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Wednesday, January 17, 2001
Schrempf unsure whether he'll play this season



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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