C | 6’11, 250 lbs
2015-16 season: 62 games, 1.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.4 BPG, 52.3 FG%, 68.2 FT%
In his first offseason with the Wolves, Tom Thibodeau went out and signed center Cole Aldrich to a deal, bringing the former Bloomington-Jefferson star back home.
Thibodeau got to know Aldrich from his time with Doc Rivers and the Clippers during his year off. He was impressed with Aldrich’s effort on the defensive side of the ball and how hard he practiced.
Aldrich also contributed a great deal to the community in 2016-17 for the Wolves. Nearly immediately upon his arrival, he went on the Timberwolves Caravan with Shabazz Muhammad and assistant coach Ryan Saunders.
Shortly after, Cole and his wife organized a backpack build, making it known that he was back in town, and he was here to contribute on and off the court.
Top Three Games Of The Season
3.) Dec. 8 at Toronto Raptors
In nearly 15 minutes off the bench, Aldrich finished with six points, eight rebounds and a steal, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field.
2.) Dec. 3 at Charlotte Hornets
In this 125-120 road win, Aldrich played nearly 22 minutes off the bench and finished with an all-round game of four points, eight rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist. He shot 2-for-4 from the field.
1.) Dec. 2, 2016 at New York Knicks
Aldrich finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals in this game against his former squad. The big man played 27 minutes and shot an efficient 4-for-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
Top Offseason Objectives
For Aldrich, more than anything it’s probably continuing to learn Thibodeau’s defense a little bit more and helping his teammates whether that’s on or off the court.
We have a feeling we’ll see Aldrich in the community more than once this summer.
Role for 2017-18?
Aldrich will be the team’s rim-protecting big off the bench next season. It’s based on matchups on when Aldrich will be on the floor for the Wolves, but if there is another big who plays close to the rim offensively, Aldrich is the guy to stop him. Aldrich will also serve as a veteran presence in the locker room to some of the younger Wolves. As far as people go in the NBA, you’d be hard pressed to find a better guy.
They Said It…
“It’s awesome. Just coming out and showing support to the people that really support us in the state,” Aldrich said during the team’s 2016 Timberwolves Caravan in Duluth.