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Wednesday, January 17, 2001
Schrempf unsure whether he'll play this season
Associated Press
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TUALATIN, Ore. -- Detlef Schrempf came out of his tentative
retirement Wednesday, attending the Portland Trail Blazers'
practice but not knowing whether he'll suit up for a game this
season.
"They're playing well right now; they don't need another
distraction," Schrempf said. "I'm planning on staying out of the
way."
Schrempf, who turns 38 on Sunday, retired on Oct. 2, the first
day of training camp. Schrempf had been frustrated by a pinched
nerve in his neck that caused him pain in his neck most of last
season, his 15th in the NBA. He played in 77 games, averaging 7.5
points and 4.3 rebounds.
Schrempf has wavered about retirement since then, and team
officials said he never officially retired, since he didn't send a
formal letter to NBA commissioner David Stern. Schrempf said
Blazers president and general manager Bob Whitsitt asked him to
stay on the 15-man roster, and he's currently on the injured list.
He still has a locker in the Blazers' dressing room.
"That's kind of funny," he said. "Am I thankful? Of course. I
didn't expect it, and I told Bob before and (owner) Paul (Allen)
that I wasn't planning on coming back, but they thought it would be
a good idea to give it some more time."
Schrempf also continues to get a paycheck. He has one season
left on the two-year deal he signed before the 1999-2000 season,
and he's due to make $2.2 million this season, although he hasn't
played a minute.
Schrempf joked that he's been "eating and watching TV" during
his semi-retirement, but before Tuesday's practice, he looked like
he's been working out.
Asked whether he might see action in the final 42 games,
Schrempf didn't seem too concerned.
"I have no idea, really. I haven't thought about it. Bob
basically agreed that we'd give it some time and see how I feel.
It's still early in the season, and hopefully everybody will stay
healthy and we don't have to worry about it."
Schrempf has attended one Blazers game, at Seattle, where
Schrempf has a home and played at the University of Washington. He
hoped to attend Thursday night's game against Miami at the Rose
Garden, to see friend and former teammate Brian Grant, but said he
might have to return home.
"I got one of those bad birthdays coming up, so I think my wife
has something planned for me," he said.
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