Pioneer Press Rashad McCants' NBA training camp debut Tuesday was reminiscent of his summer performance ? flashes of scoring ability moderated by a limp. McCants went through all the drills on the first day of camp, albeit slowed by a tender ankle. He showed the ability to knock down long-range shots, part of the reason the North Carolina shooting guard was the 14th pick in the 2005 NBA draft. McCants, who originally sprained the ankle during a voluntary team minicamp in Las Vegas in late August, grimaced often during the last half-hour of practice. But he did not need extra treatment after the workout. Injuries have been an issue for McCants. A hamstring problem forced him to miss the team's summer league games in July. He missed some predraft workouts because of stomach ailments. The Wolves are not relying on McCants to play a big role right away. The team has plenty of options on the perimeter, including Trenton Hassell and Wally Szczerbiak. "We want to bring him along slowly," coach Dwane Casey said of McCants. "Right now he has veteran guys in front of him in Trenton and Wally. "McCants is going to be a great player in this league. But he's got a lot to learn, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Once he picks up the defensive schemes and the defensive philosophy, the quicker his progression will be as far as his playing time." Source
