Leader of the Pack

Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
Email / Twitter

From a highly touted prep star to veteran point guard, Sebastian Telfair is playing a critical role for the team this week in Las Vegas.

Telfair spent the majority of the 2008-09 season in the starting lineup while averaging a career-high for points. The 24-year old continues to develop his craft, which was evident as he watched in the practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. His knowledge of the game will be an important tool to help guide the new rookies in the right direction.

“You got to come in and be a professional that is one of the things I learned from Kevin Ollie, Damon Stoudamire, Nick Van Exel, those guys that I have been around. You have to lead by example. If they see me come in and work hard every day and I’m doing the right things off the court, they will follow my path.”

The obvious question among Wolves’ fans is the reaction from Telfair after the team drafted Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn. Telfair remains extremely positive while exuding the same type of confidence that made him the 13th overall pick five years ago.

Telfair has had the chance to watch Flynn and the summer league team while he has been in Las Vegas. The two are expected to compete for minutes at point guard next season. However, true basketball purists know the game is a team effort and the point guard has to be the commander of the ship. Over the course of the next season, the two players can improve with head-to-head practice battles.

“He [Flynn] is a good player, I think he is going to be able to help us,” Telfair said. “He has a lot to learn but right now he has a lot of skills that he can bring to the court right now.”

Off the court, Telfair seems relaxed but focused for the upcoming year. The Brooklyn baller even created a Twitter account to allow his fans a glimpse into his personal life.

“A couple of my family members and fans always ask me if I have a Twitter account. I see K. Love and he loves it, I asked him about it and I made myself a Twitter,” Telfair said.

“My wife just going into town, I’m going to be working out everyday and just hanging out with my wife for the next couple of days before I go home.”

The future is unpredictable, however Telfair is making sure that his game is sharp at the present time. The Wolves can expect Telfair to wear several different hats this year as mentor, floor leader, and productive point guard.
Jonah Ballow with Sebastian Telfair

Next up for Minnesota is a matchup against the Washington Wizards on Friday at 7 PM Central time. Jonah Ballow and Chris Lewis will broadcast play by play live from the Cox Pavilion on timberwolves.com.

Get all your Summer League news, results and information at Timberwolves Summer League Central.