http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_5483068 Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman is stuck in a tough position. He's trying to figure out whether Mike James or Randy Foye is better as the team's starting point guard, or even Troy Hudson, for that matter. Wittman has tried all three in that role, and he went back to James for Tuesday night's game at Phoenix, a 108-90 loss to the Suns. James started the first 50 games of the season, then spent 15 games coming off the bench. Foye (nine games) and Hudson (six games) also have started. But the role shifted back to James, who had 18 points and a season-high 11 assists Sunday in the Wolves' 109-102 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles. Those 11 assists also were the most by any Timberwolf this season. James started Tuesday, but the door is open for the players to interchange roles. "We've talked as a group amongst our point guards that we might change depending on matchups, who we're playing, and how we're playing," Wittman said. "It could change game to game." Wittman said he liked James' aggressiveness against the Lakers. He attempted seven free throws in that game and didn't settle for jump shots. Wittman hoped the change would help the Wolves with their slow starts on this road trip. They fell behind 13-3 at Golden State and 27-10 against the Lakers. K.G. buys a new house: Wolves all-star Kevin Garnett recently purchased a house in Orono for $6.45 million, according to Hennepin County property records. The records show the seller was William D. Larson, and the buyer was listed as Kevin Garnet (sic) Revocable Trust. In 1998, Garnett purchased a different house in Orono for $1.35 million. Garnett's latest purchase might be a good sign for the Wolves and might dispel some of the speculation among the national media regarding whether he wants out of Minnesota. "It would be a lot better if he gives me his old place," Wittman joked. "Then I'd really consider it a nice sign." Turning serious, Wittman said Garnett is comfortable in Minnesota. "In all honesty, if he could play his (entire) career there, that's what he'd want to do. I really believe that," Wittman said. "Does that (purchase) surprise me? No. "He's been there what, 10 years? Any time you're in one place 10 years, it does become a little like home, whether you call it home or not. You're there at least nine months out of the year. So you're spending the majority of your time in one place, even though he's got a place in L.A. that he might consider home. But you're spending the majority of the time in Minnesota." Banks stuck on the bench: Former Wolves point guard Marcus Banks has been a disappointment so far for Phoenix. He was on the inactive list in each of the previous five games before he was activated Tuesday. Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said Banks "doesn't quite fit in," mostly because Leandro Barbosa has excelled as the team's backup point guard behind Steve Nash. "He hasn't been able to find his niche here," D'Antoni said. There was speculation Banks might be traded before the trade deadline last month, but he remains a Sun. It's uncertain whether he will remain in Phoenix, which gave him a five-year, $21 million contract last summer that will be hard to move. Briefly: Garnett's jersey sales rank seventh among NBA players in China for the second consecutive season. Kobe Bryant moved up from fourth to No. 1, displacing Tracy McGrady, who fell to third. Allen Iverson ranked second for the second consecutive season. Yao Ming fell from third to sixth. --

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