April 16, 2009

At Season's End, Big Al Speaks

For at least one Minnesota Timberwolves superstar, the end of the regular season has brought at least a degree of piece.

That's what Al told the Canadian Press on Tuesday in one of the most extensive interview he's given since an ACL injury sidelined him in February.

Actually I look at it like I can't wait for the season to be over with because then I'll feel like I'm on the same level as my teammates," he said. "Once the season is over with, no one's playing. It's not as bad now, because at first, it was real tough on me."

THE IMPORTANCE OF AL

As the article detailed, Big Al is the heart of Minnesota's young talent, and the numbers from the season bear that out in spades.

It is difficult to overstate Jefferson's importance to the Timberwolves. Like LeBron in Cleveland and Kobe in L.A., everything revolves around Big Al in Minnesota.

Shot clock winding down? Throw it in to Big Al.

Opposing team on a 10-0 run? Big Al will stop the surge.

Need a bucket in crunch time? Give it to Big Al and he'll either score it or create an open shot for a teammate.

The Wolves were 17-34 with Jefferson in the lineup and showing signs of improvement in the second year of the post-KG Era. But they are 7-23 without their leader, their star and their safety blanket, who averaged 27.2 points and 12.3 rebounds in the nine games before he tore the ACL in his right knee at New Orleans on Feb. 8.

REFLECTING ON THE YEAR

Al went on to reveal his feelings about being snubbed for the 2008-09 All-Star game. Though understandably disappointed, No. 25 revealed an understanding of how his chances could be improved next season.

"At the end of the day, it's all about winning games. You get the respect when you win. That's what it's all about and that's what we're going to have to do."

One key to that improvement might be some of the lessons shared by coach Kevin McHale -- lessons that have sunk in as Big Al has watched the game from his couch.

"Mac used to tell me how important it was for me to roll right in front of the rim. It used to go in one ear and out the other one," Jefferson said. "Now that I'm out, I see it and I realize why he wanted me there because by me rolling right in front of the rim, I get so much attention that I can get guys open shots."

Despite the injury and a losing season, Al saw some valuable lessons learned this year, and a lot to build on for the future.

"Hopefully we realize that we need each other. Me on the block, getting double-teamed and triple-teamed, I've got to get the ball out to these guys," Jefferson said. "If they're moving the ball the way they move it when I'm watching these games, it's going to be hard to stop us."

RELATED STORIES
Al Jefferson watches Minnesota Timberwolves season slip away (Canadian Press, Apr. 14, 2009)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jWzJXeUinoZ...