Wolves wants Mailman

Andrew Wrote:

KG can certainly play at small forward allowing the Mailman to start, but I don't think it's a given that he would start should he go to Minnesota. Depending on his health, he might be more effective in spurts and as such, might be forced to come off the bench at least some of the time.

Well put Andrew. It would make sense but I think it is a pride thing. If you were an 18 time allstar, would you come of the bench? I think this may be a prob for teams to aquire him since, as a coach, he would be better maybe 15-20 a game.

Andrew Wrote:

KG can certainly play at small forward allowing the Mailman to start, but I don't think it's a given that he would start should he go to Minnesota. Depending on his health, he might be more effective in spurts and as such, might be forced to come off the bench at least some of the time.

Well put Andrew. It would make sense but I think it is a pride thing. If you were an 18 time allstar, would you come of the bench? I think this may be a prob for teams to aquire him since, as a coach, he would be better maybe 15-20 a game.

Some player can do anything to win a title, even when you have a big ego, turn in minutes to play behind the teams superstar on the bench. But to be honest, I think Malone cares more about the scoring title then the championship.

Mr.T

Some player can do anything to win a title, even when you have a big ego, turn in minutes to play behind the teams superstar on the bench. But to be honest, I think Malone cares more about the scoring title then the championship.

I couldn't agree with you more. I think he realizes that a championship may elude him so his eyes are on the scoring title.

Yo, Mr.T! Do you think this will effect where he goes. Maybe a shitty team so he can put up some numbers?

Well put Andrew. It would make sense but I think it is a pride thing. If you were an 18 time allstar, would you come of the bench? I think this may be a prob for teams to aquire him since, as a coach, he would be better maybe 15-20 a game.

Malone's actually a 14 time All-Star (including two games in which he was selected as an All-Star but was unable to play), but the point remains the same and I do agree with what you're saying - the classy/traditional course of action would be to start Malone even if he's not going to be the Mailman we're used to.

However, it wouldn't be unprecedented. During his brief comeback in 1996, Magic Johnson started only 9 of the 32 games he appeared in. Michael Jordan came off the bench for the first 15 games of his final campaign before it became obvious that it wasn't an effective strategy. Olajuwon and Ewing both spent a lot of time on the bench in their final seasons. Right or wrong, it does happen and tradition is often pushed aside.

Andrew Wrote:

However, it wouldn't be unprecedented. During his brief comeback in 1996, Magic Johnson started only 9 of the 32 games he appeared in. Michael Jordan came off the bench for the first 15 games of his final campaign before it became obvious that it wasn't an effective strategy. Olajuwon and Ewing both spent a lot of time on the bench in their final seasons. Right or wrong, it does happen and tradition is often pushed aside.

Forgot about that!!!! LOL

i think you're right andrew. i know he's expected to be their leader, and leadership doesn't necessarily mean on-court. it's prolly more realistic to expect him off the bench, give the team the added boost, in confidence, scoring, maturity, etc., especially when some of the players start trying to do things on their own or going on shooting slumps.

besides, if you keep pushing karl to play extended minutes, as a starter and all, wouldn't that be harmful for one as old as he? admit it-- the guy's 41 yrs old. if you push his body, it night even just lead to an extended injury or early retirement, at the worst.

just thinking...

Ultimately, it depends on which combination works and whether Malone is willing to come off the bench when another team would give him the starting spot and the minutes he desires. If Malone is willing to come off the bench, the Timberwolves could do that most of the time.

If a combination of Malone at PF with KG at the SF spot works and Malone's health permits, they might opt for that lineup. Or they might still start Sprewell and Hassell, bringing Malone in around midway through the first, taking out Hassell and moving KG to SF and Spree to SG. If Malone's prepared to accept any role, there's plenty of combinations they could try until they find one that is most successful.

What about Szerbiak?

It just depends on what he wants the most.It would be nice to see him with the Wolves.He wants the scorin record and a ring.Gotta decide playa