Rubio works out, could return Saturday

(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman says guard Ricky Rubio worked out in Minnesota on Friday and is "very close" to returning from torn left knee ligaments that have sidelined him since March.

Adelman says Rubio might be ready on Saturday night in Dallas. He says team officials will discuss Rubio's return before Saturday's game.

The coach says medical staff monitoring Rubio haven't reported any problems with his rehabilitation, which the coach describes as "very consistent."

Adelman says the next step is "to get him in games and see how he reacts" and also notes that if Rubio plays, the Timberwolves won't be able to predict how many minutes they can give him at first.

Rubio averaged 10.6 points and 8.2 assists as a rookie last season.

Updated December 14, 2012