In one 24-hour period the fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves lived a roller coaster of emotions. First there was the news that the teams’ starting center, Rasho Nesterovic, would be signing with the San Antonio Spurs. Next, there was an oddly familiar cryptic message from Wolves GM Kevin McHale. Finally, the most shocking of events came last when it was rumored that the Timberwolves had finally managed to sign a player not named Joe Smith to a free agent contract. McHale and the Timberwolves had managed to sign Michael Olowokandi, rumored at one time to be a top target of the Spurs. Olowokandi, a former number one overall pick, has long been rumored to be a lackluster performer and often prone to moody periods. However, the Timberwolves have improved through this center switch by one category alone, rebounding.
For years, the fans and local media have asked Nesterovic to hit the boards more. This would allow the team’s best player the luxury of not having to expend as much energy fighting for rebounds. In his career in Minnesota, Rasho never became the rebounder the team needed him to be. Had Nesterovic ever developed into a 10 points, 10 boards per game center, the Timberwolves would have been more than happy. However, despite similar offers Nesterovic will continue his career in San Antonio. Olowokandi, his replacement, is already closer to the player the Timberwolves hoped Rasho could one day become. For all of the criticism that Olowokandi has received, for all of the labels tossed upon him from bust to selfish, the simple fact remains that he’s worst statistical rebounding year, is nearly better than Nesterovic’s career high. In his career, Olowokandi averages 9.9 points and 8.0 rebounds a game. His stats from limited floor time in 2002-03, were clearly better than Nesterovic’s. It is perfectly reasonable to assume that with a stronger team, a teammate such as Garnett and a more stable organization, Olowokandi should be able to at least match his 2002-2003 statistics.
Olowokandi can be soft. He can become a black hole on offense. At times it seems obvious to the viewer that he is not giving his complete effort. Yet even with these limitations, he has surpassed Nesterovic. Thanks to addition of Olowokandi, Kevin Garnett will have to spend less time fighting for rebounds, and ideally will have the little extra bit of energy to finally go deeper into the playoffs and continue on his path to greatness.
Editor's note: The views above are not necessarily those of this website.
