T-wolves close in on deal with Strickland

[S. Smith]

T-wolves close in on deal with Strickland

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/articles/20021024/435190.html

October 24, 2002

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves were close to reaching an
agreement with free agent point guard Rod Strickland, his agent said
Thursday, a move that would add depth to Minnesota's injury-thinned
backcourt.

"It's getting close," agent Leon Rose said.

Terrell Brandon, recovering from February knee surgery, is out indefinitely
and guard Felipe Lopez will miss the season with torn ligaments in his left
knee.

The Timberwolves' season opener is Wednesday against Denver, and right now
they have only four healthy guards -- Troy Hudson, Kendall Gill, Anthony
Peeler and Igor Rakocevic. Maurice Evans and rookie Marcus Taylor,
Minnesota's second-round draft pick out of Michigan State, were waived
Thursday.

All-Star Wally Szczerbiak (toe) practiced Thursday, but he's not at full
strength yet, and Randy Livingston (ankle) didn't practice at all.

The Timberwolves are installing a faster-paced motion offense, and it would
take a newcomer time to pick it up. And then there's the issue of
Strickland's past.

Strickland, a 14-year veteran, averaged 10.4 points and 6.1 assists in a
productive, trouble-free season with Miami. But Strickland, 36, spent 10
days in jail after pleading guilty in April 2001 to driving under the
influence of alcohol as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.

He was arrested two years ago for refusing to leave a restaurant that was
being shut by fire marshals. Before that, Strickland was arrested four
times during five seasons with the Washington Wizards.

"It's got to be a comfortable fit for everybody," vice president of
basketball operations Kevin McHale said.

Because Strickland has more than 10 years experience, the T-wolves would
have to pay him at least the veteran's minimum salary of $1.03 million.

Kevin Garnett's agent, Andy Miller, was at practice Thursday. The two sides
are talking about a contract extension, but nothing is imminent. Garnett
has two years remaining on his $126 million deal.

Forward Joe Smith (groin) is also hurt and might not be ready for
Wednesday's opener.

"He's a little ways away," coach Flip Saunders said.