So much focus over the past 4 ½ months has gone toward who isn’t currently available on the Wolves’ roster. There is good reason for it, of course. Minnesota has lost more than 280 man games to injuries during the course of this season, and that doesn’t include Josh Howard’s brief stint on the roster.
But Luke Ridnour player has remained a constant—a mainstay despite playing through his own physical aches and pains. Not only has he played in all 67 games this season, but he’s started every contest at either the point guard or shooting guard positions.
In a year like this, that seems improbable and almost herculean. We’re getting to a point where talking about Ridnour’s versatility is reaching fabled status.
“He’s been playing point guard and forward, almost center, too,” Ricky Rubio joked. “He’s been with the team since the first day, and he’s doing an unbelievable job.”
Take a minute to consider the circumstances. The Wolves have started 15 different lineups this year, none of which starting more than 13 games together. Ridnour is the only name to be penciled in as a starter in every game, and he’s done it while starting as the 2-guard alongside Rubio in 32 of those contests. That’s not his natural position—he’s done it over the past two years, but at a generous 6-foot-2 Ridnour is a point guard who has moved over and attempted to guard some of the top shooting guards in the league.
