[外電] K.G. isn't keen on Istanbul
Kevin Garnett isn't exactly elated with the idea of holding training camp
next season in Istanbul, Turkey.
Garnett and the players no doubt would prefer to hold training camp in the
Twin Cities. Holding training camp in Mankato last season wasn't a popular
choice, so you can imagine what the players will feel about going to Turkey.
But Garnett said he will find some enjoyment in the experience.
The biggest issue seems to be whether the Wolves will suffer lasting effects
from the trip.
Garnett and the Wolves played two games in Japan to open the regular season
in 1999. The team played five days later at home and won, part of four wins
in their first five games after returning from Japan.
"I've done it before," Garnett said. "It's not one of the easiest things to
do. It will be quite difficult."
The year the Wolves went to Japan, they finished the season 50-32. That was a
team with Garnett, Terrell Brandon, Joe Smith and Sam Mitchell.
Training camp will run Oct. 1-5. The Wolves play an exhibition game on Oct. 6
in Istanbul against Turkish league team Efes Pilsen Istanbul. On the return
trip home, the Wolves will face the Boston Celtics on Oct. 10 in London.
The Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors also will hold training
camps and play exhibition games in Europe, the NBA announced Saturday.
Wolves players will have plenty of time to spend together in training camp if
they choose.
"We're definitely going to bond," Garnett said. "Whether that translates into
wins, we'll see."
Shaq grooves: Miami's Shaquille O'Neal turned Saturday's all-star practice
into a comedy show when he organized an impromptu break-dancing competition
involving some of his Eastern Conference teammates, including LeBron James
and Dwight Howard. Fans and other all-stars laughed as O'Neal displayed a
variety of moves, making his performance one of the most memorable moments of
the weekend.
"Diesel's the Beat Street king," Garnett joked. "He be like Breakin' 1, 2 and
3, ya know? I can't break it down. I play too many minutes for that. Diesel
just came back, what, two weeks ago (from injury)? He's probably feeling
brand new or something. If I get in there, I might break something."
Iverson and Wolves: Denver Nuggets point guard Allen Iverson said he had
interest in playing in Minnesota, but most of all he just wanted to be traded
to a team that would appreciate him.
"I would have loved to play with K.G., but I'm just happy with my situation,"
Iverson said. "I just think this is the best situation for me, championship
or not. This is where I want to be. This is where I'm happy. I'm embraced
here. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. But today I feel good
about my situation."
Briefly: TNT studio analyst Charles Barkley defeated NBA referee Dick
Bavetta, 67, in a comical exhibition race that lasted 3? lengths of a
basketball court during Saturday night's all-star festivities.
Barkley crossed the finish line running backward — and then tripped and fell
on his ample backside — but Bavetta wasn't far behind, even diving across
the line. After the competition was over, Bavetta and Barkley embraced and
gave each other a peck on the lips.
‧ The NBA announced Saturday that players who retired before 1965 will
receive a 50 percent increase in their pension pay, a raise from $2,400 per
year of service to $3,600. Players with at least three years of service will
be eligible for the pension. Under the previous plan, only players with at
least five years of service were eligible.
‧ Former Wolves first-round draft pick Ndudi Ebi was acquired by the Fort
Worth Flyers of the NBA Development League.
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