http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/basketball/10355334.htm 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."
I don't want to sound like I am picking at Deuce as I find him a poster I like reading but..... What else were the Rockets to do? From all that I have read, this kid showed no indication that he was going to get his **** together and fly right. And like someone else said in another Griffin thread, Rudy T didn't even WANT the guy. That right there speaks volumes to me. Kudos to the Wolves for taking a gamble on him and so far it has worked out for them. However, I am curious to see if we will still be talking about Eddie Griffin 4 years from now. My bet is that we won't and if we are, then I will be the first to eat crow. It is obvious that he is playing with a chip on his shoulder, but will that chip still be there 2, 3, 4 years from now?
Actually, the contrary is true. Rudy DID want him to join the Lakers but Griffin, as stated above, choose the Wolves for other reasons. If you look at the Lakers roster where would Griffin get minutes? They have Odom, Grant, Slava, and now Brian Cook is seeing big minutes and actually is producing offensively like Griffin. Griffin probably saw the logjam and went elsewhere. If we are still talking about him, chances are I am still throwing up articles about him. And those that dont like Griffin....they can choose not to read the articles.
Well I am not a fan of players that are quitters. And that is what he did on the Rockets - he quit on them. Great that he is doing well now and that people like you that are still carrying the torch for him are happy about it, but I am telling you it won't last.
Who needs him at $720,000?!? We have Charlie Ward for $5,000,000 baby!!! Seriously, I hope he does well and kicks ass. But its just too sad to read about Griffin doing well for another team. Do we really need a powerforward that can rebound, block shots, shoot threes and score in double digits consistently? Freakin r****ded ass Van Gundy.
Even though it was a Wolves loss against Dallas. Griffin's numbers off the bench. E. Griffin -- 23mins -- 5-8FGs -- 3-5 3pts -- 7rbs -- 2blks -- 14 pts
I'm shocked as all hell how well he seems to be playing, considering the guy barely showed us jack when he was here. But - the decision to cut him loose had to be made, he was a criminal who quite on his team, and was a distraction. He was even worse in NJ. He had to hit rock bottom and then start over - which I guess he did after he started drunkenly assaulting hotel guests in Newark. Anyway, his rebirth wasn't going to happen with the Rockets. He needed a fresh start in a new city.
Maybe you are right, and maybe you are wrong. I would have kept him on the suspended list and not given up. Oh well, I guess Minnesota is happy we let him go for nothing. DD
Stop saying that. As well as he's played so far this season, he still doesn't look as good as he did in Dec/Jan of his rookie year.
As the article said, Minnesota has a good suppporting system while the Rox apparently does not have. The guy has been in trouble before, why did he deterioiate like this at the beginning of last year? well, one explanation is that last year when Rox let Rudy go, there is a vacuum in the Rox organization, EG basically was left to do his own stuff. As a matter of fact, even Yao was left to do his own stuff and he was reported terribly out of shape at the beginning of last season.
FYI, Tonight in the Wolves vs Philly game so far here is Griffin's line right now in the 2nd quarter. E. Griffin -- 17pts (5-7 3ptrs), 5rbs, 4 assists in 16 mins of play. Wonder what he will end up with at the end of the game?