THE New Orleans Hornets acquired guard/forward Jim Jackson and forward Bostjan Nachbar from the Houston Rockets on Monday in exchange for guard David Wesley.

"Jim and Bostjan are going to fit well into our system and should be able to help us with their offensive skills," said Hornets general manager Allan Bristow. "We're optimistic that the addition of these two players and the return of some of our injured players will give us a great boost on the court."

Jackson, who is in his 13th NBA season, has career averages of 15.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 805 games. In addition to Houston, the 192 cm swingman has played for Dallas, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Golden State, Portland, Atlanta, Cleveland, Miami and Sacramento. With the Rockets this season, Jackson averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 24 games.

Nachbar was selected 15th overall by Houston in the 2002 NBA Draft. In his first two seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per contest. The 210 cm Slovenian averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 boards in 16 games this year for Houston.

Wesley played in parts of eight seasons with the Hornets, averaging 14.7 points and 4.6 assists in 522 games. He is the franchise's all-time leader in games started and ranks in the top three in 12 other categories. This season for New Orleans, the 185 cm guard averaged 13.9 points and 4.2 assists in 26 games.

"David Wesley has always exemplified the very best in what a Hornets player represents on and off the basketball court," said Hornets owner George Shinn. "He has been a part of some great memories with our club, both in what he has done for us on the court and what he has meant to the community. We wish him and his family the best."

Meanwhile, the Hornets waived guard Alex Garcia and forward Lonny Baxter to make room for Jackson and Nachbar.

Editor: Wing