Timberwolves rookie Wes Johnson, slowed for much of preseason play by a nagging hamstring injury that's bothered him since July, says he's ready for his NBA debut.
The way he fidgeted after shootaround this morning, he looked more than ready.
"I'm ready to go, I'm ready to play," he said. "I don't know if it's the adrenaline or what, but I'm ready."
Relatives from Michigan (his brother, nephews and sister in law) arrived this morning to watch him play his first real pro game.
Johnson said after shoot that he's still undecided, but will probably wear a light knee brace to counteract pain that's been radiated up to his knee and stabilize his leg and that hamstring muscle.
Wayne Ellington will start at shooting guard tonight against a Kings team missing suspended star Tyreke Evans (one game by the league for reckless driving).
Johnson will come off the bench and Kurt Rambis said he will measure Johnson's minutes carefully to ensure he, and that hamstring, don't get fatigued.
Asked if he's worried he'll be too excited and try to go too hard, Johnson said, "I think I'm in a good spot. It's been talking to me,but if it's talking to me too much, then I'll probably ease down. Other than that, I'll go full blast."
