Rubio returns to practice

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio can now take part in full practices for the first time since last season's knee surgery, the team said Wednesday. Rubio was having a standout rookie season for the T-Wolves last season until he tore the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee during a March 9 game. Reconstruction surgery performed by Dr. Richard Steadman went well and the Spanish player has now been cleared by the medic to participate in full-contact practices, the team said. Rubio appeared in 42 games in 2011-12, averaging 10.6 points, 8.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per contest.