http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_6117361?nclick_check=1
Anthony Tolliver winced in pain on the court moments after taking a shoulder
- a big one, at that - to the chest.
Tolliver did what many would have done in that situation after banging
against University of Florida bruiser Chris Richard in a one-on-one
situation.
Richard's bulk and strength sent Creighton's Tolliver tumbling on that play
Monday at the Timberwolves' Target Center practice facility.
Richard's size (6 feet 9, 255 pounds) is one of the reasons he was invited to
work out for the Wolves leading up to the June 28 NBA draft. The Wolves don't
have enough big, strong defenders and rebounders.
"I'm not a perimeter guy at all," said Richard, who helped Florida win
back-to-back national championships. "I think I play with a little bit of
physicality. It helps me out. I think I get in foul trouble a little bit
sometimes because I try to play too physical, but I fight through it."
When Joakim Noah worked out here last week, he said his teammate at Florida
could have started just about anywhere else in the country. But Richard's
decision to stay at Florida meant he would be a reserve behind Noah and Al
Horford, two projected lottery picks, on the depth chart.
"It was nice to be a part of a championship team, so I don't look back and
regret anything because we won," Richard said. "I'd rather come off the bench
for a winning team than start on a losing team."
The Wolves evaluated three big men Monday, one player short of their plan.
Louisiana State forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis canceled. That left Richard,
Tolliver and Providence's Herbert Hill.
"I think in this draft there are a lot of the 6-9, 6-10, 6-11 guys, and they
all bring different things to the table," said Kevin McHale, vice president
of basketball operations.
McHale noted Hill's improving skills, Tolliver's shooting touch and Richard's
willingness to accept his role.
Forwards and centers make up five of the first seven players the Wolves have
evaluated this so far. This latest group doesn't include any projected
first-rounders.
Davis, the most recognizable name of the bunch, didn't participate because he
apparently considered his stock too high for the Wolves, who won't consider
him with their No. 7 pick. But Minnesota's No. 41 slot in the second round
could have been a possibility.
"He's been working out pretty good, and he thinks he falls somewhere between
seven and 41, so he figures he'll save himself a trip," McHale said of Davis'
reasoning.
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