Former Timberwolves guard Fred Hoiberg confirmed Sunday he could start scrimmaging this week in a limited role.

Hoiberg said he has an appointment scheduled with his specialists this week to get an update on his status after the surgery he had in June to correct an enlarged aortic root. He will be fitted with a shirt with some protective padding that will help cover his chest area, where he has a pacemaker permanently implanted.

He still hopes to play for the Wolves next season.

"Running-wise, I feel great," Hoiberg said before Minnesota's game against the Sacramento Kings. "I've gotten my heart rate up around 170. I had to stay under 150 for a long time."

Hoiberg can run sprints full speed now. He's stayed active by shooting baskets with his former teammates during practice and lifting weights with them as well.

The Wolves waived Hoiberg this summer using the one-time amnesty clause in the new collective bargaining agreement. That means Hoiberg won't be able to play for Minnesota until 2006-07 because he can't re-sign with the Wolves until the free-agency period next summer.

"My thing is to get back in shape as quickly as possible," he said.