21.   He knows his backup is probably the most popular player on the team.

22.   He also understands what being a backup is.

23.   His backup is Jamie Ram, called up from the minor-league team in Binghamton, N.Y..

24.   His backup was Longley, a rookie out of Abilene Christian who had yet to play in a regular-season game.

25.   His backup is also hurt.

26.   His backup is an eternal clipboard holder, Gale Gilbert, who has seen action in two games in the last six years.

27.   His backup is Craig Billington.

28.   His backup is former Kings journeyman Steve Passmore.

29.   His backup is his replacement in Minnesota this season, Matt Birk, a first-time Pro Bowler.

30.   His backups are sophomore Derek Brown and two freshmen.