For a rookie in the Timberwolves’ locker room in 2014, the rules were simple.
And Zach LaVine wasn’t about to challenge the status quo.
Future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett was the big “dawg’’ in that yard, and a rookie kept quiet or became his chew toy.
The second scenario wasn’t even an option.
“I didn’t say anything my rookie year,’’ LaVine said Monday. “I had KG and Mo Williams and Kevin Martin and [Corey Brewer] on the team. So I didn’t really get to say a lot.’’
So if one player was to take umbrage with Wendell Carter Jr. for letting his feelings known, LaVine would appear to be the logical choice.
After all, there’s a way the NBA locker-room dynamic should work, and Carter upset that social order in some observers’ eyes.
But not LaVine’s.
“I mean, I think it’s great,’’ LaVine said of Carter, who’s looking to take a leadership role in his first season. “We all need to take that type of approach. It can’t be a sorrow thing.
‘‘Wendell, for his age, he’s extremely mature just by the way he talks to the media. So it’s a bright spot and something you’re encouraged to see.
“He’s one of the key dudes on this team. He’s going to be here for the future, and I feel like his voice is just as important as any of ours.’’
After the Bulls’ one-sided loss to the Raptors on Saturday at the United Center, Carter admitted he had a lot to say but was being careful not to upset the veterans on the team. Then he proceeded to open up to the media.
RELATED
• Injured Bulls wing Denzel Valentine to have likely season-ending ankle surgery
• Rookie Wendell Carter Jr. has a lot to say, but are the Bulls ready to listen?
“I feel like we kind of go in our separate ways, and not even in a bad way, just in a good way, feeling like we’ve got the game won, and then [the opposition] knocks down a couple of threes and gets on a run, and we’re looking at one another trying to point fingers sometimes. That’s not going to be successful for us.
“It’s more pointing fingers at themselves. People are putting their heads down, blaming themselves, and I feel like the beauty of this game is there’s another play in a couple of seconds. We’ve just got to move on and try to make a better play the next time down the court.’’
Carter’s attitude was extolled by coach Fred Hoiberg.
“[Carter’s vocal presence] is important,’’ Hoiberg said. “I think a lot of times those rookies come into the league and don’t want to overstep their bounds and fall in line. But what I’ve seen out of Wendell is that when things need to be said, he’s not afraid to step up and do it. That’s a great quality.
“Wendell has a really good feel for things on the court. But when you see a 19-year-old who’s not afraid to step up and say something, that’s a great sign.’’
It wouldn’t have been acceptable in all NBA locker rooms, and certainly not a few years back, but Carter is being counted on for big things in this organization, so why not allow him to voice an opinion?
NOTE: Lauri Markkanen (right elbow) was scheduled to go through the non-contact portion of practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The hope is that he has no setbacks and can move to the next step in the rehab by next week.
