Big Al Jefferson cashed in at the 11th hour, agreeing
to a five-year deal with the Timberwolves for $65 million. The deal
starts at $11 million in 2008-09 and rises $1 million annually for the
five years. As if that’s not enough, an industry source indicated there
also are bonuses that could add another $1 million per year to the
salary, although the league has deemed them not likely to be attained.
Unlikely bonuses are usually things like playoff bonuses, viewed as
unlikely given Minnesota’s performance last year (and, most likely,
this year as well).
to a five-year deal with the Timberwolves for $65 million. The deal
starts at $11 million in 2008-09 and rises $1 million annually for the
five years. As if that’s not enough, an industry source indicated there
also are bonuses that could add another $1 million per year to the
salary, although the league has deemed them not likely to be attained.
Unlikely bonuses are usually things like playoff bonuses, viewed as
unlikely given Minnesota’s performance last year (and, most likely,
this year as well).
Britt Robson/On The Ball comments on the last two games. Also:
Sound observations from others: Jim Petersen commented about how
sluggish the pace became when Marko Jaric subbed in as point guard for
Telfair. Pete also ripped Jaric for perpetualy whining attitude and
unhappiness over his role on the team. And KFAN/Vikings/Canterbury
voice Paul Allen pointed out the nastier enforcement edge the Wolves
seemed to be adopting after a flagrant foul by Jaric was followed by a
hard foul by Buckner.
sluggish the pace became when Marko Jaric subbed in as point guard for
Telfair. Pete also ripped Jaric for perpetualy whining attitude and
unhappiness over his role on the team. And KFAN/Vikings/Canterbury
voice Paul Allen pointed out the nastier enforcement edge the Wolves
seemed to be adopting after a flagrant foul by Jaric was followed by a
hard foul by Buckner.
The Wolves placed the injured Randy Foye and Mark Madsen and rookie
Chris Richard on their inactive list for the game. Madsen has practiced
with the team fully for almost a week and Wittman said his game return
from summer shoulder surgery is "around the corner."He’s another guy
who brings energy," Wittman said.
Chris Richard on their inactive list for the game. Madsen has practiced
with the team fully for almost a week and Wittman said his game return
from summer shoulder surgery is "around the corner."He’s another guy
who brings energy," Wittman said.
Antoine Walker talks to Bob Sansevere/Pioneer Press about being a "big fried chicken guy," stealing honey buns from a store as a child, and his former coach:
(Miami Heat coach) Pat Riley is a real
stickler for body fat. It’s a different kind of system he runs. I was
very disappointed that it got out in a negative light like that, that
people would think I would come into camp out of shape. (Riley
suspended Walker briefly last season over his body fat measurement, and
he held Walker out of the first day of training camp last month for the
same thing.)
stickler for body fat. It’s a different kind of system he runs. I was
very disappointed that it got out in a negative light like that, that
people would think I would come into camp out of shape. (Riley
suspended Walker briefly last season over his body fat measurement, and
he held Walker out of the first day of training camp last month for the
same thing.)
Stephen Litel/Hoopsworld interviewed Ryan Gomes before Friday’s home opener.
Timberwolves Today has posted episode #5 of the Kissing Marney Gellner podcast.
Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman said he can’t
imagine what New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas is dealing with. But
Wittman told Thomas, a longtime friend, before Sunday night’s game that
he is there for him.Wittman and Thomas played two seasons together in
college at Indiana, winning a national championship in 1981. Their ties
run strong.
imagine what New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas is dealing with. But
Wittman told Thomas, a longtime friend, before Sunday night’s game that
he is there for him.Wittman and Thomas played two seasons together in
college at Indiana, winning a national championship in 1981. Their ties
run strong.
Marcus Thompson II/Contra Costa Times on owner Glen Taylor’s recent interview with the Pioneer Press:
Taylor’s execution left a
little to be desired, but the idea was one that should be adopted by
all owners. Never mind that Garnett, Saunders and Billups may have
different memories — "Yeah," Billups told the Detroit News, "I don’t
remember it happening like that." — the fact that Taylor was willing
to at least give his side of what happened is nothing short of
refreshing.
little to be desired, but the idea was one that should be adopted by
all owners. Never mind that Garnett, Saunders and Billups may have
different memories — "Yeah," Billups told the Detroit News, "I don’t
remember it happening like that." — the fact that Taylor was willing
to at least give his side of what happened is nothing short of
refreshing.
“Absolutely, this is the best place to play,” Wolves coach Randy
Wittman as he surveyed the empty sections of differently colored seats
at the team’s morning shootaround. “No better setting to play in here,
no better place to win in here. Nothing like it.”
Wittman as he surveyed the empty sections of differently colored seats
at the team’s morning shootaround. “No better setting to play in here,
no better place to win in here. Nothing like it.”