Add in a nearly doubling of his assists-per-game rate (2.0, versus a career 1.1 average) and a slight dip in turnovers compared to the previous two seasons, and it’s clear Jefferson is serious. And as the most challenging part of his career comes to a close, Jefferson deserves recognition for the silent grind, for his persistence and eagerness to adapt.
“Last year it was all about Al getting the ball in the low block,” he says. “I’ve been ‘The Man’ before, but we’ve won 24 and 22 games the past two years. Losing has been happening for a long time, and winning teams have more than one scorer. I like to see guys getting better and trusting themselves. I like to see guys trusting me, and I like trusting my teammates. We need to keep it going and trust that Kahn and Kurt didn’t come here to put up with another three years of losing. Believe me, that losing is already old.”
“They’re a tough team. They pass the ball well, they’ve got guys that can rebound, they’ve got guys that can shoot the ball. I think they’re really a tough team for us to play.”
Tuesday’s trade also brought the Wolves a second-round draft pick, adding to their stockpile. They own four second-rounders next June.
Why so many? Wolves boss David Kahn considers any draft pick an “asset” that can used, packaged in another deal or sold to the highest bidder for as much as $2 million. The fact that second-round picks don’t have to be offered guaranteed contracts makes them even more valuable.
“It’s changed so much,” Kahn said. “We have several teams in our league who value second-round picks incredibly high and are willing to spend a lot for them. I’m not suggesting for a moment that we will look to turn it into cash. But the league is a different place when it comes to second-round picks. Teams are willing to monetize now.”
Tucker, acquired for seldom-used guard Jason Hart and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2010, joined the Wolves in time for Wednesday night’s game against Utah and sat behind the team bench in street clothes. He will participate in his first practice today.
Tucker’s lack of playing time since coming into the league, just 47 games, makes him a bit of a mystery for the Wolves coaching staff. He has averaged only 3.9 points and 0.6 rebounds this season. Rambis said he has some familiarity with Tucker from scouting the Suns when he was an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rambis said Tucker was not acquired to “fill a need.” Still, the players who likely will have to maintain their performance level are shooting guards Corey Brewer, Wayne Ellington and Sasha Pavlovic.
Flynn has had a few dynamic games in December, none bigger than his 28-point outburst in Utah which included a terrific drive and finish to win the game. He’s averaging more than 14 ppg, making 38 percent of his 3s and starting to look more comfortable running the triangle offense and an improved transition game.
Most importantly, perhaps, was his attitude the other night when Ramon Sessions came in and played most of the latter parts of the game to help the Wolves get a win. Flynn was on the bench smiling and cheering his teammates on. He knows this is still his team, as long as he keeps making progress.
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