Reply With Quote
Garnett, Davis benchings draw NBA's attention
League unlikely to penalize Wolves, though
BY RICK ALONZO
Pioneer Press
The NBA on Monday began looking into the Timberwolves' use, or lack thereof, of Kevin Garnett and Ricky Davis.
Garnett and Davis, Minnesota's top two scorers, didn't accompany the team on a three-game road trip that begins tonight at Memphis. That makes it more likely that the veterans have been shut down for the season.
With the Wolves' final five games against teams in the playoff hunt, the NBA is worried about compe ive balance.
The league review is unlikely to produce any penalties. The reason: the new active/inactive list policy. Teams can essentially place any player on the inactive list.
In the past, teams needed a legitimate medical reason to place players on the injured list.
Garnett and Davis didn't play in Sunday's home game, Minnesota's 84-83 victory over Atlanta, with the official reasons being listed as medical for both Garnett (right knee tendinitis) and Davis (left groin).
The Wolves were eliminated from playoff contention last week.
Minnesota coach Dwane Casey has denied trying to protect the team's conditional first-round pick, which will go to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of last summer's Marko Jaric trade if the Wolves don't draft in the top 10 after the NBA lottery is determined in May. The more losses, the better the odds of picking high.
Briefly: The Wolves called up rookie guard Bracey Wright from the Florida Flame of the Development League. He was slated to travel with the team for the road trip, with Casey planning to play Wright down the stretch this season.
Veteran guard Anthony Carter (sore right foot) didn't take the team flight. It's doubtful he will play in any of the five remaining games.
Wolves special assistant and former guard Fred Hoiberg spent three days at the Portsmouth Invitational doing some unofficial scouting for the team.
He said he's considering joining Minnesota's front office, perhaps in time for next season. But he said he hasn't decided to retire from his playing career and said there's a chance he still might play again. He had heart surgery in June.
!
