Versatile Hummel carving niche with Timberwolves

INDIANAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel needs every finger on one hand to count the positions he's played this season.

The former Purdue star cracks a little smile when he gets to "point guard." One locker over, teammate Gorgui Dieng chuckles.

Hummel first subbed in at center last Friday at Milwaukee. By the end of the game he was running the point for the first time since his Valparaiso High School days.

Ricky Rubio needn't worry. The 6-foot-9, 219-pound Hummel won't challenge for the starting point guard job. But he contributed six points and an assist without committing a turnover in 14-plus minutes that night.

That versatility has boosted Hummel's value in the face of injuries to Rubio, Mo Williams and Shabazz Muhammad, among others. In his second NBA season, Hummel has carved a niche as a player willing — and more importantly, able — to do a little bit of everything.

"We trust him and coach has trusted him in putting him at any position, and for him to do the job and do the job well," said Timberwolves forward Chase Budinger, a five-year NBA veteran. "It's been very impressive that he's been able to play one through five. It just shows you what type of player he is and how smart he is and how he knows how to play the game."

Hummel rewarded that faith with his contributions to the Timberwolves' rally past the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday. Playing a season-high 26 minutes, he scored all seven of his points in the fourth quarter as Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 110-101 victory.

Hummel came into Tuesday's game at Indiana averaging 12.1 bench minutes (mostly at forward) while playing 29 of Minnesota's 36 games. He averages 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds — numbers in line with his rookie production.

Yet Minnesota coach Flip Saunders said Hummel has "probably been our most consistent player" despite his sometimes sporadic playing time. Hummel takes pride in that compliment, since flipping the switch every night isn't easy.

"It's a skill you develop, I think," said Hummel, a four-year starter at Purdue. "A lot of guys have given me tips, like the first time down the court they try to sprint down the court to get their legs loose after sitting on the bench for 10 or 12 minutes of game. It's definitely an adjustment."

What Hummel hasn't adjusted to is losing. He enjoyed consistent success at Purdue during the Boilermakers' run of six straight NCAA tournament appearances.

After Tuesday's victory, the Timberwolves remain entrenched in last place at 6-31 record.

"It's been a new experience for me, but I think it's been humbling in some respects," Hummel said. "You have to learn how to lose, too, unfortunately. I think that's kind of what we've been doing. At the same time, you never stop wanting to win and you're competing, whether you're down guys or not."

Saunders, a fellow Big Ten Conference alum who played at Minnesota, admires Hummel's grit. He knows many people thought Hummel might never reach the NBA after two ACL tears interrupted his Purdue career. Saunders said character is one reason why Hummel "continues to defy the odds."

"If you looked at Indiana basketball and had to take picture of the type of player that they have, Robbie a lot of times would fit that mold, just because of how he plays," Saunders said. "Unselfish, cares more about the team than he cares about himself — that's kind of what he is."

Budinger said Hummel "really helps other players" with his attention to detail: hitting open shots, setting good screens, making smart decisions. Asked where he's still trying to improve, Hummel mentioned consistency and shooting, then slipped in one mantra that could have come straight from Matt Painter.

"Defensively, you can never be too good," said Hummel, who said he had about 30 friends and family at the game.

Hummel had one rebound in 10 scoreless first-half minutes against the Pacers. His production has steadied in recent weeks, including nine points, three rebounds and a steal against San Antonio last Saturday.

His versatility isn't just helping Minnesota. Hummel knows it will help longevity in the league. Saunders predicted a long career for a player he said is one of his favorites in 17 years as an NBA coach.

And have we seen the last of point guard Robbie Hummel?

"You never want to say never," Hummel said, noting the Timberwolves' injury woes.

Then the smile returns.

"But I think we're probably better when I'm not playing point guard."