Big Al Takes On Big Load
Related Images
When the Minnesota Timberwolves take the floor on Wednesday to kick off the regular season against the Sacramento Kings, they will once again look to Big Al Jefferson to carry a big load.
Last year, Jefferson's first with the team, he averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds despite facing double and triple teams throughout the season.
This year Coach Randy Wittman feels that Al will once again be able to put up those type of numbers and that Jefferson will be even better battling those types of defenses after seeing them all last year.
"He got quality minutes last year for the first time, meaningful minutes at the end of games, the go to guy," said 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."
Last year the weapons around Jefferson were limited with Randy Foye sitting out the first half of the season due to injury. But this year with Foye healthy, Rashad McCants (who shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season) and the addition of Mike Miller (another 40% 3pt shooter) Jefferson should have a much easier time finding guys to punish teams who double or triple team him.
"Now I see double teams, I have guys; three guys who are shooting over 40% from the 3, who can make shots. 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," and Al said with a smile, "Can't ask for anything better than that!"
Not only does Jefferson feel more comfortable and confident in the players around him this season, he also feels more comfortable in a Wolves uniform.
"(Last year) Was kinda like a dry zone because you don't know what you're gonna get from the teammates, the fans. Being traded for a guy like Kevin Garnett, I didn't know how people were gonna treat me," he said. "But here it is, walking into my second year and things are a lot better."
Coach Wittman said its not just Al that feels more comfortable but all the guys who came over from Boston in that trade feel more comfortable with a year under their belts.
"Another year experience for Al, a lot of our guys, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, being in a system, not having everything we do be brand new for them. You play with a little bit more sense of confidence."
While Jefferson took huge strides last season and throughout the preseason, Wittman wants to see him continue that improvement on the defensive end.
"He's playing with more confidence cause he's finally been through it a year. I think the thing that's gonna stand out with Al is what steps he makes from a defensive stand point. That is the next step in his game that he has to improve on."
The Wolves open the 2008-2009 season Wednesday hosting the Sacramento Kings. Tip off is at 7pm, that game can be seen on KSTC TV Channel 45 and can be heard on 1130 KFAN and the Timberwolves Radio Network.
Last year, Jefferson's first with the team, he averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds despite facing double and triple teams throughout the season.
This year Coach Randy Wittman feels that Al will once again be able to put up those type of numbers and that Jefferson will be even better battling those types of defenses after seeing them all last year.
"He got quality minutes last year for the first time, meaningful minutes at the end of games, the go to guy," said 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."
Last year the weapons around Jefferson were limited with Randy Foye sitting out the first half of the season due to injury. But this year with Foye healthy, Rashad McCants (who shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season) and the addition of Mike Miller (another 40% 3pt shooter) Jefferson should have a much easier time finding guys to punish teams who double or triple team him.
"Now I see double teams, I have guys; three guys who are shooting over 40% from the 3, who can make shots. 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," and Al said with a smile, "Can't ask for anything better than that!"
Not only does Jefferson feel more comfortable and confident in the players around him this season, he also feels more comfortable in a Wolves uniform.
"(Last year) Was kinda like a dry zone because you don't know what you're gonna get from the teammates, the fans. Being traded for a guy like Kevin Garnett, I didn't know how people were gonna treat me," he said. "But here it is, walking into my second year and things are a lot better."
Coach Wittman said its not just Al that feels more comfortable but all the guys who came over from Boston in that trade feel more comfortable with a year under their belts.
"Another year experience for Al, a lot of our guys, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, being in a system, not having everything we do be brand new for them. You play with a little bit more sense of confidence."
While Jefferson took huge strides last season and throughout the preseason, Wittman wants to see him continue that improvement on the defensive end.
"He's playing with more confidence cause he's finally been through it a year. I think the thing that's gonna stand out with Al is what steps he makes from a defensive stand point. That is the next step in his game that he has to improve on."
The Wolves open the 2008-2009 season Wednesday hosting the Sacramento Kings. Tip off is at 7pm, that game can be seen on KSTC TV Channel 45 and can be heard on 1130 KFAN and the Timberwolves Radio Network.
