Dr. Carlan Yates: 0 pts, 0 rebounds, 0 ast, 1 blk

Let me ask you this:  If you were laid off by your employer for financial reasons, then asked to come back to work a few days later for that very employer, would you work as hard for them?  Current economic situation aside, the answer is: probably not.  A similar scenario took place involving the Oklahoma City Thu....New Orleans Hornet's center Tyson Chandler.  New Orleans was trading him to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two expiring contracts when the Thunder rejected the trade because Chandler didn't pass a physical.  So, Chandler ends up back on the Hornets, the team that was trying to get rid of him and his salary.  How can he go out and play his best when the organization he plays for doesn't really want him?  I know most players realize it's a business and they don't really play for the organization.  They play their best for their teammates.  But, still wouldn't you find it hard to give it your all for a place that tried to get rid of you?  

Another interesting twist in this story is that the Thunder's Dr. Carlan Yates who failed Chandler is the same one who performed the surgery on his injured toe.  Is the doctor admitting that he isn't good at fixing injuries?  What does that do for his stock as a doctor if you have an injury that he suggests surgery on?  I would ask him why bother, if he's not going to really fix anything.  This is what Yates told Chandler, " 'He told me, 'I have no doubt you can play on it. I'm just saying it could take a turn for the worse if you come down on somebody's foot or hyperextend it or something.' "  Couldn't that happen to any NBA player?  I don't see how the likelihood of accidental injury increases based on past surgeries.  

Regardless, this is an unusual situation to be in.  The Thunder had an improved team, now they don't.  The Hornets dumped some salary, picked up two expiring contracts, and were headed into the off season with some salary cap room...now they're in the same spot as before.  Tyson Chandler is in limbo. My guess is that the Hornets will move him somewhere before the trade deadline.  Keep and eye on the Thunder as well, their two expiring contracts could play an important role as the trade deadline rapidly approaches.