[外電] Questions remain as Griffin waived

看板Timberwolves (明尼蘇達灰狼)作者jerod (KG4MVP)時間19年前 (2007/03/14 16:14)推噓2(2推 0噓 0→)

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http://www.startribune.com/511/story/1052726.html It was time to get it over with. And so, even though the whole situation could land in arbitration anyway, the Timberwolves waived troubled forward Eddie Griffin on Tuesday, making the announcement shortly before the team played the Pacers at Target Center. "I think we just made a decision that, let's get it over with, part ways," said Wolves owner Glen Taylor. "And so we waived him, and we'll see what happens with that." That does not necessarily mean the Griffin saga is over. Representatives on both sides have been working for weeks to come to an agreement that would let the Wolves sever their ties with Griffin without being obligated to pay him for the final year of the three-year, $8.1 million contract Griffin signed before the 2005-06 season. And Taylor made it sound as if no real agreement had been reached. Griffin has not played for the team since being suspended for five games Jan. 12 for violating the terms of the league's anti-drug program. At the time the Wolves' position was that language in the contract Griffin signed gave the team options should he run into trouble again, protection against having to pay for the final year of his contract. That language might be tested in arbitration. "We waived him and we'll see what's going to happen," Taylor said. "We have a position on that waiving, and his agents may not agree with that. We followed the contract." Arn Tellem, one of Griffin's representatives, could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, many were wishing Griffin the best in the future. "He's my guy, I had the pleasure of being around him, sitting with him, getting to know him," Kevin Garnett said. "Any time somebody gets waived or loses their job, I'm saddened for that." Trial period? Wolves coach Randy Witt- man continues to push his team toward a possible playoff berth. And it's pretty clear the organization is taking a hard look at what happens down the stretch. On Monday Wittman lamented the demons that continue to haunt the team, a list that included sometimes selfish play and team members pouting over playing time. That might change as the team heads down the stretch. But if it doesn't? "That's what you look at at the end of the year," Witt- man said. "Who continually had demons come back and who didn't." After Tueday's shootaround, Garnett was asked if he agreed with Wittman that certain members of the team were thinking selfishly. Garnett managed to avoid indicting his teammates without clearing them of the charges. "We have a lot of different issues on this team, not just with players," Garnett said. "I think [Wittman] is trying to get everybody motivated and keep guys motivated. "Witt is very straight, to the point. He's a very stern guy, and he expects a lot. It doesn't surprise me. When he feels guys aren't doing certain things, he's going to call 'em on it and say something. So that's what it is." So does Garnett think Witt- man's words will serve as motivation? "I don't know what motivates us individually," he said. "Winning is the total motivation for myself. I can't speak for other people." Etc. ‧ Former Wolves assistant Johnnie Davis, now with the Pacers, said he disagreed with the Wolves' decision to fire Dwane Casey. "I thought Dwane Casey should have been allowed to stay with the team," Davis said. "I don't think that was the correct thing to do. They were doing OK. I think maybe the expectations were a little unrealistic. He's a good man and a good coach. He should have been allowed to finish the job." ‧ Forward Trenton Hassell (left ankle sprain) missed his fourth game. He is scheduled to go on the upcoming trip, but probably won't play until the tail end of it. ‧ Wittman was informed Tuesday that he will be inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, he will be with the team in Sacramento on March 21, the day of the ceremony. -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 59.114.199.17