|
|
The best news in the Timberwolves' camp, particularly for players trying to make the team, is that coach Flip Saunders doesn't plan to make roster cuts until late next week.
That's also good news for veterans assured of spots on the 12-man roster. Several
veterans need extra time to heal from minor injuries, which means Saunders can't
afford to say goodbye yet to any of the team's free agents.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We're probably playing the younger guys, and guys trying to earn a spot, more than we have before," Saunders said. "In the past, the guys who played a lot in the preseason pretty much knew they would be on the team." Ticketmaster
The Wolves' injury situation became more troublesome after Tuesday's practice
at Target Center. Point guard Sam Cassell (sore feet), shooting guard Fred Hoiberg
(bruised heel) and backup power forward Mark Madsen (leg strain) were the latest
Wolves needing medical treatment.
Saunders said all three are doubtful for tonight's exhibtion against Toronto
in Moline, Ill. Hoiberg, who was injured in the second quarter of Monday's 98-86
loss to Atlanta in Omaha, Neb., did not practice Tuesday. Cassell and Madsen
were held out of most of the drills.
If Cassell doesn't play tonight, Kevin Garnett will be the only projected starter
this season on the court.
Garnett is averaging 27.6 minutes in the Wolves' first three exhibitions. Most
of his playing time has come in the first half. Saunders is often challenged
by Garnett's competitive nature to play more, but he takes the safe route and
limits the all-star forward's minutes. Ticketmaster
"I'd be the same way if I wasn't banged up," swingman Latrell Sprewell
said. "I'd want to be out there, too. If you can play (in the preseason),
you should."
Sprewell, nursing a sore Achilles' tendon, participated in his first extensive
practice Tuesday since the first day of training camp Oct. 3. He was involved
in the entire workout, which lasted two hours, 20 minutes. The frustration for
Sprewell is that the tendon was still a little sore after practice. He is not
expected to play tonight and is uncertain for Friday's game at Indiana.
Saunders and Sprewell agree there should be no rush to get the 11-year veteran
onto the court for a Wolves debut in the exhibition season.
"I'm moving around pretty good, but I'm not where I want to be, my shot
included," Sprewell said. "I don't want to get out there and stink
up the gym. When I feel like I'm ready, I'll let Coach know." Ticketmaster
Saunders likely will go into tonight's game without Sprewell, Cassell, Hoiberg,
Madsen, center Michael Olowokandi (knee) and swingman Wally Szczerbiak (plantar
fascia strain in left foot). With the exception of Hoiberg, this group represents
the hub of the Wolves' new look this season.
Szczerbiak and Olowokandi have yet to be cleared to practice. Saunders is unsure
of Szczerbiak's return. He was more hopeful of Olowokandi getting on the court
late next week.
"If we can just get Kevin, Sam and Latrell on the floor together by the
start of the season, it could make up for not having Wally for 30 to 35 minutes
and not having Michael," Saunders said.
Swingman Quincy Lewis and point guard Keith McLeod continue to impress the coaching
staff. Saunders said the two free-agent hopefuls have made the most of their
opportunities. Lewis played 42 minutes in the Atlanta game and was graded highly
by the coaches. Ticketmaster
Lewis, a former standout at the University of Minnesota, is averaging 23.3 minutes
and 6.3 points, and shooting 41.1 percent. McLeod, who played in Italy last
season, is averaging 17.3 minutes, 7.3 points and three assists.