<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Rickert was at one time thought to be a potential lottery draft pick, but because he was not chosen in the first round, he did not get a guaranteed contract. After struggling during the team's summer league season, Rickert was sent to Europe to work on his game in an attempt to make the 2004-05 Wolves roster. "This is the only thing I'm focusing on this summer," Rickert said late last week. "I want to show the Timberwolves everything I've improved on while playing overseas." The next five days will play a major role in deciding Rickert's future. Play well, and get invited to training camp in October. Struggle, as he did last summer, and prepare for a second season in Europe. The Wolves own Rickert's rights for two years. "The thing is, Rick is going against kids that are all hungry like him and want to make the team. It's going to be fierce out there," Wolves summer league coach Don Zierden said. "Rick is going to get playing time because the most the important thing is we take our three draft picks (Rickert, Ndudi Ebi and Blake Stepp) and make sure they get playing time, and I try to coach what Flip (Saunders) does so they get familiar with our system." It was an easy decision to send Rickert to Slovenia last summer. He was manhandled in the post, beaten off the dribble, and picked up more fouls than points and rebounds last summer in Orlando. The Wolves wanted Rickert to work on those of aspects of his game and get playing time regularly. Rickert's Slovenian team practiced twice a day on non-game days, and he stayed in touch with former Wolves strength and conditioning coach Joe Sharpe via e-mail. "I thought it was good for him to go over," said former Wolves vice president of personnel Rob Babcock, who closely monitored Rickert's progress last season. "I think he matured a great deal in that process. I never heard him complaining. His strength and maturity will be better this summer. He still needs to get stronger and work on his balance and footwork so he can use his strength and weight properly. He's still got to learn, and he's working to do that." Rickert averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 rebounds a game while eating and sleeping basketball last season. The Wolves likely will have one, maybe two, roster spots available heading into training camp, but there still are questions about Rickert's game. He has become quicker and stronger, but it's uncertain whether he should play small or power forward. Playing power forward would mean playing a physical game against the likes of a Karl Malone. Playing small forward would mean he must be quick enough to defend the likes of a Shawn Marion on the perimeter.</div> Link (Registration required)
