Last season it appeared as if Nesterovic, a native of Slovenia, was struggling with Basic Skills 101, because he was failing Confidence 101.

Whether it's the post-practice rim-hanging, strength drills with a medicine ball, or simply the encouragement of his teammates, something's working. Not only is Nesterovic, 25 and in his fourth NBA season, averaging eight points, five rebounds and 23 minutes, he has managed to put together two solid, aggressive games in a row, something he struggled to do the last two seasons.

As a result -- or is it the reason? -- he's standing up straighter. He's holding his head higher during games. He even cracked several grins during the Wolves' franchise-record 53-point victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, and said afterward, "I'm having fun."

"Rasho's done a better job of showing a little more emotion out there, and I think fans and coaches like that,'' said guard Wally Szczerbiak, who occupies the locker next to Nesterovic's. "It's kind of unfortunate that a lot of people think he plays like a corpse out there, but that's just how he is. I think if he can really get into the game, get a few dunks -- not yell or scream -- but show some facial expression and get excited, it will help. And he's been doing more of that.