While many of the NBA's superstars were preoccupied with shoe deals and fat contracts, a squad of unsigned veterans and untested rookies spent the weekend slugging it out at the Timberwolves minicamp at Target Center with a much simpler goal: a chance to get into the league.

Only one player at the three-day minicamp, first-round draft pick Ndudi Ebi, has the luxury of a guaranteed spot on an NBA roster in October. The other 14 could only hope to play well enough to make the roster for the Pepsi Pro Summer League this week in Orlando.

Wolves Vice President Kevin McHale said the instructional summer league and minicamp provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, and for teams to scout unsigned talent.

"It's just a matter of going out there and doing your thing," McHale said. "And hopefully playing well enough to catch some eyes."

The Wolves invited 15 players to the camp. Only five had NBA experience.

John Wallace, a six-year NBA veteran and the New York Knicks' first-round draft pick in 1996, hopes to make a comeback after spending last season in Greece. Cal Bowdler and former Gophers standout Quincy Lewis are the only other players in camp with more than a year of NBA experience. Both played overseas last year after spending three seasons in the NBA.

Via Minneapolis Star Tribune

Minnesota Timberwolves

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