Michael Jordan received the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. Kevin Garnett was named the All-Star Game MVP. Hornets forward Jamal Mashburn, last one off the bench in the Eastern Conference's losing cause, said: "I think I probably got the most."

He wasn't talking about the six pairs of vintage Jordan shoes and box of All-Star gear he collected as personal keepsakes. He was referring to all he gained from having a long, difficult journey culminate with an invitation to Atlanta. After a nine-year trek that included a start in Dallas derailed by turmoil and jealousy, a demotion to role-player status in Miami and season-squashing health problems last season with the Hornets, Mashburn had his first All-Star experience. He approached it the same way he has every hurdle. As a chance to grow.

	Jamal Mashburn Small Forward New Orleans Hornets Profile
	2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT% 50 21.2 6.2 5.3 .425 .859

"I learned a lot," Mashburn said, "especially from Mike. He sat with me and talked about some things he noticed about my game, things I can use to get better."

If so, MJ was one of the few who paid attention to Mashburn all weekend. Despite being the last one to leave the player-interview sessions on Friday, attending the 3-point shooting contest to support teammate David Wesley and contributing an ultra-efficient 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in 14 minutes to the East's 155-145 double-overtime loss, Mashburn stayed well below the radar. There was the MJ-Vince issue. The tear-jerking overcoming-adversity angle went to Zydrunas Ilgauskas, he of the multiple foot fractures. Z, Brad Miller and Yao Ming got the first All-Star experience questions. Mash? He was asked more about Ben Wallace dealing with his mother's recent death and Vince giving up his starting spot than anything about himself.

That he would be asked to comment on larger issues is natural, since there are few go-to guys for an insightful locker-room quote better than Mashburn. He is frank and thoughtful and gracious. "I don't sugar-coat," he said. "I tend to speak the truth, but when it's not what people want the truth to be, they don't want to hear it."

Quiet Surprise Bulletin No. 2: Mashburn is as genuinely grateful to Pat Riley as he is to MJ. His frustration with Riley's tight rein, a choice comment about how lucky he was to be leaving Miami and his emergence since the Heat traded him to the Hornets 2½ seasons ago left the impression that he can't stand the Well-Oiled One. Not true.

"What he taught me about organization and preparation will stay with me a long time," Mashburn said. "I couldn't be here without him. I had a lot of ups and downs while I was there but it was the best situation for me. It was best for me to go down there and it was best for me to leave. Rick Pitino taught me how to be a player at Kentucky. Pat Riley taught me how to be a professional."

The feeling apparently is mutual. Riley allowed Mashburn to work out in the Heat gym last summer, something he's never done for an opposing player before, and sent him a note promising that "good things are ahead."

Seeing Mashburn quietly enjoying himself at the All-Star Game, it's easy to see why Riley made an exception for him -- and why it's also easy to hope Riley is right.

And Ones