NBA | Timberwolves waive troubled Eddie Griffin
MINNEAPOLIS - The Timberwolves waived Eddie Griffin yesterday, ending the forward's tumultuous three seasons in Minnesota. The 6-foot-10 Griffin appeared in just 13 games for the Wolves this season and had not played since Dec. 13.
MINNEAPOLIS - The Timberwolves waived Eddie Griffin yesterday, ending the forward's tumultuous three seasons in Minnesota.
The 6-foot-10 Griffin appeared in just 13 games for the Wolves this season and had not played since Dec. 13.
The fifth-year veteran, a Roman Catholic graduate and former seventh overall draft pick, has battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. He was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program.
Griffin signed a three-year, $8.1 million contract extension before last season, when he appeared to be turning around his career.
His first two years in the NBA with Houston and New Jersey included a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices - including time spent in the Betty Ford Center for alcohol treatment in 2003-04.
Griffin signed with the Wolves as a free agent before the 2004 season.
He put up some big numbers on occasion with the Wolves, but he continued to get into trouble off the court.
Griffin pleaded guilty this season to inattentive driving after hitting a parked car in Minneapolis. Then came his suspension.
Wolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale declined further comment to the media on Tuesday night, but alluded in his statement that the team reached a financial settlement with Griffin.
"He will be a free agent next year," McHale said.
Bobcats' coach won't return. Michael Jordan, part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, said yesterday that Bernie Bickerstaff will not return as coach next season, although he will complete this one. He will be invited to stay with the team and remains an "integral part" of the franchise.
"I want him involved," Jordan said of Bickerstaff, who is also the team's general manager.
Owner Bob Johnson indicated Jordan will have sole authority to hire the new coach.
Bogut apologizes for gesture. Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut apologized yesterday for getting "caught up in the heat of the moment" and making an obscene gesture toward the home crowd while leaving the court.
Bogut may face disciplinary action from the NBA for the outburst, which came near the end of the Bucks' 108-93 loss to Toronto on Monday.
Last night's games
Nuggets 107, Trail Blazers 99
DENVER - Allen Iverson had 31 points and 10 assists, and Carmelo Anthony added 29 points Denver's win over Portland.
Cavaliers 124, Kings 100
CLEVELAND - Sasha Pavlovic scored 25 points and Larry Hughes added 25 to lead Cleveland over Sacramento.
Heat 88, Jazz 86
MIAMI - Antoine Walker scored all of his 13 points in the final 11 minutes as Miami erased a 17-point second-half deficit to beat Utah.
Timberwolves 86, Pacers 81
MINNEAPOLIS - Kevin Garnett had 30 points and nine rebounds to carry Minnesota to victory over Indiana.
Spurs 93, Clippers 84
SAN ANTONIO - Tony Parker scored 25 points as San Antonio beat Los Angeles for the Spurs' 13th straight victory.
Nets 112, Hornets 108
OKLAHOMA CITY - Vince Carter hit the go-ahead free throws with 21 seconds left as New Jersey beat New Orleans.
Bulls 95, Celtics 87
CHICAGO - Rookie Tyrus Thomas scored 23 points to lead Chicago past Boston.