NBA Commissioner David Stern, for the second time since imposing the initial penalties, has rebated one of the first-round draft picks stripped from the Timberwolves in the Joe Smith salary-cap circumvention case.

The Wolves' 2005 pick was reinstated, the league announced Friday. So the final tally of sanctions for signing Smith in January 1999 to a series of illegal contracts are: forfeited first-round picks in 2001, 2002 and 2004, a $3.5 million fine, a suspension to owner Glen Taylor and a forced "leave of absence" for Vice President Kevin McHale. Also, Smith's contract was voided and he spent last season with Detroit before re-signing (legally) as a free agent over the summer.

Why has the commissioner eased up on the Wolves?

"We're nice guys," coach Flip Saunders said, smiling.