Ricky Rubio cleared for full-contact practice

We told you over the weekend about Ricky Rubio and his scheduled visit with his doctor early this week, which was to hopefully be nothing more than a formality in getting him back on the court practicing for an earlier-than-expected return to action.

It appears that all went well, as Rubio has been cleared to participate in full-contact practice with the team, and without restrictions.

As has been the case with many injured players around the league this season, there’s no timetable set for Rubio’s return. But it could come within the next couple of weeks, even if in a limited capacity.

From the official release:

[Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn] said when Rubio does return, Rubio will likely be targeting about 16-18 minutes per game as he gets re-adjusted to live NBA basketball.

“He’ll be eased in,” Kahn said. “The likelihood is he’ll play his first game around 16-18 minutes and then from there the medical staff and Ricky will determine on a game-by-game basis what to do next.”

Kahn said he’s felt good about Rubio’s progress in the last several weeks just watching him at practice and before games. He’s been starting to move really well, Kahn said, and he’s been pleased with the diligence Rubio showed throughout the process.

“It’s an uplifting thing for everybody—management and players and of course the fans,” Kahn said. “The day is getting closer.”

The Timberwolves have already begun to get healthy, with Kevin Love being back for the last four games and posting averages of 24 points and 16.5 rebounds per, the latter of which would be enough to lead the league in the category had he played the required number of games.

Rubio’s return will only solidify a team that managed to hang in and win some games it probably shouldn’t have in the early part of the season. More importantly, his style of play should energize his teammates and provide an immediate confidence boost to a well-coached Timberwolves team that, when healthy, should be primed to make a run at the postseason.