Dex
02-06-2005, 02:26 PM
Malone, Spurs meet to discuss his plans
Web Posted: 02/06/2005 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
Karl Malone met with Spurs forward Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich in San Antonio on Saturday, leaving open the possibility he might sign with the team.
Malone had been at his Arkansas ranch and was driving home to Newport Beach, Calif., when he stopped to visit with Spurs officials.
The meeting ended without any commitment from Malone, who still is debating whether to play this season.
Though Popovich did not press him for a decision, Malone is respectful of the Spurs' desire not to prolong the talks much past the Feb. 20 All-Star Game. He also expressed interest in reaching a decision soon.
Malone underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on June 29 and still is trying to determine whether he is physically and emotionally ready to play even a short season. The Spurs will have 30 games remaining after the All-Star break.
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford and Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, helped arrange Saturday's meeting to give Popovich and Duncan an opportunity to visit in person with Malone.
Malone still may retire, but he appeared to enjoy his visit with them. Though the Spurs have tried to sign Malone since the summer of 2003, Buford is the only member of the organization to have visited with him at length before Saturday.
Popovich has said he will not guarantee Malone a starting job or a set amount of minutes — the same policy he has kept with each of his players. Malone seemed to appreciate Popovich's honesty.
Almost two weeks ago, Manley told the Los Angeles Times the 41-year-old forward was leaning toward retiring. Others who have spoken with Malone in the past month thought the same.
To sign Malone, the Spurs first would have to open a roster spot by trading or waiving another player — further reason for him to reach a decision by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. The Spurs are limited to offering him the 10-year veteran's minimum of $1.1 million, pro-rated by the number of games left in the season.
Popovich said Thursday the team likely was getting close to a cutoff date for signing Malone, but stressed he still was interested in him.
Malone is famous for keeping his body in great shape, though the Spurs do not know how much, if any, basketball he has played recently. They especially value his toughness and were impressed with how he defended Duncan in last season's playoffs.
"Who wouldn't want him?" Popovich said. "He's a leader. He's got the whole package."
Malone has been known to change his mind several times when weighing a tough decision. Shortly before training camp, he said he would play for only the Lakers, if he played at all.
After Kobe Bryant accused Malone of flirting with his wife, Malone said he no longer wanted to play with his former teammate. He also has resisted the Lakers' offer of a front-office job.
Several teams have expressed interest in signing Malone, including Miami and Minnesota, but he has seemed most receptive to the Spurs. Malone has never won a championship in his 19-year career, and the Spurs could afford him that opportunity.
Malone was one of the Spurs' biggest rivals during his 18 seasons in Utah. He invited the wrath of local fans during the 1997-98 season when he knocked David Robinson unconscious with an elbow to the head.
On the day Robinson cleaned out his locker for the final time, he was asked who might fit well as his replacement. Said Robinson: "Karl Malone, I guess."
Web Posted: 02/06/2005 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
Karl Malone met with Spurs forward Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich in San Antonio on Saturday, leaving open the possibility he might sign with the team.
Malone had been at his Arkansas ranch and was driving home to Newport Beach, Calif., when he stopped to visit with Spurs officials.
The meeting ended without any commitment from Malone, who still is debating whether to play this season.
Though Popovich did not press him for a decision, Malone is respectful of the Spurs' desire not to prolong the talks much past the Feb. 20 All-Star Game. He also expressed interest in reaching a decision soon.
Malone underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on June 29 and still is trying to determine whether he is physically and emotionally ready to play even a short season. The Spurs will have 30 games remaining after the All-Star break.
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford and Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, helped arrange Saturday's meeting to give Popovich and Duncan an opportunity to visit in person with Malone.
Malone still may retire, but he appeared to enjoy his visit with them. Though the Spurs have tried to sign Malone since the summer of 2003, Buford is the only member of the organization to have visited with him at length before Saturday.
Popovich has said he will not guarantee Malone a starting job or a set amount of minutes — the same policy he has kept with each of his players. Malone seemed to appreciate Popovich's honesty.
Almost two weeks ago, Manley told the Los Angeles Times the 41-year-old forward was leaning toward retiring. Others who have spoken with Malone in the past month thought the same.
To sign Malone, the Spurs first would have to open a roster spot by trading or waiving another player — further reason for him to reach a decision by the Feb. 24 trade deadline. The Spurs are limited to offering him the 10-year veteran's minimum of $1.1 million, pro-rated by the number of games left in the season.
Popovich said Thursday the team likely was getting close to a cutoff date for signing Malone, but stressed he still was interested in him.
Malone is famous for keeping his body in great shape, though the Spurs do not know how much, if any, basketball he has played recently. They especially value his toughness and were impressed with how he defended Duncan in last season's playoffs.
"Who wouldn't want him?" Popovich said. "He's a leader. He's got the whole package."
Malone has been known to change his mind several times when weighing a tough decision. Shortly before training camp, he said he would play for only the Lakers, if he played at all.
After Kobe Bryant accused Malone of flirting with his wife, Malone said he no longer wanted to play with his former teammate. He also has resisted the Lakers' offer of a front-office job.
Several teams have expressed interest in signing Malone, including Miami and Minnesota, but he has seemed most receptive to the Spurs. Malone has never won a championship in his 19-year career, and the Spurs could afford him that opportunity.
Malone was one of the Spurs' biggest rivals during his 18 seasons in Utah. He invited the wrath of local fans during the 1997-98 season when he knocked David Robinson unconscious with an elbow to the head.
On the day Robinson cleaned out his locker for the final time, he was asked who might fit well as his replacement. Said Robinson: "Karl Malone, I guess."