Wolves aiming to pick Hart's brain

Veteran point guard Jason Hart was signed in hopes that he can impart wisdom to the two young teammates he will play behind.

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: October 2, 2009 - 12:52 AM

Print this story

PRESEASON: TIMBERWOLVES VS. MILWAUKEE

5 p.m. Sunday • Bresnan Arena, Mankato • (1130-AM)

MANKATO - Timberwolves boss David Kahn will use most of this month to contemplate, talk trade and eventually scour the NBA's waiver wire before choosing a third point guard who will play behind Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions.

Veteran point guard Jason Hart, the most obvious candidate invited to training camp, took one step toward legitimacy on Thursday:

He finally got a uniform number.

Until then, Hart was the only player in camp practicing without a numbered jersey because he was a late addition last weekend to the roster. On Thursday morning, he wore number 6.

"Just give me a uniform," he said with a smile. "This is preseason practice, so numbers don't mean nothing right now."

The Wolves signed Hart, who has played for seven different teams in eight NBA seasons, both to see what he has left on the court and what wisdom he can impart to the team's two young point guards in a role similar to the one Kevin Ollie filled last year.

"I've seen the highs, I've seen the lows," said Hart, 31. "I've seen a lot in this league."

Nine years ago, he was the rookie guard drafted by Milwaukee out of Syracuse and Bucks veteran Sam Cassell was his mentor. Cassell now, believe it or not, is an assistant coach to Flip Saunders with the Washington Wizards.

"He was a great teacher, not only vocal but by showing you how to do it," Hart said. "I don't know why people were surprised he became a coach. He's got his own personality, but he knows basketball."

Kahn said he will be deliberate in considering the options for that third point-guard spot.

"There's a long time," he said, referring to the Oct. 28 season opener. "It'll be interesting to see what happens at the end of training camp, not only as we gauge his progress and his fit with us, but also what happens around the league."

Wolves coach Kurt Rambis was asked what proportions of player and mentor he wants in that third guard.

"That's an interesting quandary," he said. "You obviously want somebody who can still play in case one of your top two guards go down. And you want somebody who can help our two young guys learn.

"I'm expecting Jason to sit down with them -- they're going to play more time than he is -- and talk to them about executing our offense, game situations, defensive assignments. He's somebody who's actually been out there on the floor handling these situations and he can give them advice."

And Hart just might speak the same language as Flynn. They both played at Syracuse, albeit many years apart.

"Not only is he a Syracuse guy -- got to put that in there -- but he's a great person, a team guy," Flynn said. "I think that would be great to have a veteran at any position, but especially the guard position. We've very young there. It'd be great to have a guy who has seen everything in this league. You've got to listen to a guy like that."

Recent Timberwolves stories

New Jersey Nets assistant coach Del Harris resigns after game - October 2, 2009

New Jersey Nets assistant coach Del Harris resigns after game - Longtime NBA coach Del Harris has resigned as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Nets. More