Vin Baker update

["Donald Mamula" <mamula@oz.net>]

For those on the list who are VB fans: (From the Sunday Cleveland 
Plain Dealer)

Seattle Supersonics All-Star power forward Vin Baker said that he 
would approach team management after the season to tell them he 
wanted them to retain coach George Karl, who is in the final year of 
his contract.  Further, Baker said, if the team does not keep Karl, 
it will be a huge consideration whether Baker decides to stay in 
Seattle or go elsewhere when his contract is up after next season.

"I don't know if it is a clout thing," Baker told reporters in 
Seattle.  "It's more I hope they respect my opinion that they will 
keep him here.  I think if it's done at the right time and done in 
the right situation I would feel fine doing it. When the season is 
over, I think that would be the right time."

"Obviously, right now, I am looking forward to coming back.  But the 
biggest thing is George being here.  That would be a big thing for 
me.  Because, like I said, I don't know what is going to happen [with 
the team's seven free agents] and no one really knows what is going 
to happen."

"But I know the experience I have with George...since I've been here 
with him, he has made my life and my career so much better.  I'm a 
loyal person and he has been a big part of that.  So I know I kind of 
want to spend the rest of my years feeling the same way and hopefully 
he'll be with me.  George has been a terrific coach.  He is the best 
coach I've ever played for.  He has given me the opportunity to win, 
and I think that will be something I have to weigh in when I have to 
talk about my contract."


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Donald Mamula    Kirkland WA      mamula@oz.net 
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