[外電] K.G. muses about 'opt-outs'

看板Timberwolves (明尼蘇達灰狼)作者jerod (KG4MVP)時間19年前 (2007/02/24 20:24)推噓0(0推 0噓 1→)

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http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/basketball/16772577.htm One of Kevin Garnett's characteristics is that he makes off-the-cuff comments and flippant remarks. And when the Timberwolves all-star is unhappy or frustrated, which clearly was the case this week after back-to-back losses heading into Friday's game, you never know what he might say. Garnett wrapped up a two-minute interview after Friday morning's shootaround by saying, "Thank God for opt-outs." The term opt-outs was a reference to opt-out clauses in some NBA player contracts. Garnett has one, and he can exercise it following the 2007-08 season, leaving the final year of his deal worth $24 million on the table to become a free agent. Garnett made the comment after a question about whether the passing of the trade deadline might lift a cloud that had been hanging over the team. Garnett said he didn't know, and then he dropped his opt-outs comment on reporters as a parting shot as he turned and walked away. A few minutes later, Garnett emerged from the locker room and was asked if he wanted to clarify his comment about opt-outs. "I didn't say that," Garnett said over his shoulder as he exited down a corridor. "I said 'opts.' I said 'outs.' " Garnett's word games aside, it was interesting nonetheless. The interview began with Garnett hinting he was disappointed the Wolves' front office didn't make a trade to improve the team. "We're trying to get better, right?" Garnett said. "It is what it is." James on upswing: Coming off the Wolves' bench has worked out pretty well for point guard Mike James, who began the season as the starter but was made a reserve five games ago. James scored 20 points at Washington on Tuesday and followed that with 17 points Wednesday against Charlotte. Tuesday's game marked his first 20-point performance since Dec. 27 at Toronto. "I've liked what I've seen since we've made the change," coach Randy Wittman said. "He's gotten his aggression back offensively." Wittman said he believes James, who is averaging 11.1 points a game, is a better fit as a reserve. "It was a combination of things," Wittman said. "We had Randy (Foye) and Craig (Smith) as rookies being a major part of the second unit. That's asking a lot of guys in their first year. Our bench was up and down a little bit. I thought with Mike being the veteran that he is could help solidify those guys a little bit with his presence with them. I want Mike to be more aggressive from an offensive standpoint with that second unit." James was active again Friday night, scoring nine points in 17 minutes during Minnesota's 116-104 loss to Phoenix. Briefly: Forward Mark Madsen might be out one to two weeks because of a left ankle sprain he suffered Wednesday night against Charlotte. Madsen said he thinks two weeks would be on the high end of that range. ‧ Phoenix was without Boris Diaw (back spasms) and his 10.1 points and 5.2 assists a game. Suns teammate Raja Bell woke up Thursday and had trouble bending his right leg, but he played 41 minutes and scored 10 points. Bell suffered the injury during Wednesday night's victory over Boston. ‧ Contrary to a report, Eddie Griffin has not worked out with the Wolves since his five-game suspension on Jan. 12 for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 125.233.213.113