Wolves: Sore knee sends Ratliff to bench

Stating center Theo Ratliff almost certainly will not play today against New Orleans.

By Kent Youngblood, Star Tribune

Last update: November 17, 2007 - 10:57 AM

To add injury to insult, not all of the Timberwolves walked away after Friday's 105-89 loss to the Wizards at Target Center.

Center Theo Ratliff limped.

He has a sore right knee that forced him out of the game midway through the third quarter with the Wolves leading by nine points.

"It's been sore the last couple of days," Ratliff said. "I went out there in the second half and it was popping a little bit. I was running down the court and I felt it popping and popping, so I pulled myself out of the game. I have to get an MRI and see what's going on."

Ratliff almost certainly will not play today, which means the Wolves will play a very athletic New Orleans team without their starting center, one of the league's best shot-blockers.

That means the Wolves will likely be forced into a lineup that will have Al Jefferson at center. That could mean Craig Smith moved into the starting lineup. In any event, players like Smith, Corey Brewer and perhaps Gerald Green or Chris Richard could get more minutes.

Another option for Wolves coach Randy Wittman could mean making veteran Michael Doleac active and giving him some playing time against the Hornets.

In any event, the Wolves' job tonight got tougher.

"It always hurts with a guy like Theo out," Jefferson said. "He blocks shots, he's a leader on the floor. But there are no excuses. If he can't go I have to step up and play that role."

Jaric lauds teamwork

Marko Jaric knows he isn't guaranteed big minutes once Randy Foye comes back -- at least not at point guard -- but he'll tell you he's never been happier in a Wolves uniform.

The reason: the team.

"I feel that every player has had an opportunity to step on the court and feel a part of the team," Jaric said after a morning shootaround on Friday. "That's important when you are a player, feeling involved. That's what every player wants."

Jaric came to the Wolves in the Sam Cassell trade before the 2005-06 season. That ties him with Rashad McCants as second-most-tenured player on the roster behind Mark Madsen. As a guy who lived through two very difficult seasons, Jaric is in a good position to compare this team to the team he first joined. To Jaric, this team has youth, promise -- and togetherness.

"We talk," Jaric said. "We feel we're trying to work together. We try to hustle back together. Here's the thing this year: When we win we feel good all together. And we all feel some responsibility when we lose. It's not like one or two guys. This team is connected."

Fast break and more

Entering Friday's game, the Wolves were last in the NBA in fast-break points. This despite Wittman's desire to have an offense that pushes the ball when possible. At the same time, the Wolves are scoring 43.7 points per game in the paint, up nearly 10 points from last season.

"Playing fast and fast-break points are two different things," Wittman said. "What's a fast-break point? Is it when there is a guy on his own [breaking down the court] or when we push it up, get it into Al [Jefferson] and he scores? I consider that a fast-break point."

Wittman does want his perimeter players other than point guards to push the ball up after rebounds when possible.

Etc.

• After missing one game because of an ankle sprain, forward Craig Smith returned to action Friday.

Kent Youngblood • kyoungblood@startribune.com

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