Shootaround Access: Wolves vs. Nets | Nov. 22, 2013
Timberwolves vs. Nets | 7:00 PM — Target Center
Where to Watch: Fox Sports North
Where to Listen: 830 WCCO-AM
The big news tonight when the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Brooklyn Nets is the return of Kevin Garnett to Minnesota.
Garnett noted at today’s shootaround that it’s nice to be back, but a lot of things have changed.
“There’s a lot of emotions that come with this building,” Garnett said. “There’s a lot of emotions with seeing some of the stuff that’s in here. But obvious a different time, different personnel and different time.”
A different time indeed. The Wolves are now led by Kevin Love and while the two power forwards share first names, they also have shared thoughts with each other throughout the years.
“You know, we just kind of talk back and forth about Minnesota,” Love said. “… Not really much about on the court stuff. He asks about Glen (Taylor), he asks about our training staff, that sort of thing, but just real easy back and forth.”
As far as it goes to on the court business, Garnett is trying to find his role on a new-look Nets squad that has struggled coming out of the gate so far.
“Just trying to figure out the system and where I fit in at,” Garnett said. “Obviously Jason (Kidd) wants more ball motivation I’m trying to initiate that. I care less about my offense right now. I haven’t really been too offensive minded.”
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. tonight at the Target Center. The game will be broadcasted on Fox Sports North and WCCO 830 AM.
Kirilenko Tells Shved To Keep Head Up
Forward Andrei Kirilenko was very close friends with fellow Russian Alexey Shved last season while with the Wolves. During the offseason, Kirilenko signed with the Nets. AK had the chance to chat with Shved a bit yesterday and has been in touch with him throughout the season.
“We talk about once, twice a week,” Kirilenko said.
He also had some advice for Shved, who has been in a little bit of a rut lately, being a combined 1-for-11 in his last five games.
“He’s in a little tough position right now gametime-wise,” Kirilenko said. “But for the young guys, he needs to use any opportunity. He plays five minutes, go hard, play 10 minutes, go hard, playing one minute, go hard. Even if he doesn’t play, cheering for you teammates and just wait for a chance.”
Shved is transitioning from playing 20-25 minutes per game last season to just spurts off the bench this season. While he hasn’t had as many opportunities this season, he says that while it would be easier to get into the flow of things with more minutes, he has to do what he can with the minutes he’s given.
“No, it’s more easy if you play all the time,” Shved said. “It’s easier for everybody… You have to do your best for five or 10 minutes.”
In related Kirilenko news, the Nets announced before shoot around that Kirilenko will miss tonight’s game with a back injury. He hasn’t played since November 8.
Wolves Minute
Nov. 22, 2013
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