[外電] Rash of All-Star injuries doesn't bother Garnett
http://www.startribune.com/511/story/1003294.html
Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett has seen his fellow Western Conference
All-Stars dropping like proverbial flies over the past week or two, with
fully one-third of the preferred 12-man roster unavailable because of
injuries.
He intends to enjoy his time in Las Vegas anyway.
Yao Ming, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson and Carlos Boozer have been replaced on
the West squad, while Jason Kidd won't be playing for the East. But Garnett
didn't sound too rattled.
"It doesn't matter who's on the team," said Garnett, who will be playing in
his 10th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. "It helps having Nash on there, but
everybody still can play. We don't have Yao? We have Amare [Stoudemire] in
the middle. That's not a bad backup.
"There's a lot of talent in this league, a lot of up-and-coming talent. And a
lot of talent that's still established. It's unfortunate these guys aren't
playing, but it doesn't exactly mean we're undermanned."
The West replacements include Carmelo Anthony, Josh Howard, Ray Allen and
Mehmet Okur, while Joe Johnson will take Kidd's spot for the East. Five is a
bigger number than usual, but it seems as if one or two All-Stars are too
dinged up to participate every year.
"Everybody who's out has been carrying a big burden. Steve's shoulder went
out from carrying that team," Garnett said. "Injuries are part of it."
No kidding: In 1997, Garnett made his first All-Star team as an injury
replacement for Shaquille O'Neal.
All-Star sideshow
One of the "special" events on All-Star Saturday will be a match race between
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and veteran NBA referee Dick Bavetta. The odd
showdown grew out of banter on TNT's studio show, with the 43-year-old and
out-of-shape Barkley claiming that no 67-year-old man, well-conditioned ref
or not, could beat him in a foot race.
The two will run 235 feet, from baseline to baseline and back, then to the
half-court line. The league and the cable network will donate $50,000 to the
Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.
Garnett said he planned to watch. "I'm watching everything, man. I can't talk
no stuff if I don't watch," he said. "I'm rooting for Dick, too. ... Charles
talks so much, it's going to be entertaining. It's going to be good to see
him back out there on the floor."
Wolves coach Randy Wittman seemed more amused by the whole stunt. "I've got
to think Charles can still get him," he said, laughing. "What are the odds?
It's in Vegas, I'm sure they've got odds on it."
Reminded that Barkley can't whistle any technicals on him anytime soon,
Wittman reconsidered.
"That's a good point," he said. "I'm picking Bavetta."
Weekend well-spent
It has been 11 years since Garnett had a true All-Star break. He was a rookie
then, and has played in the past 10 All-Star Games.
It might not seem right that the Minnesota player who logs the most minutes
and carries the biggest load gets the least rest. But Garnett doesn't mind.
"I don't want my All-Star weekend to be free," he said. "I actually like the
festivities. It's not a burden, it's a privilege."
Rookie Randy Foye will be in Las Vegas, too, to play in Friday's Rookie
Challenge game. The rest of the Wolves will scatter, some to Vegas, others
staying right in town until the team's game at Washington on Tuesday.
"Obviously taking care of your body. Obviously getting some rest," Garnett
said, citing ways to prepare for the final 30 games. "And preparing however
you have to prepare. Whether that means vacation, whether that means doing it
at the crib, it's about being ready. That's my advice to everybody."
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