Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that guard Ricky Rubio will be in uniform and is expected to make his season debut tonight when the Wolves take on the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center at 7:00 p.m.
“I’m excited to get back on the floor with my teammates and play in front of the best fans in the NBA at Target Center,” said Rubio. “After a long recovery, this is the first step in me getting back on the court and helping my teammates. Thank you to the fans for their support over the last nine months.”

Rubio has yet to appear in a game this season after recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament) that he suffered March 9, 2012 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. Rubio underwent successful surgery on March 21. The surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Steadman at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo.

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that guard Ricky Rubio has been cleared to participate in full-contact practices with no limitations after consultation with Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colorado. With the final medical hurdle being cleared, Rubio will now practice with the team. Rubio and the Wolves medical staff will assess his ability to participate in an NBA game after monitoring his progress during these practices.

Rubio had surgery on March 21, 2012 to reconstruct a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and a torn LCL (lateral collateral ligament) in his left knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. Steadman at The Steadman Clinic in Vail. Rubio’s injury occurred with 16 seconds remaining in the Timberwolves game vs. the L.A. Lakers on March 9, 2012.

Rubio, acquired by Minnesota with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, appeared in 41 games (31 starts) for the Wolves during his rookie season, averaging 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2.22 steals. He compiled 12 point/assist double-doubles and dished out 10+ assists on 15 occasions. At the time of his injury, Rubio ranked 3rd in the NBA in steals and 5th in assists.

photo by Brad Rempel

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The following is a statement from Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor on the passing of Kevin McHale’s daughter Alexandra “Sasha” McHale:

“On behalf of the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization, we are extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Sasha. While Kevin was with our organization, we all watched Sasha grow up, and become an outstanding young woman. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Lynn and the entire McHale family.”

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed unrestricted free-agent forward/guard Josh Howard. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Howard’s signing brings the Wolves’ roster to 15 players.

“We’re pleased to add a proven veteran in Josh Howard to our team,” said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. “Josh has been a productive player in our league for nine years and will add to our depth at the wing position.”

Howard, 32, joins the Wolves with career averages of 14.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in parts of nine NBA seasons with three different teams (Dallas, Washington and Utah). Most recently he spent the 2011-12 season with Utah where he averaged 8.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 43 games, 18 starts. His best season came in 2007-08 when he averaged 19.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game en route to making his lone All-Star Game appearance.

Howard will wear No. 5 and is expected to be in uniform tonight when the Wolves take on the Golden State Warriors at Target Center.

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has waived Will Conroy. With today’s move, the Wolves’ roster now stands at 14 players. The move opens a roster spot that the Wolves are looking to fill with a player to take Chase Budinger’s spot. Budinger suffered a knee injury that will keep him out 3 to 4 months.

Conroy, a 6-2 guard, appeared in four games this season with Minnesota, totaling one point and one rebound in 20 minutes.