Knight Ridder Newspapers
LOS ANGELES -- Timberwolves point guard Terrell Brandon rejoined the team in street clothes Thursday.
He said he plans to "definitely" return next season -- in uniform.
Brandon's unceremonious return to the team happened on the same night the Wolves and Los Angeles Lakers paid homage to Minneapolis Lakers teams that won five NBA titles in six seasons between 1948-49 and 1953-54, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 96-83, for the 16th consecutive time in Los Angeles -- dating to December 1993.
Brandon, an 11-year veteran who has been recuperating in his Las Vegas, Nev., home since season-ending knee surgery Feb. 21, said he has no plans to retire. He said he is determined to be healthy and in shape in time for training camp next September.
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What's driving him?
"A championship is the only thing I play for," Brandon said before Minnesota's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. "It's not like I have to prove anything anymore. I've been an all-star and those things, but a championship is what we all strive for. Some people talk about it, but we believe we have that mix when everyone is healthy and ready to go."
Brandon, who has three years and about $33 million left on his contract, said the surgery to correct fractured cartilage on the tip of his left femur went well, and his doctor has told him he should be ready to return in time for training camp. He will spend the rest of the season and postseason with the Wolves.
Wolves, Lakers game story, summary, Page 7C
