MINNEAPOLIS (AP) As an undersized power forward not that far removed from a major injury, Trevor Mbakwe has a lot to prove before he can establish an NBA career.

At least one prominent decision-maker doesn't need to see any more. Flip Saunders has made plenty of first-hand reviews.

"He's a defender, competitor, shot blocker, rebounder. That's what he does," Sanders said. "To play in this league and be effective, you have to have an NBA talent. Nothing that you do average is going to make you that much better in the NBA. It's trying to take the things that you do well and try to do better at those."