Minnesota T-Wolves Blog – Page 96 – NBA Blog

No KG Friday results in free Wolves tickets

The Timberwolves are being cool. The Celtics are playing in Minnesota Friday night, but Kevin Garnett is almost definitely still out injured and not able to play. So the Wolves, just for the heck of it, are hooking attending fans up with a free ticket for a future game. Here’s the press release:

In response to the likelihood of former Timberwolves player Kevin Garnett not being able to participate in tomorrow night’s game between Minnesota and Boston, the Timberwolves announced today that all fans in attendance will receive a voucher redeemable for one ticket to an upcoming Wolves game. The gesture is in recognition of the special circumstance of Garnett’s return to Minnesota, the fan sentiment surrounding this game and also serves as a thank you to loyal Wolves fans in attendance.

“While injuries are a part of the game and there is never a guarantee that any player will be in uniform, we recognize that this is a very special circumstance and share our fans’ disappointment at the prospect of Kevin not being able to participate,” Timberwolves President Chris Wright said. “Just as we know our fans are eager to thank Kevin for his immense contributions to this team and this community, we want to thank the fans for their continued loyalty to our franchise.”

Ticket vouchers will be distributed to all fans as they enter Target Center for tomorrow’s game. The vouchers are redeemable for one ticket to one of the following Wolves home games: Sunday, Feb. 10 vs. Toronto, Tuesday, Feb. 19 vs. Philadelphia, or Tuesday, Feb. 26 vs. Utah.

Charges against Sprewell dropped

The AP reports: Prosecutors are dropping their case against former basketball star Latrell Sprewell, who was accused of assaulting his girlfriend in front of their children. Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, said Monday the charges will be dismissed in a year if Sprewell stays out of trouble. An order of protection against Sprewell on behalf of Candace Cabbil remains in effect, Chalfen said.

Wolves assign Chris Richard to D-League

The Minnesota Timberwolves have assigned first-year center Chris Richard to the Sioux Falls SkyForce of the NBA Development League. Richard has appeared in 24 games for the Wolves this season, averaging 1.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per game. Richard is the 27th player assigned to the D-League this season.

“Sioux Falls and the D-League will provide Chris with a great opportunity to play and gain valuable experience,” said Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale. “Chris is a player that we really like and we think has a bright future. With the current schedule in Sioux Falls, he’ll be able to have a few days of practice with the team before playing in several upcoming games.”

Per NBA rules, a player can be assigned to the team’s D-League affiliate a maximum of three times during the season. Sioux Falls, the D-League affiliate for Minnesota and Charlotte, is led by head coach Nate Tibbetts. Charlotte’s Jermareo Davidson is currently on assignment with Sioux Falls. The SkyForce have back-to-back home games against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants this Friday and Saturday before departing on a three-game road trip next week.

Theo Ratliff out 6 weeks after knee surgery

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Wednesday that center Theo Ratliff underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Tuesday (Dec. 18). Dr. James R. Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Ala. performed the operation and repaired cartilage. Ratliff is expected to miss the next six weeks as he rehabs from the surgery.

Ratliff, acquired via trade from the Boston Celtics on July 31, 2007, has appeared in six games for the Wolves this season, averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game. The 12-year NBA veteran has missed the last 13 games due to soreness in his right knee.

Theo Ratliff to have exploratory right knee surgery

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced today that center Theo Ratliff will undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Dr. James R. Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Ala., will perform the operation. Due to the exploratory nature of the procedure, a timetable for his return will be established following the operation.

Brewer bricks but breaks out

Wolves rookie Corey Brewer, although he shot just 3-of-15, turned in his best all-around performance of the season last night in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Playing a career-high 44 minutes, the former Florida Gator did not turn the ball over once and grabbed 18 rebounds, handed out five assists and swiped four steals, all career-bests for the seventh overall pick in last summer’s draft. Brewer’s 18 rebounds were the most by a Timberwolves rookie in over a decade and the third-most all-time.

Joe Johnson beats Wolves at buzzer

The Timberwolves lost a heartbreaker last night in Atlanta, falling 90-89 on a Joe Johnson fadeaway at the final buzzer. After falling behind by as many as 19 points in the first half, the Timberwolves rallied after the intermission.

Down 13 to start the third, the Wolves opened the quarter on a 15-4 run and took a 63-61 lead, their first of the game, on Marko Jaric lay-up with 1:45 remaining in the period.

The final quarter featured four ties and five lead changes, including four lead changes in the final 30 seconds. After another Jaric lay-in gave the Wolves a one-point advantage with :20.9 to play, Atlanta reclaimed the lead on a Josh Smith bank shot with :07.9 remaining. Another Jaric basket put the Wolves back on top with :02.8 to play before Johnson hit the game-winner.

Jaric nearly posted a triple-double on the night, tallying 18 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Craig Smith came off the bench to lead the Wolves with 20 points while Corey Brewer pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds in over 44 minutes of action.

The Hawks were led by Smith, who finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and seven blocks. With the win, Atlanta took the season series 2-0.

Randy Wittman to have back surgery

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced today that head coach Randy Wittman will miss tonight’s game against the L.A. Lakers at Target Center as he prepares for back surgery. Wittman is scheduled to undergo back surgery tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 5). A timetable for his return to the sidelines will be set following the operation. In Wittman’s absence, Wolves assistant coach Jerry Sichting will assume the head coaching duties.

“This is a situation that has been progressively getting worse,” Wittman said. “The doctors said that in order to coach the remainder of the year, that it would be in my best interest to have the back surgery as soon as possible. I wish I could be out there tonight, but I know Jerry and the coaching staff will do a great job.”

Timberwolves bench stepping up

The Timberwolves bench continued its production in New Orleans on Monday night. The bench exploded for a season-best 54 points compared to 25 points for the Hornets. Three Wolves reserves scored in double figures – Sebastian Telfair (20 points), Antoine Walker (17 points) and Craig Smith (10 points).

Wolves’ reserves have now outscored their opponents in 10 of the team’s 12 games. Antoine Walker’s 24 points vs. Denver on Friday night is the single-game high this season.

Jaric dating supermodel A.Lima

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric may be one of the luckiest men alive. Word is, he’s dating Victoria’s Secrets Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports: Wolves point guard Marko Jaric recently began dating Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima. She is one of the highest paid models in the world, most famous for her work with Victoria’s Secret. Years ago, she was engaged to rock star Lenny Kravitz, but the relationship didn’t survive. She was once even falsely linked to Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Lima is supportive of Jaric. She flew to Denver on Thanksgiving and attended the Wolves’ game there the next day… Teammate Antoine Walker didn’t know Jaric is dating a supermodel but quipped: “He’s overachieving.”