MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves still retain draft rights to Robbie Hummel, and the oft-injured forward retains hopes of cashing in on them.
Minnesota's top draft pick in 2012 — 58th overall in the second round — has said he plans to join the Timberwolves' summer league team in Las Vegas later this month after what he considers a successful stint in Spain this past season.
Rather than sign out of Purdue with the team that drafted him, Hummel and the Timberwolves opted to develop his talents, and sustainability, overseas. The 6-foot-8, 215-pound small forward tore the ACL in his right knee twice during college and underwent surgery before the season to repair meniscus damage in the same leg.
"The biggest thing (Minnesota) was looking to see was if I can stay healthy," Hummel told the Northwest Indiana Times recently. "I had the meniscus tear and taking care of that was a great thing to do. I feel great. I had no problems. I went the entire season, and I didn't miss a practice. I played really well. I shot really well. I played in the second-best league in the world and made a positive impact on the team."
Averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game and shooting 41.1 percent from behind the 3-point line, Hummel helped Obradoiro Cab sneak into the Liga ACB playoffs.
The smooth shooting touch that helped him become a national collegiate star when he wasn't nursing a knee injury could behoove a Timberwolves organization that finished dead last in the NBA in 3-point shooting last season.
But even if he makes the 15-man roster, Hummel's road to big-league minutes is an uphill one.
There's a new set of front office folks to impress now, helmed by team president Flip Saunders. And if that group does its job right, Minnesota will be deep at the three spot, especially if they can re-sign Chase Budinger and pick up another shooter either in free agency or the draft.
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