Kori Ellis
12-27-2004, 02:10 AM
Spurs notebook: Malone on vacation, mulling his options
Web Posted: 12/27/2004 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA122704.5D.BKNspurs.notebook.484af810.html
The Spurs have not spoken with Karl Malone or his agent since he met with Los Angeles Lakers officials late last week.
Lakers owner Jerry Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak have offered Malone a front-office job if he decides to retire. Malone reportedly is weighing his decision while vacationing with his family in Louisiana.
Malone told the Riverside Press-Enterprise his meeting with the Lakers was productive, but said he still needed time to make his decision.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told Malone in their brief conversation 10 days ago they would be patient and work off his timetable.
"Karl would fit in everywhere," said Boston Celtics guard Gary Payton, who played with Malone last season in Los Angeles. "He's a great person. If he came here, it would just be a plus for them.
"It would be great for a great man to get in here, and he can still play. It would definitely increase their chances of winning a championship."
Big Al: Al Jefferson, Boston's 19-year-old man-child rookie forward, has turned out to be a pleasant surprise for the Celtics.
"I actually didn't expect him to be in uniform (this season)," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "Watching him this summer kind of opened my eyes a little bit that he might be able to help us. He just keeps coming on. He's a great surprise.
"When you look at our team with the way we've been playing, it makes you really like our future with him and KP (Kendrick Perkins)."
Injury update: Tim Duncan hurt his right index finger after Paul Pierce clubbed the ball out of his hands in the second quarter. He remained on the court and did not need X-rays after the game.
Malik Rose had to briefly leave the game in the first half to have the training staff mend a torn toenail. He later returned.
Web Posted: 12/27/2004 12:00 AM CST
Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA122704.5D.BKNspurs.notebook.484af810.html
The Spurs have not spoken with Karl Malone or his agent since he met with Los Angeles Lakers officials late last week.
Lakers owner Jerry Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak have offered Malone a front-office job if he decides to retire. Malone reportedly is weighing his decision while vacationing with his family in Louisiana.
Malone told the Riverside Press-Enterprise his meeting with the Lakers was productive, but said he still needed time to make his decision.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told Malone in their brief conversation 10 days ago they would be patient and work off his timetable.
"Karl would fit in everywhere," said Boston Celtics guard Gary Payton, who played with Malone last season in Los Angeles. "He's a great person. If he came here, it would just be a plus for them.
"It would be great for a great man to get in here, and he can still play. It would definitely increase their chances of winning a championship."
Big Al: Al Jefferson, Boston's 19-year-old man-child rookie forward, has turned out to be a pleasant surprise for the Celtics.
"I actually didn't expect him to be in uniform (this season)," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "Watching him this summer kind of opened my eyes a little bit that he might be able to help us. He just keeps coming on. He's a great surprise.
"When you look at our team with the way we've been playing, it makes you really like our future with him and KP (Kendrick Perkins)."
Injury update: Tim Duncan hurt his right index finger after Paul Pierce clubbed the ball out of his hands in the second quarter. He remained on the court and did not need X-rays after the game.
Malik Rose had to briefly leave the game in the first half to have the training staff mend a torn toenail. He later returned.