Thursday, November 1, 2007

'Rising star' Jefferson gets extension with Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS -- Forward Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves announced a multiyear contract extension on Wednesday night.

Al Jefferson

Jefferson

The 22-year-old Jefferson was acquired from Boston in a trade July 31.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Al has proven that at only 22 years of age he is among the rising stars in the NBA," said Kevin McHale, Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations. "He is extremely talented, hard working and shows a tremendous willingness to learn and improve in all facets of the game. Al is only going to continue to get better."

Jefferson was selected by the Celtics with the 15th overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. During the 2006-07 season, he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds in 69 games, including 60 starts.

Jefferson ranked 12th in the NBA in total rebounds (756) and defensive rebounds (519) last season as well as 11th in offensive rebounds (237) and ninth in defensive rebounds per game (7.5).

For his three-year career, Jefferson has averaged 10.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 51.3 percent from the field.

During the preseason, Jefferson led the Wolves in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.9 points and 13.4 rebounds in eight games and shooting 55.2 percent from the field.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press


Source: ESPN.com

No comments: