http://www.startribune.com/511/story/1003294.html Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett has seen his fellow Western Conference All-Stars dropping like proverbial flies over the past week or two, with fully one-third of the preferred 12-man roster unavailable because of injuries. He intends to enjoy his time in Las Vegas anyway. Yao Ming, Steve Nash, Allen Iverson and Carlos Boozer have been replaced on the West squad, while Jason Kidd won't be playing for the East. But Garnett didn't sound too rattled. "It doesn't matter who's on the team," said Garnett, who will be playing in his 10th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. "It helps having Nash on there, but everybody still can play. We don't have Yao? We have Amare [Stoudemire] in the middle. That's not a bad backup. "There's a lot of talent in this league, a lot of up-and-coming talent. And a lot of talent that's still established. It's unfortunate these guys aren't playing, but it doesn't exactly mean we're undermanned." The West replacements include Carmelo Anthony, Josh Howard, Ray Allen and Mehmet Okur, while Joe Johnson will take Kidd's spot for the East. Five is a bigger number than usual, but it seems as if one or two All-Stars are too dinged up to participate every year. "Everybody who's out has been carrying a big burden. Steve's shoulder went out from carrying that team," Garnett said. "Injuries are part of it." No kidding: In 1997, Garnett made his first All-Star team as an injury replacement for Shaquille O'Neal. All-Star sideshow One of the "special" events on All-Star Saturday will be a match race between Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and veteran NBA referee Dick Bavetta. The odd showdown grew out of banter on TNT's studio show, with the 43-year-old and out-of-shape Barkley claiming that no 67-year-old man, well-conditioned ref or not, could beat him in a foot race. The two will run 235 feet, from baseline to baseline and back, then to the half-court line. The league and the cable network will donate $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. Garnett said he planned to watch. "I'm watching everything, man. I can't talk no stuff if I don't watch," he said. "I'm rooting for Dick, too. ... Charles talks so much, it's going to be entertaining. It's going to be good to see him back out there on the floor." Wolves coach Randy Wittman seemed more amused by the whole stunt. "I've got to think Charles can still get him," he said, laughing. "What are the odds? It's in Vegas, I'm sure they've got odds on it." Reminded that Barkley can't whistle any technicals on him anytime soon, Wittman reconsidered. "That's a good point," he said. "I'm picking Bavetta." Weekend well-spent It has been 11 years since Garnett had a true All-Star break. He was a rookie then, and has played in the past 10 All-Star Games. It might not seem right that the Minnesota player who logs the most minutes and carries the biggest load gets the least rest. But Garnett doesn't mind. "I don't want my All-Star weekend to be free," he said. "I actually like the festivities. It's not a burden, it's a privilege." Rookie Randy Foye will be in Las Vegas, too, to play in Friday's Rookie Challenge game. The rest of the Wolves will scatter, some to Vegas, others staying right in town until the team's game at Washington on Tuesday. "Obviously taking care of your body. Obviously getting some rest," Garnett said, citing ways to prepare for the final 30 games. "And preparing however you have to prepare. Whether that means vacation, whether that means doing it at the crib, it's about being ready. That's my advice to everybody." --

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