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Timberwolves: McHale offers perspective on prospects, perceptions
Steve Aschburner
Last update: June 05, 2006 – 5:59 AM
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Timberwolves
Timberwolves: McHale offers perspective on prospects, perceptions
This is for all of those people questioning whether or not KG will be a wolf next year
Q Even if the fans were patient and you were willing to stick around for another 11 years, wouldn't this franchise have a clock ticking on Kevin Garnett's career?
A We're very aware. I've talked to KG about that, and we want to build around Kevin as much as we can. That means you've got to be cognizant of how many young guys vs. guys in their prime, and different things.
Q So does a lottery pick fit with building around Garnett?
A If you're being honest with yourself, you say that lottery pick may not play a lot next year. I'd be surprised if we get, at [No. 6], a player as ready to play mentally and physically as Rashad [McCants] was at [No. 14] last year. He just had to learn the NBA game and he played much better down the stretch.
Q Wouldn't an established veteran -- someone you could get by trading the pick, say Al Harrington or Jamaal Magloire -- fit better?
A Those guys are under contract. I can't talk about them. But of course there's a point where you say, this player would be way better for our team for the next four or five years than that rookie. Then you make the [trade] decision.
Q Garnett voiced frustration late in the season and didn't play in the final six games. What is his mood these days?
A Kevin wants to win. Kevin is very competitive. The last conversation we had -- about a week ago, he came in for a couple of hours and we talked -- he said he understands where we're at with this team and how, hopefully, a piece or two could make a real difference.
Q When other GMs call up and ask about Garnett, how do you respond?
A We're not trading Kevin Garnett.
Q You say that before you hear what they're offering?
A Well, yeah, because the teams that would call up have nothing I would trade him for anyway. We're not going to trade Kevin Garnett.[/url]