Saturday, December 16, 2006
I wanted to thank Adam for his comment (see below).  His input poses a great question about our locker room dynamics.

Is anyone in the lockeroom hurt from ticket's [Kevin Garnett's] excitement over the chance to bring in [Allen iverson]?   

10:16:01 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

Yeah, I can see how you might wonder what it would be like for any timberwolves players to turn on the T.V. or read ESPN.com and hear KG saying that he wants A.I. in Minnesota.  Because by deduction, that means that someone (or many players) from the Timberwolves has to get shipped out.

I really don't think there was much of an upset feeling in the locker room over it.  The main thing is that this is one of those rare moments when a superstar is being shopped around the league.  Allen Iverson getting traded is right up there with Shaq being traded from the Lakers to the Heat.  All of us know how good A.I. is so I don't think any of us took it as anything more than the "business side of basketball."  The other thing is that KG is such a great teammate and stand-up guy that he always speaks from his heart.  He's just as likely to tell us the same thing behind closed doors that he tells the media. That's one of the reasons why everyone respects him so much.

I sit next to Mark Blount on the plane trips.  He and I were talking about the Allen Iverson thing and Blount basically said that Allen is such a special talent that our organization really has to look at the trade scenario. 

I guess the good news for us is that it really looks like Denver is going to win out on the A.I. thing.   They have two draft picks in 2007 and Philly really wants those picks.  The other thing is that I don't think there is any way that the Timberwolves organization is going to trade Randy Foye or Craig Smith. That's who Philly really wanted from us anyway.   I'd like to see these two young guys filling up the Target Center for many years to come.

12/16/2006 5:07:18 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)  #    Comments [8]
12/17/2006 10:58:16 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
Mark - Keep up the great information on this blog. I love reading about the inside things that go on with an NBA team, things that make it into the press, what guys talk about relating to trades, and the like. I know how busy you have to be, so I'm amazed you have (and make) the time to read the blog postings, and make your own entries. Guess it's all about time management.
12/17/2006 11:00:39 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
I can understand why Garnett would be giddy over Iverson. I think most NBA players when they reach a certain point in there career start to wonder if they'll ever get a chance at a championship, and Iverson would certainly help K.G's chances.
How 'bout that brawl last night! Do you think Stern will come down hard on them? I think it's just part of the game, and although I expect them to be suspended, but I hope Stern doesn't get too crazy with his ruling.
12/17/2006 10:11:50 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
I agree. KG is probably thinking of the best chance he might have for winning a ring. He's a big time player, and isn't getting any younger.

Mark, what do other NBA players think when they see a brawl like the other night?
12/17/2006 11:47:00 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
Yes, you can definately expect KG to be excited over having his name mentioned as a possible teamate. It's just that part the business when it comes to basketball. Hopefully that brawl the nuggests have will put the Nuggets in such a big slump that they abandon the AI trade and Minnesota steps up in aquiring him.
12/18/2006 12:59:35 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
You sit next to Mark Blount on planes, very interesting. What are your thoughts on Blount? He's typically been labeled an underacheiver with a bad attitude, something never associated with you. Any thoughts?
12/18/2006 3:04:40 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
Mark,

With the word that just came down from Stern that Melo would be suspended for 15 games, are you surprised? Do you think that the punishment fits the "crime"? Do you think that he (and/or the others) should have gotten harsher suspensions and/or fines? And, lastly, do you think that the Nuggets and the Knicks should also fine their players that were involved?

Thanks and Happy Holidays.
12/19/2006 3:05:12 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
What about the Lakers? It seems they also have enough young talent to acquire AI. What's your thoughts Mark?
9/24/2008 1:31:30 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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