Author Topic: OH MY LORD!  (Read 1699 times)

Offline SPURSX3

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OH MY LORD!
« on: July 13, 2004, 08:35:23 AM »
By Kori Ellis
SpursZONE.com

When the clock strikes midnight on the East coast, the free agency signing period will officially begin. In the coming days, the San Antonio Spurs will ink Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen and newcomer Brent Barry to new contracts solidifying their roster.

With draft pick Beno Udrih and Barry’s ability to distribute, the Spurs also appear comfortable with their backup point guard situation. But the team still looks to make another key acquisition this summer by signing a reserve big man.

Over the past few days speculation has begun to grow about the possibility of seeing Karl Malone in a Spurs’ uniform next season. Malone is still mulling over retirement as he recovers from knee surgery. And even if he chooses to keep playing, the 40-year-old may follow Shaquille O’Neal to Miami or stay in Los Angeles. No one knows at this point where he’ll end up. But we do know this -- the Spurs are pursuing him.

Just as they were last summer, the San Antonio brass is interested in Malone’s services.

“I've talked to coach (Gregg) Popovich two or three times and (general manager) R.C. (Buford) one or two times,” Malone told the Express-News. “They call about every other day. I've had great dialogue with them.”

Though the Spurs seem to be sold on Malone’s ability to fit in with the team. How do Spurs fans feel?

Spurs fans despise Malone. His elbow knocked out The Admiral in 1998 and his Jazz knocked out the Spurs in 1994, 1996 and 1998. He’s been called everything from coat-tailer to cheater.

So what would it be like to have Malone in the Silver and Black? Would you still root for the Spurs? Would you still “hate” Malone if he were on the hometeam?

 
On the set of Walker Texas Ranger Chuck Norris brought a dying lamb back to life by nuzzling it with his beard. As the onlookers gathered, the lamb sprang to life. Chuck Norris then roundhouse kicked it, killing it instantly. The lesson? The good Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.

Offline SPURSX3

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OH MY LORD!
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2004, 08:43:27 AM »
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)."

 
On the set of Walker Texas Ranger Chuck Norris brought a dying lamb back to life by nuzzling it with his beard. As the onlookers gathered, the lamb sprang to life. Chuck Norris then roundhouse kicked it, killing it instantly. The lesson? The good Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.

Offline spursfan101

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OH MY LORD!
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2004, 09:50:10 AM »
I'll take him and welcome him as a Spur.  He's still productive, look at the D he played on Tim Duncan. DAMN THOSE BALL SLAPS!   (No X3 and WOW, not talking about those...)  :angry:  :D  
Paul

Offline SPURSX3

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OH MY LORD!
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2004, 10:05:06 AM »
Quote
I'll take him and welcome him as a Spur.  He's still productive, look at the D he played on Tim Duncan. DAMN THOSE BALL SLAPS!   (No X3 and WOW, not talking about those...)  :angry:  :D
i would accept him, but i wold also still feel the urge to boo him just for being who he is....i would be torn.... :alcohol:  
On the set of Walker Texas Ranger Chuck Norris brought a dying lamb back to life by nuzzling it with his beard. As the onlookers gathered, the lamb sprang to life. Chuck Norris then roundhouse kicked it, killing it instantly. The lesson? The good Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.

Offline WayOutWest

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OH MY LORD!
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2004, 10:17:19 AM »
I have not been a fan of Karl Malone throughout his career.  That didn't change when he joined the Lakers.  Malone was still a cheap shot artist while wearing the Purple and Gold.  Despite all that his heart and desire really helped the Lakers and there was no denying his tremendous positive impact he had no the team.

Seeing as the Lakers are going to be desmantled by the mere fact that they are letting Shaq go, I hope Malone does join the Spurs because IMO the Spurs/Wolves are the clear favorites to win it next year and I would like Malone to finally get his ring as a true contributor.

The scary thing is who knows what a motivated Shaq is capable of in the East.
"History shouldn't be a mystery"
"Our story is real history"
"Not his story"

"My people's culture was strong, it was pure"
"And if not for that white greed"
"It would've endured"

"Laker hate causes blindness"

Offline Reality

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OH MY LORD!
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2004, 10:20:03 AM »
Same as when he was considered for Spurs last year.

1st cheapshot and he's gone for 20 games.
2nd cheapshot kick his arse off the team.  Period.

I dont want an NBA title helped along by cheapery.

Beyond that great.  He can snap down some boards and offers O from short mid and almost long range.  That slappy D he played on Tim Dunker was bullcrap.  When the Laker refs finally put a stop to it Dunker toasted him.  Ditto with KG.
But even without the slaps his D sets the tone for teamates to play hard.

Pursuing Fisher tho is immoral.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2004, 10:27:01 AM by Reality »