The reason rookie Robbie Hummel has found himself playing so often recently is simple, according to Wolves coach Rick Adelman.
Hummel doesn't try to do what he can't do.
Sounds simple, but it isn't. How many times have you seen a player get into trouble trying to do too much when given precious playing time? Forcing shots, maybe. Or trying to do too much with the ball.
Not Hummel. And that's why Adelman likes him so much.
"He's a solid player, and he's been that way since the first day of camp," Adelman said. "He's always in the right spot. He understands how to play the game, and he doesn't force anything. He stays within himself. He does what he can do, and doesn't try to do anything else. That's why he's so effective.''
Hummel's path to the NBA has been rather long. He endured two torn right ACL's and surgeries during his college career at Purdue, and he played in Spain last season.
Hummel impressed Adelman from the start of camp this fall. He's a willing defender who plays well in a team defensive scheme. He rebounds well and has a good outside shot.
With Kevin Martin out ill, Adelman put Hummel in the starting lineup against Cleveland Wednesday, and Hummel responded with 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting — he hit two of four three-pointers — with four rebounds and an assist in a 124-95 victory.
