NBA: Rubio cleared for contact practice

The Minnesota Timberwolves said Wednesday that Spanish guard Ricky Rubio, battling back from a knee injury that cut short his NBA rookie season, has been cleared to take part in full-contact training. Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn said in comments posted on the team's website that the timetable on Rubio's return to game action was still to be determined. When he does return to the court, his minutes per game will be monitored as he regains full fitness. "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." Rubio played in 41 games before suffering torn left knee ligaments in a March home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last season. The injury also ended his hopes of playing for Spain at the London Olympics.