Wolves ponder plans for revamped roster

Substitute Timberwolves Vice President Kevin McHale in the Marlon Brando role in "On the Waterfront." Plop him in the back seat of that old taxi next to NBA Commissioner David Stern, filling in for Rod Steiger. Paint the whole scene in lustrous, 1950s black-and-white and, why, it's remarkable how well one of the most famous speeches in movie history still works.

"Remember that night in the Garden you came down to my dressing room and said, 'Kid, this ain't your night.' . . . You remember that? 'This ain't your night.' My night?! . . . I coulda been a contender."

It wasn't the Wolves' night Wednesday. Almost every other team got its moment to shine in the NBA draft's first round.

But the Wolves had to wait until No. 52, late in round two, to select Michigan State point guard Marcus Taylor.

By that time, Stern had flipped the keys to deputy commish Russ Granik. TNT mouth Charles Barkley was nodding off or scouting the stands at Madison Square Garden for drinking buddies. It was last call, the lights were coming up and only then were the Wolves getting asked to dance.

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Rentzias free to join sixers, Phily on minds of Rogers and Billups?

Phil Jasner of the Philadelphia Daily News reports: FC Barcelona, Efthimios Rentzias' team in Spain, decided against picking up an option on his contract yesterday, clearing the way for him to open negotiations with the Sixers.

"They had to notify me in writing by 6 p.m. [yesterday] if they were exercising their option," said Keith Glass, Rentzias' agent. "That didn't happen."

Instead, Barcelona was required to pay Rentzias a buyout fee that will net him nearly $200,000. Had he remained in Spain, his contract for next season would have been worth nearly $1 million.

"I think the people over there think he'll still re-sign with them, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen," Glass said.

"I hope things work out," Sixers general manager Billy King said via e-mail. "They look good right now."

In other news: NBA teams can begin speaking with free agents Monday, and players can begin signing July 16. It remains to be seen whether the Sixers consider either Boston forward Rodney Rogers or Minnesota guard Chauncey Billups as priorities.

"Rodney thinks a lot of Philly, and wants to stay in the East," said James "Butch" Williams, Rogers' agent. "I think Philly is one place he'd seriously consider."

Andy Miller, Billups' agent, said, "From our perspective, Philadelphia would be on a short list. If they don't call, I'll call them. I will definitely inquire."

Billups, who opted out after the second year of a three-year contract, is thought to have an interest in returning to Denver, his hometown.

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Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics

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Wolves offseason roster moves as Billups opts for free agency

The Timberwolves were gimpy at point guard before. They are seriously limping now. Chauncey Billups has opted out of the final season of his three-year deal and will become a free agent on July 1.

Also in other moves the Timberwolves have taken the first step in trying to keep starting center Rasho Nesterovic on their roster.

Team vice president Kevin McHale said Tuesday the Wolves have made a qualifying salary offer to Nesterovic, a restricted free agent, meaning the team has the right to match any other team's offer beginning July 1.

As well as this unless you have been on Mars you would know that the NBA Draft has been completed, the Wolves picked up Michigan State point guard Marcus Taylor.

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