Monday, October 1, 2007

The Knicks kept tinkering with their roster two days before training camp, acquiring the draft rights to Jared Jordan yesterday and working toward a buyout of Dan Dickau's contract.

The Knicks traded cash considerations to the Clippers in a deal that sends last season's NCAA assists leader back to New York. The Clippers took Jordan with the 45th pick in the NBA draft.

Jordan averaged 17.2 points and 8.7 assists last season for Marist, becoming the first player to lead Division I in assists for two consecutive seasons since Avery Johnson in 1987-88. Jordan then performed well in the Orlando predraft camp to play his way into the draft.

Jordan could compete for a backup point guard spot that will become open once the Knicks have completed their buyout of Dickau, who was acquired from Portland in the Zach Randolph trade in June. Dickau isn't expected to be in camp when it opens tomorrow in Charleston, S.C.

¿ BIG HOLE IN MINNESOTA: In many ways, the first day of training camp for the Timberwolves was like so many that came before it.

Coaches hollered instruction. Players gasped for air during conditioning drills. Optimism abounded. But someone was certainly missing.

For the first time in 13 seasons, Kevin Garnett isn't here. The Timberwolves traded him to Boston in July, but it wasn't until Saturday's training camp opener in Minneapolis that the news truly set in.

"When it happened, I was in shock," Timberwolves G Randy Foye said. "I always thought that I would at least get two or three years to play with him. You hear the rumors, but I was just like, 'It won't happen.'

"Then it happened, and I was still like, 'Nah. That can't be right.' "

The Timberwolves traded the face of the franchise to the Celtics for Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and two draft picks in the most lopsided trade -- numbers-wise -- in league history.

With nine players on the roster aged 25 or younger, the Timberwolves started the next phase in franchise history in earnest.

"It's different. There's no question," Coach Randy Wittman said.

-- From News Services