Another homecoming for Jackson Michael Dougherty - Staff Reporter S plash a little maroon and gold paint around, raise the floor a couple of feet and the Arena Health Club might seem like Williams Arena with the handful of former Gophers running around the court. Former Gophers guard Bobby Jackson made his debut in a Wolves practice jersey Thursday night at the team's first practice since the NBA collective bargaining agreement was signed, ending the 204-day lockout. Jackson and former Timberwolf and Indiana Hoosier Dean Garrett were traded to the Wolves from Denver in a three-team deal which also included Toronto. Former Gophers center Trevor Winter, a teammate of Jackson's on the 1996-97 Final Four team, was also at the practice.
Winter is a free agent trying to land a spot on the squad.
Wolves coach and general manager Flip Saunders, a 1977 graduate of the University, said the trade is a positive step for the young team and added he is thrilled to have Jackson on his team. But we've worked on some things and when it came down to it, it was a good situation. We saw it as an opportunity to not only get Bobby, but also get Dean back. Saunders' boss is Kevin McHale, a 1980 University graduate and the vice president of the Timberwolves. McHale said the trade for Jackson will have a great impact on the team, but added Jackson will have to work hard for playing time behind point guard Stephon Marbury.