Minnesota's Joe Ingles out with a calf strain

Australian Boomers and NBA journeyman Joe Ingles is out "indefinitely" with a calf strain.

Ingles, 37, last played on November 2, 2024 in the Timberwolves 119-116 home win against the Denver Nuggets. He didn't get a shot up in the five minutes he played.

The day before Ingles was injured, the Olympic Games bronze medallist said he enjoyed the Timberwolves culture and what his approach would be to the 2024-25 NBA season.

“To come into a group, obviously, I knew Mike (Conley) and Rudy (Gobert), but to come into a group that's kind of did what they did last year and try to build on that and be a part of it, it's a great group of guys, great coaching staff, and people around the team,” Ingles said.

“But now I've really enjoyed it; it’s been a good experience. It looks like a group that is still learning each other. I think off court it's great. You see, we’ve got a great group of guys that get along and are obviously trying to do the right thing by what (head coach Chris) Finch wants.

"In general terms, it does take time. It's always gonna take time; obviously, the sooner, the better. With Julius (Randle) and Donte (DiVincenzo), we have two pretty big pieces of what we're trying to do, so it does take time.

"It's different playing with Donte for Rudy and all those different lineups. Obviously, the sooner the better, but it's always going to take a little bit of time."

Ingles is a 10-year NBA veteran, playing eight seasons with the Utah Jazz then single season stops with Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and now the T-Wolves. His goal is to bring all 10-years of that experience to the developing Timberwolves, who made the Western Conference Finals last year.

"I've always tried to, even starting in Utah, my first thing was to try and get Donovan (Mitchell) and Rudy, and all these guys, and just try and make it easier for those guys," Ingles said.

"I think that's what I've been able to do in my career and then obviously spacing the floor. Regardless if I get it or not, I know if I'm in the corner they're probably not going to leave me, so giving that space for whoever's out there — yeah, just try to make that impact.

"(But) A new team, new system, and shorter minutes. I mean, I'm not gonna sit here and complain about it. I'm 37, playing in the NBA, and still getting to do what I've love to do.

"I feel good; my body feels good. Obviously, my mindset is just trying to figure it out. For me, it's different too — trying to figure out the guys and a whole new offense, whole new defense. It’s a lot when you are kind of brand new into something. It also helps when you've got a great group of guys that support you.

"I couldn't speak highly enough of the guys around the team and everyone around it.

It’s just been a really fun month for me. Obviously, everyone wants to play as much as possible, and we're also a really good, deep team. Like I said, however those minutes come, I'll do my best out there, and if not, I'll sit there and cheer for the guys that are in.”

Unfortunately for Ingles, he's been forced to sit on the sideline rehabbing his calf. His return date is unknown.