Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
~ Harold R. McAlindon, business consultant and author.

For more than a decade, Kevin Garnett paved a trail for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Long gone is the trail that led the Timberwolves out of initial obscurity and into an elevated prominence around the league that, in 2005, found them in the Western Conference Finals, within eyesight of an NBA championship.

By now, Wolves fans know the story. Two summers ago, the Wolves architects determined that Minnesota had gone as far as it would go with Garnett. So they traded him to Boston for a handful of players. Included in that group of former Celtics was Al Jefferson, immediately anointed the cornerstone of the Timberwolves’ new foundation. That’s how we got from there to here.

So far, season two in the Jefferson era has not gone nearly as planned, but there is no mistaking that this is his team to lead, for better or for worse. And Jefferson is trying to ensure that his legacy as a Timberwolf won’t be judged on the lack of wins Wolves fans have seen in the past season and two months.

To be a true leader, you must have followers. For Jefferson, the burden he bears is that he must lead by example, and when that happens, his teammates will be behind him. The burden on Wolves coaches and executives is: they must piece together a roster that morphs into a team of interchangeable parts; one that produces more wins than losses and will eventually includes postseason appearances.

Garnett didn’t build success at Target Center in a day and neither will Jefferson. “Being traded for Kevin Garnett coming here, I didn’t know what to expect because he was so loved here,” Jefferson said. “I wasn't sure how I’d be treated by coming here for him, but the fans have welcomed me with open arms and let me know that they were happy to have me. I was excited to sign my five-year deal because I know I’m going to be here to help this team get to the playoffs and the championship.”

The goals of reaching the postseason and winning an NBA title seem distant right now. But while the win-loss record so far this season isn’t nearly what the Timberwolves envisioned, Jefferson continues to pave the new trail. For better or for worse, this is his team. And he wants it to be for the better.

“I’m not going to change overnight, but I know what I’ve got to do,” Jefferson concedes. “I know I have to get my team behind me. I have to support them, like they support me. I’m not here to hurt them. I’m here to help them.”

A draft-day trade last June that resulted in the arrival of sharp-shooting veteran Mike Miller to the backcourt and Kevin Love to the frontcourt has given Jefferson the opportunity to continue his growth from a player with potential to NBA superstardom.

“Now I see double teams, I have guys; three guys who are shooting over 40 percent from the 3, who can make shots,” said Jefferson, who is averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds. “I always thought Mike Miller was an underrated player because he can do more than shoot the three. He can attack, he can take guys off the dribble. Can’t ask for anything better than that.”

Being a 20-10 player is nothing new to Jefferson. Last year, Jefferson’s first season in which he played all 82 games, Jefferson averaged 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 50-percent shooting percentage — all career highs. He joined Jazz forward Carlos Boozer as the only two Western Conference players to average 20 and 10 last year.

“It was my first year playing 82, and I was excited about that. And I know what to expect for (this season),” Jefferson said. “There were times that I couldn't make the extra effort defensively, but it was because I was tired. I feel like if I’m in better shape, I’ll be able to make (the effort).”

Jefferson’s testimony aside, his first year in Minnesota was a learning experience.

“He got quality minutes last year for the first time, meaningful minutes at the end of games, the go-to guy,” said former Wolves coach Randy Wittman. “He understood being double and triple teamed, so those are all things that if it happens now, he knows how to combat it. Last year it was all a surprise.”

Jefferson will be the first one to point out that simply being a 20-10 guy isn’t the goal. Statistical leadership doesn’t add up to much, except on paper.

“I know I can go out and get 20 and 10, but this year I want to be more of a leader – a better leader,” said Jefferson, in the second year of a five-year $65 million deal. “Plus, I want to be a better defensive player, and that’s been a main focus. I know I can score and rebound, but now we have some help with scoring in Mike Miller and rebounding with Kevin Love, so this year I want to lead this team and try to get to the playoffs. I really believe we have a great chance to fight for the playoffs, and that’s something we want to do.”

During training camp, Wittman articulated the basic requirements for Jefferson.

“He has got to be a leader by how he plays on the floor,” Wittman said. “And he has to show he can do that from a vocal standpoint of keeping the team together and not letting things fall apart.”

For Jefferson, being the leader starts with acceptance of his role of leading by example and allowing his teammates to follow.

“The game is so easy. When you're out there playing together, making shots, sharing the ball – that's the fun part. I have to pick up my teammates, even when things are going bad for the team, for them or for me. I have to be the one to let them know to keep working and keep getting better.”