Wolves give troubled Griffin another NBA shot

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. -- Eddie Griffin is getting another shot at the NBA.

The former Houston and New Jersey forward better known for his troubles off the court, agreed to terms Tuesday with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Griffin, the seventh overall pick in the 2001 draft, joined his new teammates for an evening practice Tuesday, the first day of training camp.

"I do feel like this could be my last chance," Griffin said after the workout.

Terms of the deal weren't released. Arn Tellem, Griffin's agent, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Griffin was released by the New Jersey Nets in February, less than two months after signing with the team in hopes of resurrecting his career. The Houston Rockets cut him in December.

"I think he really wants to try to close one chapter in his life and get on to another one," said Kevin McHale, Minnesota's vice president of basketball operations. "Hopefully, he'll be able to do it here."

Griffin didn't appear in any games for the Nets after signing on Jan. 8. He left the team in late January so he could check into the Betty Ford Center to get six weeks of treatment for alcohol abuse. He also entered a residential alcohol treatment program overseen by former NBA player and coach John Lucas.

Griffin was convicted of marijuana possession Jan. 20, and was under indictment for felony assault for allegedly firing a gun at his girlfriend last October.

Griffin was jailed in February for allegedly violating a curfew set as a condition of his bond in the aggravated assault charge.

"I've grown from the things I've been through," Griffin said. "I just know I can't take the game of basketball for granted anymore. I felt like that's what I was doing."

He averaged 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.63 blocks in 150 career games with the Rockets.