KNICKS NOTEBOOK
Thursday, November 24, 2005
BY DAVID WALDSTEIN
Star-Ledger Staff

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Stephon Marbury played 2 1/2 seasons with Kevin Garnett and knows as well as anyone how good the Timberwolves forward is. So, if Garnett ever becomes available for a trade, Marbury wants Knicks GM Isiah Thomas to inquire about arranging a reunion between the two stars.

"Absolutely," Marbury said before last night's 108-95 loss to the Bobcats. "That's a no-brainer. If they were going to trade him, why wouldn't we look into it?"

There have been rumblings that Garnett could be on his way out of Minnesota. But T'wolves owner Glen Taylor squashed the speculation Tuesday when he told The Minneapolis Star-Tribune he won't trade Garnett.

Advertisement






"I can tell you, definitely, we are not trading KG," Taylor said.

But if Garnett really wants out, he could try to force a trade, which is why nothing can be ruled out. And, as Marbury points out, it would be a good way for the Wolves to rebuild.

"If they want a new start, they're going to have to trade him," he said. "If you don't start over, you can't rebuild, and they've got to rebuild. If they're going to do it, this is the time to do it. They aren't going to be able to start over with him being there for the duration, because they won't be able to get anybody."

Although he is from New York, coming to North Carolina is like coming home for Larry Brown. Not only did he play at the University of North Carolina, but his first professional coaching job was here with the ABA's Carolina Cougars. More importantly, his mother, Ann, who is 101, lives in Charlotte along with Brown's two daughters, Kristen and Alli.

Brown, 65, visited with his daughters after the Knicks arrived in town Tuesday, and saw his mother yesterday afternoon prior to last night's game. He was asked how proud his mother must be of him, considering he is finally coaching his hometown Knicks.

"I don't know about that," he said. "Really, she just loves that me and my brother (Hawks assistant Herb Brown) are working and she knows what we are doing 162 days, or whatever. And she watches games. She has the NBA package."

Eddy Curry, who is nursing a sore left calf, did not dress for last night's game, but said his lower leg is improving and he expects to be able to play Saturday. ... After missing Sunday's game with back spasms, Quentin Richardson played 26 minutes last night and scored 10 points. ... Marbury and rookie Nate Robinson were fined $10,000 for having their shorts too long. ... Saturday's game against the Sixers is sold out, but there are a limited number of tickets available for Wednesday's game against the Bulls, and the Dec. 4 game against the Celtics.

"If they want a new start, they're going to have to trade him," he said. "If you don't start over, you can't rebuild, and they've got to rebuild. If they're going to do it, this is the time to do it. They aren't going to be able to start over with him being there for the duration, because they won't be able to get anybody."

isiah, take some advice from your own player...it's as clear as day...