Rehabbing Ratliff rejoins Wolves, hopes to return in February

The veteran center had been in Alabama as he attempts to recover from a knee injury.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: January 15, 2008 - 11:48 PM

Theo Ratliff is back.

Not back playing, not yet. Not even back practicing. Just back, as in with the team.

The Timberwolves center had surgery on his right knee Dec. 18 in Birmingham, Ala. Surgeon James Andrews found and repaired a small tear in the meniscus cartilage. Since the surgery Ratliff has been doing rehabilitation work in Atlanta. He was back in the Twin Cities on Tuesday and attended the Wolves' morning practice.

"It's feeling good," Ratliff said of his knee. "I'm back up on it, I'm not getting much swelling, not getting much soreness."

It's been a slow process back. The surgery was essentially exploratory, because MRI tests didn't reveal the tear. According to Ratliff, that's because the flap of the torn cartilage laid flat when he was laying down -- as he was when the tests were done.

Ratliff spent three weeks on crutches. He's been working on exercises designed to return stability and strength to the joint, and is now cleared to do limited work. Ratliff is scheduled to meet with Andrews in Birmingham on Monday, when he hopes to be cleared to do more.

That would include weightlifting and more running.

There is no specific timetable for his return, but Ratliff is hoping to be ready after the All-Star Game, which will be played Feb. 17 in New Orleans.

"I'm still looking at three weeks to be able to get back out on the floor [to practice]," he said.

Meanwhile, Ratliff said he has kept track of the Wolves while rehabbing.

"It's just a growing process," he said. "Guys are playing hard. It's just about those key mistakes, and staying focused for 48 minutes. That has been a problem for us all year. But they'll continue to grow, learn how to focus and do the right thing."

Aggressive tendencies

There is a reason why Ryan Gomes has played so well lately. He's more aggressive.

In the three games before Tuesday's 105-98 loss to Golden State, Gomes shot 55 percent from the field and averaged 18 points per game. In San Antonio on Saturday, he led the Wolves with 21 points and had nine rebounds.

"It's all about being ready to make the play," Gomes said. "That's what I've changed. Every time I get the ball, I'm not just looking to pass, not just looking at the set we're running. I'm looking to see if I have an advantage. That's what's been working for me, that and attacking the glass, getting a few easy ones. You get a couple layups, tip-ins, you get yourself going."

His aggressive play has built his confidence.

"You go through those things, where you really have great confidence, and everything you shoot feels like it's going to go in," Wolves coach Randy Wittman said.

Etc.

• Wittman was planning on meeting with team medical personnel after Tuesday's game to decide when to move Randy Foye into full-contact practices.

• Center Michael Doleac stayed home sick Tuesday.

Recent Timberwolves stories

Jerry Zgoda's Sunday Insider: Two-star conversation - January 15, 2008

Jerry Zgoda's Sunday Insider: Two-star conversation - Could talks between LeBron James and Dwyane Wade lead the two superstars to join forces this summer? More