Taking the Wolves’ most recent performance into consideration (which should count more than the team’s overall record), Jefferson comes out looking like an All-Star all the more. Since Christmas, the Wolves have gone 11-4, a run that includes some key road wins (at Phoenix) and grinding victories over bona fide winners, the Hornets in particular. Without Jefferson, the number of Wolves’ wins could be counted on one hand belonging to a Simpsons character.
In light of the above–and based on our unscientific, pulled-out-of-our-ass calculations–the odds of Jefferson making a February trip down to Phoenix for All-Star Weekend stand at five-to-one. The fans can be forgiven for overlooking a brilliant player toiling away in relative obscurity (the Wolves haven’t played a nationally televised game all season), but the coaches know better. Or ought to.
Coaches’ All-Star Game ballots are due this afternoon. Skiles votes for the Eastern Conference reserves and doesn’t discuss who or why he votes for someone. But he was asked about Al Jefferson’s chance to make his first All-Star Game.
“If he’s not the best, he’s one of the best low-post players right now,” Skiles said. “He’s got good footwork. He uses his body well. He’s got an incredibly soft touch for a guy his size. You can’t just let him go down there and catch it every time.”
Jefferson’s main competition for a spot on the Western Conference squad could be the Phoenix Suns’ Shaquille O’Neal, who had played 456 fewer minutes this season through Sunday and has been held out of the front or back ends of back-to-games.
McHale, asked if that should factor into the voting, couldn’t suppress a smile.
“Like I said,” he said, “sometimes your reputation will proceed you in these things.”
All kidding aside, McHale said the respect for Jefferson among opposing coaches is evident in the way they defend him.
One player the Cavs have reportedly targeted internally is Timberwolves guard Mike Miller. However, scouts are wondering what’s going on with the 6-foot-8 Miller, who prior to Friday hadn’t scored more than eight points in any of his first nine games since his return from a sprained ankle in December.
“(My ankle is) not where I want it to be, but it’s not an excuse,” Miller said.
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