TwinCities The little winks, the nods, the eye contact and body language, those are the aspects of the game that can't be developed in a film room or by watching games from a sideline. And that doesn't include basketball basics such as teamwork and experience gained through practice. That's why it was important that Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric returned to the court Tuesday after missing a week because of a sprained right ankle. As the most significant offseason addition to the roster, Jaric needs to be on the court to gain experience playing with his new teammates. He was sidelined for the past three exhibition games and had not practiced since Oct. 11, when he landed on another player's foot and suffered the sprain. He didn't feel 100 percent Tuesday and worked out with assistant coach Johnny Davis for about 20 minutes after practice ended. Jaric said he is looking forward to playing Thursday against the Indiana Pacers in Billings, Mont. He said he thinks he will need a few games to develop better instincts for playing with his teammates. Four exhibition games remain. "I think we have a great group," he said. "I'm pleased with the organization, how they've treated me so far. We have high goals, definitely, and I think we're on the right (path). We're working very hard." He likes what he has seen from his teammates since training camp opened Oct. 4. It's a blend of talented young players mixed with veterans and led by all-star Kevin Garnett. "I don't have trouble (fitting) in on the team," Jaric said of adjusting to the Wolves, who acquired him in a sign-and-trade deal that involved sending Sam Cassell to the Los Angeles Clippers. "We have pretty smart players who are willing to make the extra pass. We're willing to play hard defense. I enjoy playing like that." Source
