Since Robert Covington and Dario Saric arrived in the Jimmy Butler trade from the 76ers, Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau has stuck to a nine-man rotation. That has meant Anthony Tolliver and rookie Josh Okogie, who were getting time before the trade, have spent most of the past few weeks on the bench.
It's the first time Okogie has gotten a taste of life in the NBA — you can be in the rotation one day, then out of it for games at a time.
"It's unfortunate being able to play and then not play, then play and not play, but I think the biggest key for me is to stay ready," Okogie said.
With the Wolves cruising late in their 128-89 victory over the Spurs on Wednesday, Okogie got a chance to play 10 minutes — and he didn't waste it.
He got a hearty ovation upon his entrance and added a thunderous dunk along with three three-pointers in scoring 12 points. It showed how Okogie quickly endeared himself with fans.
"That's just what I bring, energy," Okogie said. "Even when I was playing consistently, it's always something that I view as nonnegotiable for me whether I make shots or don't make shots. My energy is always going to be there."
Okogie said while he would like to play more, it has been easier to take given the team's success — 7-2 since the trade.
"As long as we win, there's not much I can say," he said. "I'm just going to be here for my teammates. I'll be ready whenever my number is called."