From Jonah Ballow/Timberwolves site: Monday Practice Report
Entering the practice facility on Monday afternoon, media members witnessed the Wolves serenading center Al Jefferson. Minnesota’s leading scorer celebrated his 25th birthday, which seems pretty remarkable considering Jefferson has only been in the league for five years. During his short NBA career, Jefferson has used throwback post moves to accumulate 5,501 points and 3,120 rebounds. The production also includes an impressive 146 double-doubles – 100 in a Wolves uniform.

Kevin Love, another double-double machine, did not have anything special planned for his teammate in the paint.

“No, no big gifts, just try to get him the ball more on Wednesday,” Love laughed.

Ellington’s progress has been so significant that Rambis has identified him and Brewer as the team’s primary shooting guards heading into Wednesday’s game against Golden State at Target Center. Before Ellington’s emergence, Rambis had tried Sasha Pavlovic and Damien Wilkins at shooting guard behind Brewer.

Wilkins has started at small forward since Ryan Gomes’ ankle injury on Dec. 14 at Utah; Pavlovic has had trouble getting a nod from Rambis. Pavlovic has only eight points over the past six games.

Wolves assistant coach Darrick Martin, who works primarily with the guards, is not surprised by Ellington’s gradual improvement.

“This one, at least we came out in the second half and fought,” Wolves rookie guard Wayne Ellington said. “We showed some effort and intensity. Golden State, I think we just gave up altogether. I think we’re a totally different team now.”

Rambis called that November game one that his team has to let go.

Forward Kevin Love suggested Monday it’s one he and his teammates can’t — and won’t — forget.

“What was it, a 42-point blowout or something like that?” Love asked. “We remember that. We’ll be ready for them.”

Wilkins has spent time with the rookies to clearly explain the mental strength that is necessary in the midst of an 82-game grind. The Minnesota front office made a declaration to develop young talent regardless of their accolades in college or the NBA. Wilkins is the instructor without the suit, teaching a cerebral approach to basketball.

“They’re learning on the job. This is one of the few teams in the league where our young guys are really getting in it. Jonny’s starting point guard and Wayne plays about 15 minutes a game, so those guys are getting minutes and getting experience. And that’s the best teaching, if you ask me. They’re learning, and we’re going to bring them along as best as we can and we’re all going to learn from each other at the end of the day.”