If you had to bet on one NBA player not making it through the season healthy because of knee issues, it'd be Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy, right?
He did have to retire because of some chronic knee problems and aside from a full year to rest them, there is not a ton of reason to be optimistic about the long term health of those wheels. Still, the former All-Star has been logging some pretty heavy minutes in the preseason through Monday.
Head coach Rick Adelman discussed with Fox Sports North's Joan Niesen about the decision to boost Roy's minutes after a recent game against the Chicago Bulls.
I really was going to put him back in the game in the last six minutes," Adelman said. "Him and I talked, and he had gone I think 26 minutes, and sooner or later we're going to have to do that. I want to do an exhibition to see how he feels.
Conventional wisdom says you should save Roy's knees for any sort of playoff push the Wolves will have to make in the spring. However, there are a couple of things at play here.
First, Roy needs to get in to game shape somehow. Second, with Ricky Rubio out, the Wolves are going to need someone who can handle the ball and get an open look for himself or a teammate. When Rubio comes back, then maybe you reduce his minutes, sit him during the second game of a back to back, etc.
Photo: tchuddle.com
