Timberwolves' Rubio out of walking boot, off crutches

There isn't much to be excited about for the 4-13 Minnesota Timberwolves, but there was a sliver of good news Thursday.

Point guard Ricky Rubio, who has been out since suffering a severe ankle sprain Nov. 7 against the Orlando Magic, was out of his walking boot and was no longer relying on crutches.

Rubio's original prognosis of seven-to-eight weeks would see him rejoin the Timberwolves in late December or early January. Head coach Flip Saunders said Thursday Rubio will likely be out until the new year.

Rubio, who signed a four-year, $55 million extension on Oct. 31, averaged 9.4 points, 10 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals through five games to start the season.

Veteran guard Mo Williams has started for the Timberwolves in Rubio's absence.