MINNEAPOLIS — When Flip Saunders went looking for a veteran big man to beef up the Minnesota Timberwolves’ bench, he immediately thought of Ronny Turiaf.

The two got to know each other well in Washington. Saunders knew he needed someone to block a shot or two when the Wolves needed it. But he also needed an experienced, playoff-tested player to help a young core that has yet to play a game in the NBA postseason.

Turiaf has made the playoffs in six of his eight seasons.

He says he’s excited to serve as a mentor for this young team. The Timberwolves open training camp on Oct. 1.