TO ROYALTY

"Yeah, he couldn't find another president to bring him back, so he had to ride commercial."

- Peja Stojakovic on Sacramento Kings teammate Vlade Divac, who rode back to Yugoslavia with the country's president during All-Star break, then missed practice when his flight home was delayed.