The Minnesota Timberwolves have had some terrible centers over the span of the franchise's history. Names like Rasho Nesterovic, Dean Garrett and Michael Olowokandi never struck fear into the hearts of opponents driving the lane.
The current crop isn't much better defensively, as nobody will confuse Nikola Pekovic or Darko Milicic for Dikembe Mutombo or Dwight Howard. The lack of aggressiveness in the paint is astonishing, and the Timberwolves are just getting worse.
Currently, the Wolves are 27th in the league in blocks, just ahead of known softies Detroit, New York and New Jersey. The Wolves' top shot-blocker is Darko Milicic with just 24 blocks, good for 77th in the league. Milicic isn't exactly the defensive enforcer that is often needed to succeed in the playoffs.
Pekovic has been a tremendous story on offense and has been serviceable on defense. He is a load to handle in the paint and is built more like a cement block than a basketball player. Unfortunately, that resonates with his shot-blocking as well, because he has just 22, good for .8 per game.
What was once bad is turning terrible for the Wolves, as ove ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Michael Dunlap
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March 5th, 2012 by Michael Dunlap Leave a reply »
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