Karl Won’t Rest Players

Sonics coach George Karl said even if the Sonics clinch the Pacific Division, he will not tinker with his lineups and reduce playing time for anybody to rest them for the postseason.

“I would do it only if a player requests it,” Karl said. “I don’t like the idea of resting a player.

“I think it is overrated. Players get in a rhythm. Maybe you can get them from 38 minutes to 32, but (if) a player comes to me and says he wants to get a day or two here, and the schedule allows, maybe I will do it. I remember I tried it before and the players never got back into a rhythm in the playoffs.”

Sprewell reaction

There seemed to be mixed feelings among the Seattle SuperSonics about the reduction in punishment for Golden State Warriors guard Latrell Sprewell.

“I definitely think what he did was wrong and warranted punishment,” center Jim McIlvaine said. “But I think (the reduction) is (good for the players association.) I think if the original ruling was upheld, it would have put us in a situation where any time a player stepped out of line, the owners and league could feel they have total autonomy with whatever punishment they want to impose.”

Sonics coach George Karl said he was upset that the decision was overturned.

“I’m a little disappointed from the coaching standpoint,” Karl said. “I think we are forgetting the severity of the act. But I think it is time to move on.”