New Timberwolves guard Lance Stephenson's present meets his recent past at Target Center tonight, when a New Orleans team for which he began this season arrives.
Stephenson played six games with the Pelicans to start this season, then was waived after he sustained a groin injury that required surgery while New Orleans officials said they needed that roster spot filled now.
"That all, that's 100 percent of what it was," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said when asked if Stephenson's release was a matter of circumstances. "I can't say one negative thing about him."
Stephenson averaged 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists before he was waived on Nov. 7.
Stephenson is now playing with his fourth team -- the Clippers, Memphis, New Orleans and Wolves -- in less than a year.
"Nothing but positive," Gentry said. "I think he deserves to be in the league, No. 1. We had no problem whatsoever with him. As a matter of fact, he probably raised our energy level as much as anyone."
The Pelicans come to town battered: Terrence Jones (thumb sprain) and Tyreke Evans (ankle sprain) are questionable, E'Twaun Moore (personal reasons) is listed doubtful and Alexis Ajinca (personal) and Quincy Pondexter (knee) are out.
Wolves rookie Kris Dunn (hand) said Thursday he hopes to play before the All-Star break -- four games are left -- but it's doubtful that tonight will be that night. He has missed the last four games because of that hand that the Wolves list as "sore."
