Wolves' Hummel sees roster spot as no sure thing

Just as he did a season ago, Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel accepts his opportunities whenever they might come and no matter how sporadically they might come.

This preseason that has meant two significant chances to prove he belongs on the final 15-man roster sandwiched around two nights when he didn't play at all.

The Wolves in July signed Hummel to a guaranteed veteran's minimum contract, but the team has 16 players signed to complete or, in rookie Glenn Robinson III's case, very partially guaranteed deals without room for one of them ultimately.

"Somebody's going to have to go," Hummel said. "As to who does, there's a lot of deserving guys on this team."

The team on Monday reduced its roster by one to 17 players when it waived trainee-camp invitee Kyrylo Fesenko, but it still must make two more moves by next Monday. Former Baylor guard Brady Heslip's release will follow this week, but the final decision will prove more difficult for Wolves coach and president of basketball operations Flip Saunders.

Robinson, Hummel, third point guard J.J. Barea and small forward Chase Budinger each could be released or traded.

Barring injuries, Barea likely will get limited playing time behind both Ricky Rubio and Mo Williams. He is a candidate for release or trade because has only one season and $4.5 million left on his contract. But he was perhaps the best point guard in training camp and his departure also would leave the Wolves dependent on rookie Zach LaVine if either Rubio or Williams gets injured.

"We've got tough decisions," Saunders said. "We'll have to wait and see. The main thing is these guys are committed to what we're trying to do. We'll have 15 guys committed. All the guys on our team are all guys who can play."

Saunders said he believes even the next man to go — Heslip — is a NBA player somewhere, someday.

"A guy like Brady, he's going to have a chance in this league because he shoots the ball so well," Saunders said.

Hummel played 19 minutes in Sunday's 112-94 victory over Oklahoma City in Tulsa, Okla., when Anthony Bennett's sore knee limited him to 11 minutes off the bench. He delivered at both ends of the court, made six of nine shots, scored 13 points, grabbed seven rebounds and was willing to sacrifice his body, and his cheekbone, to draw charging calls on opposing players.

He played 23 minutes in the preseason opener at Indiana because Bennett was injured, but didn't play a second the next two games after Bennett returned from a strained hip flexor.

"We have a lot of good players and camp has been real competitive, so every opportunity to get on the court is important," he said. "You try to stay ready, but it's hard when you don't play for a couple games, but it's part of the job … even if there's 15 guaranteed contracts, you want to go out and play well. Every night is an audition for another team."

• The Wolves didn't practice Monday. Bennett's sore knee will be evaluated again Tuesday before that night's final home preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Target Center.

He said it began to bother him during Saturday's practice in Tulsa but didn't believe it was a serious condition.

• Wiggins crashed to the court and hit his head after a collision in Sunday's game against the Thunder. After the game, Saunders said his young star was all right.

"I was more scared because he hit his head," Saunders said, "but he said his butt hurt more than his head. You're always scared anytime your guys are on the floor."