Heavier Love survives first pro practices

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: October 1, 2008 - 7:51 AM

MANKATO — Timberwolves rookie Kevin Love aimed low on his first day at work in the NBA on Tuesday, and he flawlessly achieved his objective.

He survived two practices without throwing up in a garbage can once.

"At least I didn't see it," Wolves coach Randy Wittman said. "But he's over by that waste basket over there."

Love said he already has interviewed three or four chefs to prepare his meals. He prepared for the NBA draft in June by losing 15 pounds by extensive exercise and changing his diet to include custom-made, packaged meals and appears to have gained some of that back over the summer. NBA scouts questioned his weight during his only season at UCLA.

"I've got to keep it healthy: gluten-free, low-fat," Love said. "I need to make sure my body is getting the right things, but it has to taste good. I can't be eating cardboard every day."

But isn't a professional chef expensive, even for a fellow who will make $3.3 million this season?

"I'm only 20 years old, but I'm learning what you can write off on your taxes," Love said. "I only went to UCLA for three-fourths of a year, but I did learn a couple of things."

Wittman said he was "really pleased" with his players' conditioning on their first day and attributed it to the commitment of several players who have been training together at Target Center since midsummer.

Mr. Livingston, I presume

The Wolves are back in pursuit of free-agent guard Shaun Livingston. On Monday, Kevin McHale said Livingston's agent told the Wolves that his client would sign with Miami, but Heat President Pat Riley on Tuesday called Livingston's acquisition a "dead issue." The Los Angeles Clippers, for whom Livingston played his first three NBA seasons before suffering a severe knee injury in February 2007, also are a possibility.

The Wolves signed 11-year veteran guard Kevin Ollie on Tuesday, and he joined the team and former Philadelphia teammate Rodney Carney for the evening practice.

Injuries, etc.

Injured Al Jefferson participated in "dummy" portions early in both practice sessions Tuesday and then watched from an exercise bike or the stands. One advantage to training in the hometown of the team owner: He and Glen Taylor engaged each other in a lengthy conversation from the front row during the night practice.

Forward Craig Smith participated fully in both practice and declared himself completely recovered from August knee surgery.

Center Calvin Booth observed both practices because of back spasms that flared Tuesday morning.

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