Robbie Hummel has said that he hopes to be able to prove his fitness during the Minnesota Timberwolves' pre-season.
The forward was hampered with a series of knee injuries during college and spent last season playing for the Blusens Monbus in Spain, before joining the Timberwolves last month.
The 24-year-old told the team's official website: "I'm trying to play as much as I can to show that I'm OK, and I think I've done that. I think I've said it before, but the only way I can prove that is by playing and playing and playing. That's what I'm going to keep doing.
"I guess I just want to be on the floor. Whatever it takes to have that happen, I'm cool with whatever. You always dream of playing in the NBA as a kid watching the games are always on TV. You don't get much closer than this."
Hummel, who is fighting for the final place on the team's roster, scored five points during a six-minute pre-season appearance against CSKA Moscow last night.