Idea of being sent down holds little appeal for Wolves' Ebi

Kent Youngblood, Star Tribune



In a Friday-morning report the Timberwolves said the team was
seeking an exception to the eligibility rules for the new
Developmental League, one that would allow the Wolves to assign Ebi
to the fledgling league while retaining his future rights.

Ebi first heard the news when asked about it after Friday's
practice. His reaction?

"You can quote me on this," he said. "I'm not a developmental league
player. I'm an NBA player. I've been playing against NBA guys since
I was 15 years old. Every summer I play against NBA players. I'm not
a developmental league player, period."

A first-round draft pick by the Wolves in 2003, Ebi has appeared in
19 games over his first two seasons, playing 86 minutes.
Unfortunately, under current rules, players can play in the
developmental system only during their first two seasons.

Of course, Ebi's willingness to play at that level is perhaps the
biggest question. Asked if he would go to the developmental league
if the waiver were granted, Ebi said he couldn't comment until he
learned more about the situation. But he reiterated his belief that
the NBA is where he belongs.

"I'm not a developmental league player, I'm not a CBA player, I'm
not an overseas player," he said. "I'm an NBA player, hands down,
bottom line. . . . If that's what they feel, you know, I respect
that decision. Basketball is a business. I know, by the grace of
God, everything will turn out well. But I'm not a developmental
league player. I never have been, I never will be."

Wolves coach Dwayne Casey said he didn't know whether the team had a
good chance to be granted the waiver, noting that vice president of
basketball operations Kevin McHale and General Manager Jim Stack had
talked to the league. McHale, who attended practice, refused a
request by reporters for an interview. Stack, traveling, was
unavailable.

Ebi's agent, Dan Fegan, did not return a phone message. NBA
spokesman Tim Frank said the league hadn't had an opportunity to
review the issue yet.

Eligibility for the new league was collectively bargained with the
players association, which could make exceptions difficult.

Casey said he has been pleased with how hard Ebi has worked in
practice, likes the player's competitive nature.

"I have no complaints with Ndudi," Casey said. "[But] to say he's
ready to step in and win you an NBA game right now? I can't say
that. But you can say that about a lot of young players. . . . It's
not demoting a kid [to assign him to the developmental league]. It's
going down to hone his skills. So he can work the pick and roll, get
opportunities in the post, run up and down the floor, to be playing.
We can't give him that once we get going for real come Nov. 2."

Notes

•Casey said he doesn't expect Troy Hudson (hip flexor) to be
available to play in any of the team's remaining preseason games,
but he hopes Wally Szczerbiak (foot sprain) will be able to play in
the preseason finale.