Lakers' Malone talking to Spurs
Web Posted: 07/13/2004 12:00 AM CDT
Mike Monroe
San Antonio Express-News
Karl Malone sounds like a man itching to become a Spur.
Declaring that the biggest obstacle to signing on with the Spurs isn't the money they have — or don't have — to offer him, but his own desire to be "100-Karl Malone percent" after surgery to repair a torn right knee ligament, Malone said that since he became a free agent on July 1 he has had productive talks about joining the Spurs.
"Without a doubt I'm serious (about the Spurs)," Malone said by phone Monday evening. "I'm past the game-playing. It's not like going to college and you want to talk to every team interested. That's not my intention. If I want to continue to play I'd definitely like to be closer to back home."
Malone has a ranch in El Dorado, Ark., and grew up in Louisiana.
"I've had serious dialogue with them, and more than once," Malone said. "I've talked to coach (Gregg) Popovich two or three times and (general manager) R.C. (Buford) one or two times. They call about every other day. I've had great dialogue with them."
Stressing that he won't make a decision about continuing his career until he is satisfied, in his own mind, that he can be entirely effective, Malone has begun rehabilitating his damaged knee. He first injured his knee early in the regular season, then re-injured it during Game 2 of the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Finals series against the Detroit Pistons.
His doctors already have authorized him to ride an exercise bike, and Malone said it would not take him long to get back into the kind of legendary playing condition that has characterized a 19-year career during which he became the No. 2 scorer in NBA history.
However, until he is certain in his own mind that he can be in top form, he won't commit to returning to the game for any team.
"You know it don't take me long, really," Malone said of his efforts to get himself ready for the pounding of another long NBA season. "Right now I just need to be smart about my rehab and not try to do anything like Superman. Just take time and heal up, But if it's not my 100 percent, then I walk away. That's how I am. I won't cheat myself or my family or my fans.
"If it happens to be I'm in San Antonio, I won't cheat those great fans. I'll give it everything I got. Everything has to fall in line for it to work."
After 18 seasons in Utah, Malone last season signed on as a free agent with the Lakers, taking the $1.5 million exception for a chance to play alongside center Shaquille O'Neal and guard Kobe Bryant.
This summer, he watched as the franchise he had hoped would bring him his first NBA title dismantled the unit he volunteered to be part of, dismissing coach Phil Jackson and agreeing to trade O'Neal to the Miami Heat.
"I've just watched everything pan out with Shaq," Malone said. "I don't know what the right word is. Not disappointed, but kind of interesting.
"You need to know this: I came here (Los Angeles) to play with Shaquille and Kobe. I really did, and I don't think that's a secret. For them to basically say one of them is not going to be here, or possibly neither one, that's why I have the luxury to go either way. I could say, 'Thanks, I don't care to play anyway.'
"But you're around people you talk to, and I have talked to coach Pop a couple times, and it's been refreshing to hear his sincerity. It really has."
The Spurs tried to lure Malone when he became a free agent last summer. When the Spurs told Malone they first needed to see if they could entice New Jersey point guard Jason Kidd before making him a firm offer, he thanked them for their candor and turned his attention to the Lakers.
Malone has followed the moves the Spurs have made thus far this summer, reaching agreement with Manu Ginobili and Bruce Bowen about resigning and agreeing with Seattle guard Brent Barry about joining the team.
The Spurs won't know whether they will be able to offer Malone or another big man much more than $1.5 million until the league announces the salary cap tonight. They also have not ruled out trying to sign Argentine forward Luis Scola or re-signing Robert Horry, who also may get an offer to join O'Neal in Miami.
"I like the moves they've made," Malone said. "But I also think if it is one of those things that if it does work out, I don't want to be sort of a hired gun. I want to be able to contribute and really be a part of it. If I am going to play I want a legitimate opportunity.
"We've had some really good dialogues. The way they were straightforward with me last year, coach Pop, it just wasn't one of those situations that worked out. But I've loved hearing what they've had to say (this summer)."
