Age might be just a number, but it also probably is the reason Wolves promising young forward Al Jefferson refers to his older teammates playfully as "Uncle Buck," a nickname borrowed from the 1989 movie in which the late John Candy played a slovenly uncle. 
"That’s what Al calls me, a lot of people call me that, even back
home," Buckner said. "Al definitely gives me a lot of respect. He
listens to me. That’s just part of him being around other veterans.
Some kids, some guys in this day and age don’t give older guys any
respect, but he does."
 
  
Zgoda also previews tonight’s game at Sacramento.
 
 
Wolves forward Al Jefferson recorded a double-double
in each of his first four games this season, including his 24 points
and 15 rebounds against the Lakers.
 
 
Except that, so far, Walker has been a good soldier. Real or feigned, for now it’s working.
"A lot of times I want to be on the court,” he said. "But they’re
trying to develop guys. It’s taking me a little time to find my way, to
be effective. Hopefully, things can turn. It’s a long season and I’ve
been around this league for a long time, so I’m not going to get
[ticked off] after three games.”
 
 
Mike Trudell/Timberwolves site chats with Wolves TV analyst Jim Petersen on various aspects of the team (audio).
 
 
Click here for the forum’s thread for tonight’s game.