Post by KG4MVP on Jan 26, 2004 18:51:38 GMT -5
From the Orlando Sentinel:
As hard as they tried this summer, the Minnesota Timberwolves failed to land free agent Juwan Howard, who opted for the Orlando Magic instead.
Don't be surprised if they try again soon.
Although riding high atop the Midwest Division, the Timberwolves still want to beef up their frontcourt for upcoming playoff battles they will face in the Western Conference.
When Howard opted for the Magic, the Timberwolves instead signed center Michael Olowokandi, who hurt his right knee early this season and remains on the injured list after arthroscopic surgery.
Olowokandi, whom the Magic also wanted to sign last summer if they had received the NBA injury exception for Grant Hill, was the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft. He is a talented big man, which is hard to find today. He averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
He is expected to come off the injury list around the Feb. 13-15 all-star break, giving teams a little time to see him play before the Feb. 19 trading deadline. At 7 feet and 270 pounds and with good athleticism, he has the skills to dominate in the East.
The 'Wolves, though, haven't been thrilled with his intensity and work ethic and are likely to leave Ervin Johnson as the starting center and Oliver Miller as the backup. Howard, they believe, would fit better as another frontcourt addition at all three spots.
Remember, it was Kevin Garnett of the 'Wolves who was calling Howard last summer, even up to the final day before he signed with Orlando, trying to persuade him to play in Minnesota.
Magic General Manager John Gabriel wouldn't comment on any trade speculation with Minnesota, although Howard said he would not be surprised if he were traded. The 'Wolves aren't the only team that has inquired about Howard.
With Howard in the starting lineup here, the Magic have had to move younger power forward Drew Gooden into a reserve role, which doesn't thrill him.
"I love it here in Orlando. My family does, too. That's why I came here. It's a great organization, but I also understand the business," Howard, 30, said Sunday. "The Magic are in a bit of a Catch-22 right now. They might feel like they have to trade an older guy like me."
As hard as they tried this summer, the Minnesota Timberwolves failed to land free agent Juwan Howard, who opted for the Orlando Magic instead.
Don't be surprised if they try again soon.
Although riding high atop the Midwest Division, the Timberwolves still want to beef up their frontcourt for upcoming playoff battles they will face in the Western Conference.
When Howard opted for the Magic, the Timberwolves instead signed center Michael Olowokandi, who hurt his right knee early this season and remains on the injured list after arthroscopic surgery.
Olowokandi, whom the Magic also wanted to sign last summer if they had received the NBA injury exception for Grant Hill, was the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft. He is a talented big man, which is hard to find today. He averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds last season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
He is expected to come off the injury list around the Feb. 13-15 all-star break, giving teams a little time to see him play before the Feb. 19 trading deadline. At 7 feet and 270 pounds and with good athleticism, he has the skills to dominate in the East.
The 'Wolves, though, haven't been thrilled with his intensity and work ethic and are likely to leave Ervin Johnson as the starting center and Oliver Miller as the backup. Howard, they believe, would fit better as another frontcourt addition at all three spots.
Remember, it was Kevin Garnett of the 'Wolves who was calling Howard last summer, even up to the final day before he signed with Orlando, trying to persuade him to play in Minnesota.
Magic General Manager John Gabriel wouldn't comment on any trade speculation with Minnesota, although Howard said he would not be surprised if he were traded. The 'Wolves aren't the only team that has inquired about Howard.
With Howard in the starting lineup here, the Magic have had to move younger power forward Drew Gooden into a reserve role, which doesn't thrill him.
"I love it here in Orlando. My family does, too. That's why I came here. It's a great organization, but I also understand the business," Howard, 30, said Sunday. "The Magic are in a bit of a Catch-22 right now. They might feel like they have to trade an older guy like me."
