The hand feels fine — “It got crushed up against the backboard today and felt pretty good,” Love said — but after an initial jolt of adrenaline a few days ago, he has begun to realize his limitations, the result of six weeks without strenuous contact on the floor.
He said he might give it a try Friday, but Saturday’s game in Target Center against Utah “might be more realistic.”
Wolves trainer Greg Farnam has had Love in an extensive conditioning program for the past four weeks. Love has been working out on his own but was unable to participate in full-contact practices until Monday. He made it through each practice this week without any problems.
Love was fitted with a glove-like padding to wear during practices. He will also wear the padding in games. Wolves physician Sheldon Burns provided Love with the protective wear. Burns, who also is the physician for the Vikings, has given similar protective wear to the NFL team’s offensive linemen.