Garnett Hurts Foot

February 12, 1999

 Garnett Hurts Foot

 MIAMI - The NBA season is heading into its second week. That means Rick Pitino soon will face a decision. His roster is now filled with 14 men, and according to league rules, it has to shrink to 12 by next Friday. What will the coach do? "We'll have to see how we come out of this weekend," he said after the Celtics' marathon practice here.

He added, "Marlon Garnett hurt his foot today."


Initially, Pitino said that with a straight face. But eventually, he had to smile at the "convenience" of the injury. Yesterday the coach was leaning toward putting Garnett and Walter McCarty (toe) on the injured list. That means both players would have to miss at least five games. Another possibility is Dwayne Schintzius, who continues to struggle with his nose. He broke it before the season and has been wearing a mask. But some of his teammates estimate that he has rebroken the nose at least five times - even with the protective mask. People's choice Paul Pierce continues to be a big story. TNT was here yesterday to interview the Celtics rookie for an upcoming feature . . . The timetable on Ron Mercer and his sprained right knee has not changed. He is expected to practice tomorrow; he is expected to play Feb. 21 against the Wizards . . . Pitino on Antoine Walker: "Last year he got double [ teamed] on almost every possession. Basically, with single coverage, he'll score on just about anybody." . . . Pitino said he was impressed with the team's focus during the four-hour practice. "Normally when you have a four-hour practice, you don't get guys zeroed in the entire time, but they were," the coach said . . . Popeye Jones was given yesterday off. Walker, who didn't practice Wednesday, was back on the court . . . Jones is quickly becoming popular among his teammates. "He's got great stories," Pierce said. "I love sitting on the bus and listening to him tell 'inside' NBA stories." The coaching staff also likes Jones because, as Pitino said, "he translates the coaches' message to the players."