http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_17100661 A day after hitting one of the biggest shots in his two-year NBA career, Wayne Ellington heard compliments about his professionalism and how he handled not playing in five consecutive games before his breakout performance Thursday night against the Washington Wizards. What Ellington didn't hear is the assurance from Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis that he will get more playing time — starting with tonight's game against the Orlando Magic at Target Center. The cruel reality for Ellington and rookie Wesley Johnson is Rambis is struggling to find minutes for both players at a crowded shooting guard position, which includes veterans Corey Brewer and Martell Webster. Though Rambis is sensitive to the desires of Ellington and Johnson to play more, he wants both players to understand that this is how things can be in the NBA. "If you're in the league long enough, you'll have to deal with a lot of situations," Rambis said. "It's part of the growth process. We're always upfront and honest with our players. We tell them what their situation is and give them our viewpoint. They might not like what we're saying, but it's their job to be professional and deal with it as best they can." Johnson played only 15 minutes Thursday night despite starting at small forward in place of Michael Beasley, who sat out with a sprained left ankle. Beasley remains uncertain for tonight. He practiced Friday, but Rambis noticed he wasn't "100 percent." A decision won't be made until pregame warm-ups, leaving Ellington and Johnson — both starters early in the season — in doubt about their roles tonight. For Ellington, the uncertainty is more taxing. Johnson was taken out of the starting lineup last week, but he's averaging 22.5 minutes over the past six games. Ellington had not played since Jan. 1 before Thursday's game. "I want to be on the court as much as possible," Ellington said. "I'll be ready for whatever the team needs me to do, but it's been real tough lately not playing. I've never in my whole career sat out that many games and wasn't hurt. I just have to keep myself prepared and keep doing my job in practice." Beasley's injury gave Ellington quality minutes against the Wizards. His clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter ended a textbook possession for the Wolves and was one of the game's highlights. Ellington shook off the rust to contribute 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes. He ended up getting the minutes that normally would go to Johnson as the backup shooting guard. Johnson, who started the first 33 games, is shooting only 34 percent (16 of 47) from the floor in the past six games and has lost his team lead in three-pointers. Kevin Love, who sank five of six three-point attempts Thursday night, now leads the Wolves with 59. Johnson is second with 54. Rambis is working with Johnson to improve his defense and make him more versatile beyond his three-point shooting. "He's really improved the last three games with his scoring and passing," Rambis said of Johnson. "We're asking him to expand his game to dribble and shoot more, so he's not just a spot-up shooter. We had units that were playing well last night, and that cut into his time." Ellington knows that feeling. Ellington投出两年生涯最重要一球，再这次突出的表演前，他的精湛技艺与 有效掌控连5场没上场，造成的生疏感，Ellington听到了对他的赞扬。 Ellington没听到Rambis再主场对魔术队先发或在场上更多时间地保证 残酷的事实对於Ellington与Wes，是Rambis努力找时间给他们，在这拥挤的 得分後卫位置上，但是这个位置还有Brewer与Webster，虽然Rambis了解 Ellington与Wes想多上场的需求，但Rambis还是要他们了解什麽是NBA。 Rambis：「如果你在联盟待的够久，你将必须处理更多情况，这就是大部分成 长的过程，我们总是直率与诚实地面对我们的球员，我们告诉他们的情况是怎样 ，与告诉他们我们的看法，他们也许不喜欢我们的说法，但这是他们的工作， 去有效处理这些事情，他们是能做到的。」 Wes替代Beasley小前锋位置15分钟，Beasley对於对魔术队的比赛是否上场， 保持不确定态度，Rambis注意着他，没有达到100%，就不会让他上场。 Ellington位置还是不确定的令人伤神，Wes上礼拜离开先发，但还是有平均 22.5分钟上场时间，Ellington则很久没上场了。 Ellington：「我必须要增加更多上场的可能，准备好让球队需要我去做，最 近无法上场真是个不幸，之前都没这种事发生而且又没受伤，但我还是蓄势待 发继续做练习。」 Beasley受伤给Ellington有用的分钟数，在第四节投进一颗三分球为灰狼队， 与比赛的焦点作结尾，Ellington摆脱生锈的手脚添加11分、7篮板、5助攻 在23分钟里，他最後得到通常情况下，该给予Wes当替补得分後卫的分钟数。 Rambis再改进Wes的防守与增加他再三分投射外的用途。Rambis：「真的改进 他的得分与过人，正在请求他扩展在比赛里去控球及投射更多，所以他不只是一个 等球射手，我们有很多大个打得非常好在昨晚，所以切去他一些时间。」 Ellington了解所有感觉，他会去面对。 --

※ 发信站: 批踢踢实业坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 58.115.112.236 ※ 编辑: sato111 来自: 58.115.112.236 (01/16 03:02)