[外電] Why The Team Must Resign Pekovic?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have offered Montenegrin center Nikola Pekovic
a deal likely to be four years with Pekovic earning $12 million a year.
Pekovic is has not accepted the offer yet but said last season he would like
to return to Minnesota. Pekovic averaged 16.3 ppg along with 8.8 rpg. Pekovic
is a necessity to the Wolves offense and came up big in April
averaging 20.8 ppg, and 7.7 rpg.
The two traits that Pekovic has that helps the Timberwolves are: size
and converting free throws. Pekovic is a bruiser in the paint and
at 6’11, 290 pounds is one of the biggest men in the NBA. Surprisingly
with his monstrous size Pekovic has a soft touch around the rim.
His size is so important because he can bully the opponent’s center
and he complements Kevin Love extremely well. Kevin Love is a player
that will get an above average amount of rebounds, which Pekovic struggles
with on the defensive end. However Pekovic is a great offensive rebounder
averaging 3.5 offensive rebounds per game. On offense Love often drifts out
to the three point line while Pekovic can battle in the paint.
Pekovic also converts his free throws. Big guys in the NBA like Pekovic
rarely convert their free throws. Pekovic shoots around 75% from the line
which is crucial as he is in the paint most of the time and draws a lot
of contact.
The Portland Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks are both interested
in Nikola Pekovic. The Mavericks especially are a threat to steal Pekovic
away with their enormous amount of cap space. However, Pekovic is
a restricted free agent and the Timberwolves have the right and the money
to sign Pekovic if he receives any offers from the other team.
The other reason that Pekovic would be smart to sign with the Timberwolves
is that he would be able to push for a playoff spot in the west,
which is something that Dallas may not be able to offer with the roster
they currently have. The Wolves struggled mightily without Pekovic
in the lineup as he missed 20 games due to injury. He will likely be injured
next season for 15-20 games next season as well because of
his bruising play style.
However, in my opinion the Wolves should spare no expense to sign Pekovic.
The Wolves are only a defensive wing away from contending for a playoff spot
and without Pekovic on the roster I see another trip to the lottery
for the Timberwolves.
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07/17 16:55, , 1F
07/17 16:55, 1F
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