Steven Hunter is tired of hearing about Brendan Haywood, the big man the Orlando Magic acquired on draft night last summer, then traded to Washington.

He's tired of people questioning whether the Magic made a mistake and dumped the wrong rookie. He's tired of sitting on the bench and not playing.

?The whole thing ? this whole season ? has been a real learning experience for me. You want to be out there learning on the job,? Hunter said after not playing in Saturday night's victory in Houston. ?But I'll tell you one thing: Brendan Haywood is not going to be a better player than me. I have more skills than he has. I have no doubt about that. The Magic did not make a mistake in keeping me.? Hunter, a 7-foot center/forward, has become a glaring non-factor in the Magic's late-season push for playoff position. Haywood, a 7-foot center, has become a regular in Washington's rotation, averaging six points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.68 blocks, and getting the experience that Hunter hasn't been able to earn.

The two teams are fighting for the same playoff spots. The two rookies, though, have watched their seasons go in opposite directions.

?The reason I'm not playing is not about skill -- I've got great skills -- it's about experience right now,? Hunter said. ?I have no doubt about my ability. He is just in a different system in Washington where they could use him now. Who's to say if he were here, he wouldn't be in my shoes right now? I'm still going to become a great player in this league.?

Hunter, 20, was picked 15th in the draft after two seasons at DePaul. Haywood, 22, was picked 20th by Cleveland after four years at North Carolina. He immediately was dealt to the Magic for Michael Doleac. But after watching him in summer camp, the Magic traded him to the Wizards for a future first-round draft pick and long-gone Laron Profit.

Although Hunter started 21 games for the Magic earlier this season, he failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Although he runs better, jumps higher and catches more surely than Haywood, Hunter has struggled to grasp the ever-changing offensive and defensive schemes the Magic use. Haywood, relying on his experience at North Carolina, has adapted quicker to the NBA game.

?This won't be the case next season. Now that I've got my feet wet, I'm ready to emerge. And I will. I'll work all summer and become an impact player in all 82 games next season,? he said.

?And then we won't be talking about this kind of stuff.?

With Hunter in mind, the Magic already have made plans to send a team to play in the Los Angeles summer league. They also expect Hunter to remain in town for various clinics.

?We'll call it a Steven Hunter mini-camp,? said Magic Coach Doc Rivers. ?This has been a tough transition for him, but I am more convinced than ever that he will be a good player in this league for 15 years. No doubt. The skills are there. The only thing holding him back is that he's so young, and he needs to learn the game.?

Shaq no longer in a good mood

The rest of the league will not be happy to learn that Shaquille O'Neal has found that extra motivation he was looking for in the final two months leading into the playoffs.

O'Neal will come off the injured list (arthritic right toe) Tuesday, well rested and sparked by what he saw and heard during all-star weekend.

He said his Lakers were overlooked last weekend in Philadelphia because everyone was talking about Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson. He was upset that teammate Kobe Bryant was booed after winning the game's MVP honor. He felt disrespected by the lack of attention the two-time defending champions received.

?I'll be back with an anger and a vengeance,? he said. ?Hell, yes, I'm coming back. I'm just going to get shot up, take drugs, do whatever I need to do to come back and play. I'll be back, and I'll be mad.?

Green -- with anger

Minnesota General Manager Kevin McHale -- a former Celtics star -- looked as if he had swallowed a lemon last week when someone asked if he could compare Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker -- the Celtics' newest stars ? to guys from Boston's past.

?[Expletive], come on,? McHale winced. ?They couldn't carry Larry Bird's jock around. I hope the standard hasn't changed that much. If you win championships, then you become great. You don't become great if you don't win championships. You are considered great when you win. Bill Russell, [Bob] Cousy, [John] Havlicek, [Dave] Cowens, Jo Jo [White], the Jones boys [K.C. and Sam] -- that's elite company. You win some championships, then you mention their names. Prior to that, it's a tad premature.?

A new kind of sting

The Charlotte/New Orleans situation really is getting sticky now. Since Hornets owners thumbed their noses at everyone in Charlotte, N.C., telling the NBA their intentions of moving to New Orleans before next season, things have taken a nasty turn.

The league is pressuring them to sell the team so it remains in Charlotte, but they are threatening a lawsuit in response. After committing to New Orleans, the Hornets have discovered why this city already has lost an NBA franchise before. It can't sell any tickets.

New Orleans officials promised there would be 8,000 season-ticket commitments and 54 luxury suites sold by a March 15 deadline. Sales have lagged way behind. As of last week, only 2,062 season tickets and 10 luxury suites had been sold, another reason why the league is scared to let the Hornets move.

Gasol playing some fine ball

Memphis forward Pau Gasol of Spain is running away with the rookie-of-the-year race, and he knows the only one with a chance to catch him now is teammate Shane Battier.

?I have a chance to be one of the best rookies ever,? said Gasol. ?Me and Shane are playing well. We are the top two rookies. No doubt. No question.?

Gasol won the rookie-of-the-month honor for January when he averaged 20.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks, looking a lot like a young McHale around the basket. Yet he is considerably more athletic than McHale ever was.