Griffin, Wolves a good fit
Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:02 pm
Griffin, Wolves a good fit
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Twenty-three NBA teams besides the Timberwolves were interested in signing Eddie Griffin last August, Griffin's mentor, John Lucas, said Monday.
Among the reasons Griffin, who has been one of the Wolves' top three players the past 10 days, chose Minnesota is because of sensitivity in dealing with young players.
Kevin Garnett came to the Wolves out of high school, then became the NBA's most valuable player. The Wolves, behind owner Glen Taylor, vice president Kevin McHale and coach Flip Saunders, nurtured Garnett in the early years, Lucas said.
Lucas, a former NBA player, assistant coach, head coach and general manager, noticed how the Wolves brought Garnett along.
Garnett hasn't forgotten the care he received. When Griffin came to the Wolves, Garnett insisted that Griffin have his locker next to him.
"Eddie is a guy who needs an environment with structure and infrastructure, and the Wolves have that," Lucas said.
Griffin, just 23, has a history of substance abuse. Lucas provides aftercare.
"I knew about the work Glen and Kevin and Flip had done with the Timberwolves," Lucas said. "I knew how they worked out guys after practice to make them better, the attention they pay to knowing where their younger players are. And I've known (guard) Sam Cassell forever.
"It is all good, but let's cut through the chase," Lucas added. "Eddie was also perfect for what the Timberwolves needed. It was a good basketball marriage, a chance for him to play and not be in a losing situation."
The 6-foot-10, 232-pound Griffin is averaging 12.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots a game during the Wolves' five-game winning streak, and is fourth in NBA three-point accuracy (48.8 percent).
"I was a big part of Eddie choosing the Timberwolves, but it was Eddie who did the choosing, not me," Lucas said. "I talk to him on a daily basis. Basketball's never been Eddie Griffin's problem. He's playing good, but his issues are not basketball.
"I've followed Glen Taylor and the way he's done things, and I'm very impressed. I told Eddie that this is a guy who will have sensitivity to his situation. This is a business, but it's not all business."
After Lucas called McHale about the possibility of signing Griffin, McHale went to Houston to scout Griffin, then called Taylor.
"Kevin wanted to know if I were willing to take the risk," Taylor said Monday. "I've got 50,000 employees in my businesses, some who have been in treatment programs, and they've rehabbed and been great. I believe in second chances."
Griffin's play has caused the Wolves to stop thinking about luring Karl Malone to Minnesota if the future hall of fame free agent, recovering from a knee injury, decides to return to the NBA.
Griffin is being paid $720,000 on a one-year contract. There's been no talk of an extension. Griffin and the Wolves will evaluate each other at season's end.
"Eddie is fairly quiet, but he's also very straight forward," Taylor said. "He doesn't deny his past. He appreciates the support he's getting and the opportunity to play. Thus far, he's been a model citizen."
BY CHARLEY WALTERS
Pioneer Press
Twenty-three NBA teams besides the Timberwolves were interested in signing Eddie Griffin last August, Griffin's mentor, John Lucas, said Monday.
Among the reasons Griffin, who has been one of the Wolves' top three players the past 10 days, chose Minnesota is because of sensitivity in dealing with young players.
Kevin Garnett came to the Wolves out of high school, then became the NBA's most valuable player. The Wolves, behind owner Glen Taylor, vice president Kevin McHale and coach Flip Saunders, nurtured Garnett in the early years, Lucas said.
Lucas, a former NBA player, assistant coach, head coach and general manager, noticed how the Wolves brought Garnett along.
Garnett hasn't forgotten the care he received. When Griffin came to the Wolves, Garnett insisted that Griffin have his locker next to him.
"Eddie is a guy who needs an environment with structure and infrastructure, and the Wolves have that," Lucas said.
Griffin, just 23, has a history of substance abuse. Lucas provides aftercare.
"I knew about the work Glen and Kevin and Flip had done with the Timberwolves," Lucas said. "I knew how they worked out guys after practice to make them better, the attention they pay to knowing where their younger players are. And I've known (guard) Sam Cassell forever.
"It is all good, but let's cut through the chase," Lucas added. "Eddie was also perfect for what the Timberwolves needed. It was a good basketball marriage, a chance for him to play and not be in a losing situation."
The 6-foot-10, 232-pound Griffin is averaging 12.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots a game during the Wolves' five-game winning streak, and is fourth in NBA three-point accuracy (48.8 percent).
"I was a big part of Eddie choosing the Timberwolves, but it was Eddie who did the choosing, not me," Lucas said. "I talk to him on a daily basis. Basketball's never been Eddie Griffin's problem. He's playing good, but his issues are not basketball.
"I've followed Glen Taylor and the way he's done things, and I'm very impressed. I told Eddie that this is a guy who will have sensitivity to his situation. This is a business, but it's not all business."
After Lucas called McHale about the possibility of signing Griffin, McHale went to Houston to scout Griffin, then called Taylor.
"Kevin wanted to know if I were willing to take the risk," Taylor said Monday. "I've got 50,000 employees in my businesses, some who have been in treatment programs, and they've rehabbed and been great. I believe in second chances."
Griffin's play has caused the Wolves to stop thinking about luring Karl Malone to Minnesota if the future hall of fame free agent, recovering from a knee injury, decides to return to the NBA.
Griffin is being paid $720,000 on a one-year contract. There's been no talk of an extension. Griffin and the Wolves will evaluate each other at season's end.
"Eddie is fairly quiet, but he's also very straight forward," Taylor said. "He doesn't deny his past. He appreciates the support he's getting and the opportunity to play. Thus far, he's been a model citizen."
Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:07 pm
Griffin was a steal in free agency. Hopefully the Wolves can get him to stay (especially since they can only give him the full MLE).
But he will no doubt help our chances for a title this year.
But he will no doubt help our chances for a title this year.
Sun Dec 12, 2004 9:46 pm
It's good to see both sides benefiting from the signing, especially Eddie Griffin. Personal issues (especially substance abuse) have driven away their fair share of promising young talents, leading them to brief careers full of What Ifs.
Mon Dec 13, 2004 6:25 am
Yeah, NJ got a steal in the 2001 draft, trading Griffin for RJ, Armstrong and Collins. Houston was left with nothing
argh I picked up Eddie Griffin in fantaasy NBA on Yahoo and I used him for a couple games but I dropped him for Sprewell... now I want him back
argh I picked up Eddie Griffin in fantaasy NBA on Yahoo and I used him for a couple games but I dropped him for Sprewell... now I want him back
Mon Dec 13, 2004 4:06 pm
one of the few 'feel good stories' of the season. good job by both sides. a low risk move has turned into a high reward. the talent was always there. keep it up eddie!