Three Questions

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Our Kyle Ratke was able to discuss the importance of the Minnesota Timberwolves' partnership with Mayo Clinic with three of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine's co-directors before the Grand Opening of The Courts at Mayo Clinic Square. With so much collaboration going on at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, it only made sense that Dr. Edward Laskowski (professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and co-director), Dr. Michael Stuart (professor of orthopedics and co-director) and Dr. Jonathan Finnoff (medical director, Mayo Clinic Square) worked together to answer these questions for Timberwolves.com.

Q: To have this new facility for the Timberwolves and Lynx is very important, as is having Mayo Clinic in the heart of Minneapolis. What were your first impressions now that Mayo Clinic Square is nearly complete?

A: Mayo Clinic is proud to partner with the Timberwolves and Lynx on this new, state-of-the-art facility -- the first of its kind in the NBA and WNBA. It will serve as a model for professional sports teams around the world.  Having the practice facilities and corporate offices next to our sports medicine center makes it easier for athletes to get exceptional medical care, and for us to communicate with the teams. Furthermore, the tens of thousands of people who live or work downtown now have convenient access to Mayo Clinic and its sports medicine center.

Q: What is some of the feedback that Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine has received so far?

A: Our patients and athletes have been very pleased. Every patient or athlete -- whether sports is their job or something they do for health or recreation -- receives the same, world-class care that Mayo Clinic is known for. We’ve put together a team of the best sports medicine professionals to serve the Timberwolves, Lynx and the Twin Cities. We also have equally impressive medical and performance-enhancing equipment to help athletes and patients reach their goals.

Q: Having a place like Mayo is such a unique opportunity for any athlete. What can Mayo give the Timberwolves and Lynx players that they maybe didn’t have before?

A: Mayo Clinic was recently ranked the No. 1 hospital in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. Mayo Clinic provides virtually every medical specialty and service available in modern medicine – a breadth of services that no other medical group or facility offers. Every member of the Mayo Clinic team focuses on one core tenet: the needs of the patient come first. But what really sets Mayo Clinic apart are its people and the interdisciplinary, collaborative nature inherent to Mayo Clinic. By focusing on what’s important, we can deliver extraordinary medical care to our patients and athletes.

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Three Questions With Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine

Before the Dec. 8 game against the Wolves, Warriors wing Leandro Barbosa took a few minutes to chat with our Kyle Ratke. Check out their chat below.

KR: You've been in the league for a while now (13 seasons). How have you been able to stay mentally and physically ready for the grind of an NBA season?

LB: Eating really healthy. Getting rest, as much as I can, you know? Even in the summer I play with the (Brazilian) National Team. It's part of the game. Me taking care of my body, that's how it goes.

KR: When you were in Phoenix, Steve (Kerr) was your GM. How has that relationship helped you now that you're playing for him?

LB: We are pretty good friends. As Alvin Gentry as well. I kind of know what they like to do on the offensive standpoint and the defensive standpoint. It makes it easier for me. What I try to do is just help the young guys and keep pushing them to do what they've been doing so far.

KR: You guys are 17-2 right now and riding a 12-game winning streak. Does everything just feel like it's perfect right now?

LB: Defintely. Automatic. Everything happens for a reason. There's no selfishness on this team. Everyone moves the ball. Everyone knows their role and we're happy. Everything's just happening automatic. We just are going out there and having fun.

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Three Questions With Leandro Barbosa

Before the Oct. 30 game against the Detroit Pistons, our Kyle Ratke was able to sit down with second-year shooting guard. Here's a bit of their conversation:

KR: I remember last year when you worked out for the Wolves and now head coach Flip Saunders. Do you remember anything specific about that workout? Most guys say he’s pretty tough.

KCP: Yeah, he’s pretty tough. I mean, he went through a lot of stuff. But still, that’s all about just to see if you’re ready or not.

KR: After your rookie season, the team brings in Stan Van Gandy. What have you learned from a coach like that who’s regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA right now?

KCP: You can learn a lot. You can learn how to win. You can learn how to be coached. The only way to play basketball…  He teaches you how to be perfected.

KR: This season it looks like you’ve got a big opportunity on a team with plenty of young and old talent. Where do you see yourself fitting in?

KCP: I fit in well. We all have different roles and if we all play them well, that’s what brings us together. (It) brings chemistry to the team. We’re just trying to keep it that way. 

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Three Questions With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Dane MizutaniWeb Editorial AssociateEmail / TwitterOur Dane Mizutani was able to catch up with Zach LaVine in advance of the Wolves matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. LaVine grew up a huge Kobe Bryant fan. Here's what he had to say about potentially going up against the Black Mamba:

DM: You grew up a huge Kobe Bryant fan. What’s it going to be like sharing the court with him on Friday night?

ZL: That was my childhood idol, but now that I’m on the same court as him I know I’ve just got to go at him. He’s going to go everybody. Kobe is going to do Kobe stuff out there. I just can’t get in awe of it when I’m out there on the court.  

DM: How much did watching Kobe Bryant and trying to emulate what he does on the court impact the development of your game? 

ZL: I feel like Kobe is one of the greatest ever so of course I try to model some of my game after him just like I’m sure everybody does to some degree. He wasn’t just my favorite player. I know he was a favorite for a lot of these guys growing up.

DM: What would the little kid Zach LaVine say right now knowing there’s a good chance he actually has to matchup against Kobe Bryant on Friday night?

ZL: It’s going to be really special. I’ve never even met him before so this is the first time for me, and for that first time to be when I’m actually playing on the court against him, that’s going to be crazy. I’m going to have to put that past me and just go out there and play. We’re all going to be amped up to be playing in Staples Center and whenever a team plays the Lakers its has to bring its ‘A’ game. It’s going to be good. I’m looking forward to it. 

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Three Questions With Zach LaVine

Our Kyle Ratke was able to chat with Bloomington Jefferson graduate Cole Aldrich before Wednesday night's game between the Wolves and Knicks. Check out their chat below:

KR: You're back in Minnesota where everything started. What's it like back being in Minneapolis playing against the hometown team?

CA: It's always fun to come back home. It's a good feeling. The biggest thing is just eliminating the distractions. You come back and you know a lot of people. Everybody wants to see you, but the big thing is we have a job to do. That's the most important thing. Everyone can see you during the summer time, but during the season it gets a little tough. You just hope to see them after the game.

KR: How many tickets did you have to get for this game? Did you have to ask any teammates for some spares?

CA: Being in a city that most guys usually don't use tickets, I think I've got like 10 or 12 of them, so yeah it's nice. I usually just take as many as I can get and let everyone know I have a ticket for them.

KR: You always read about how big colleges are like fraternities. Duke, UNC, Kansas. You're obviously a Kansas guy and so is Andrew Wiggins. Have you been able to talk with him at all?

CA: I was hoping to see him out before on the court, but I'll probably say something to him before the game. But that's what it is (a fraternity). We didn't play together, but we're still a family. You always wish the best for anybody that went to your program. It's always fun to see guys succeed.

KR: You played ball at a basketball college at Kansas, but now you're playing in New York. Everyone says it's pretty different playing in New York. What's it like playing in the belly of the beast?

CA: It's definitely true. You're playing at the Garden every night. You see everyone sitting on the sidelines watching and it's cool, but at the end of the day you're playing basketball and you just go out there, work hard and have fun doing it. 

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Three Questions With Cole Aldrich

Our Kyle Ratke was able to chat with Shabazz Muhammad before Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Here's what the second-year pro had to say about three topics.

KR: After the last week or two going through what you did with your Achilles, are you feeling good now?

SM: Oh yeah, definitely feeling good. I feel great. I’m trying to get out there for a minute now, finally I can go out there and play and go out there and play hard.

KR: Obviously you had quite the body transformation over the summer. How difficult was that? You had the motivation to do it, but that’s got to be a pretty tough thing to do regardless.

SM: It was very difficult, especially going two times a day and going out there in the sun and work really hard. I think it paid off. I feel great, my food and diet and everything. Down to what my regular weight is at. I’m just trying to get ready to go.

KR: Compare this year to your rookie season with the team. What’s been the difference besides your personal change?

SM: Last year we had a lot of vets on the team. It seemed like there was only two young guys. Now there’s plenty of young guys with me, and some veterans as well. It’s great to always have those guys. We’re always working in practice coming in early. It’s great for the future and I can’t wait to see how we turn out. 

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Three Questions With Shabazz Muhammad

KR: Your FIBA Tournament this summer was pretty impressive. Sixteen points and 11 boards per game. Very solid performances. What did you learn from that experience?

GD: That was good for me. It helped me keep building my confidence up. It was good for me. 

KR: You’ve shown a lot of promise playing for your national team and obviously with the Wolves last season when you had the opportunity. How big of a step have you taken from last year coming in as a rookie to where you are right now?

GD: It’s too early to tell. I’ve been working on my overall game... I want to play well and help this basketball team get better and to win games.

KR: Last season unfortunately Nikola Pekovic missed some time to injury. There’s been talk on limiting his minutes. You’ve proven yourself. Do you think you can help him stay on the court for the whole season by giving him time to rest during games?

GD: Absolutely. I think that’s not my decision. That’s coach’s decision, but I’ll do whatever I have to do. I think I’m ready.

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Three Questions With Gorgui Dieng

KR: We learned last year that you work out in the offseason with Corey Brewer. What’s something that we might not know about Corey besides that he has a pet goat?

KM: You know, Corey’s a big family guy. A big family guy. That’s what I like about Corey. When I first met him, he was just a young guy, but I’ve seen him grow up over the years.

KR: You see some of the younger players, some of the rookies coming in and obviously you’re a veteran in this league. Do you see yourself being a mentor to some of these young players?

KM: Yeah, I have to be. My position on the team and what I’ve been through in my career. I look at what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve been through team-wise, I have to be that guy. I can’t shortcut too many things because I know I’m like a big brother to them and they’ll be watching.

KR: Is it pretty unique to play for a coach who actually signed you in Flip Saunders?

KM: Yeah it is. Flip is going to bring a lot of great winning attributes to our team and I think that’s the most important part.

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Three Questions With Kevin Martin

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