On the verge of signing Billups, Mitchell stated, Saunders sought counsel from Timberwolves gamers reminiscent of Mitchell, level guard Terrell Brandon and All-Star Kevin Garnett. Mitchell, Brandon and Garnett have been assured that the newcomer would do effectively in Minneapolis, and Billups and Garnett have been shut associates relationship again to their AAU days. The Timberwolves signed Billups to a three-year contract for the wage cap exception, paying $2.25 million within the first 12 months. “Flip was like, ‘They are saying he’s egocentric. They are saying he’s this, they are saying he’s that,’ ” Mitchell recalled. “And I stated, ‘Flip, I don’t know him. However why don’t you give him an opportunity?’ So, when he obtained right here, Chauncey advised me that when he was in Boston, Toronto and Denver, they gave up on him as some extent guard they usually simply advised him simply are available and attempt to rating. In order that’s what he did. “After which when he got here to Minnesota, I stated, ‘Dude, in case you actually need to learn to play the place, and in case you actually need to change how folks consider you, you see that man proper there, Terrell Brandon, watch every thing he does and discuss to him. He’s a pure level guard …’ Chauncey advised me, ‘I need to play the place. Nobody has ever taught me the place.’ ” -via Andscape / October 11, 2024
