Injured Ollie making effort to stay connected while away

The veteran point guard hasn't been with the team since Jan. 3 but remains in touch.

By BRIAN STENSAAS, Star Tribune

Last update: January 24, 2009 - 12:49 AM

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Even from afar, Kevin Ollie is proving to be a class act.

The Timberwolves veteran point guard, out of the lineup and away from the team since dislocating his elbow Jan. 3, keeps in touch via text messages. His correspondence ranges from updates on rehabilitation to providing encouragement after games.

"He really loves this team," guard Randy Foye said. "For him to be rehabbing -- trying to get back -- and texting guys, that means he's still watching. He's not watching these teams on TNT, he's still watching us on NBA Package."

Ollie, playing for his 11th team in as many seasons, is scheduled to have his elbow re-evaluated by the team next week. Even if he is cleared to resume practicing, it will likely be some time before he gets back into games.

"Kevin's a great guy, first of all," coach Kevin McHale said. "We've all missed Kevin when he's been away. But his elbow is feeling better and he'll be back here soon."

Before suffering the injury, Ollie, 36, had started seven successive games. He is shooting 47 percent from the floor this season.

His presence is more than just numbers. Forward Kevin Love called Ollie "one of the best teammates I've ever had."

"I've learned a lot from him," said Love, the Wolves' lone rookie this season. "There's a lot you can pick up from each veteran, but K.O. is a point guard so I've been trying to pick up a lot from him, just the relationship between a big man and a point guard."

Praise for Carney

Rodney Carney came into Friday night's game on the heels of back-to-back subpar performances. After shooting better than 46 percent in the four games Jan. 7-16, he shot 14 percent against the Clippers on Monday and missed his lone field goal attempt in Utah on Tuesday.

No one is too worried. Especially not McHale, who as vice president of basketball operations had a hand in acquiring Carney last summer from the 76ers. Carney came back with 15 points, all in the second half, as the Wolves beat the Hornets 116-108 on Friday.

"Rodney's played very well," McHale said before the game. "He's given us great energy out there defending. Running the wing hard, making his shots."

McHale has found out even more, too.

"We liked him at [University of] Memphis, just his ability to run and go out there," McHale said. "One thing I didn't know was what a quality man he is. He works hard. When he wasn't playing, he worked hard, keeps his nose to the grindstone. He didn't sulk. His time has come around, and he's taken advantage of it."

Subdued bragging

Wolves forward Brian Cardinal and assistant coach Jerry Sichting, both Purdue products, watched their alma mater defeat the Gophers on Thursday night. The two sat behind the Boilermakers bench at Williams Arena. A handful of Wolves players and coaches attended the game, including Love and assistant coaches Ed Pinckney and J.B. Bickerstaff -- a former Gophers player.

Friday morning, Cardinal was asked if he was basking in the glow of a Boilermakers victory. "I'm happy," Cardinal said, "but I'm not talking too much smack."