To have watched Timberwolves games in recent seasons has been to watch opposing guards drive the lane fearlessly.
As such, two recent developments have to hearten Wolves fans: the hiring of defensive-minded head coach Tom Thibodeau and the deal Sunday with shot-blocking big man Cole Aldrich.
While the homecoming angle is nice (Aldrich was a prep standout at Bloomington Jefferson), the far more important piece of the three-year, $22 million agreement is Aldrich's skill set.
As noted recently by ESPN.com, Aldrich was one of two players last season to average — per 36 minutes — at least 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. The other, Hassan Whiteside, just agreed to a max contract with the Heat.
That's pretty good value for Aldrich — with those blocks and rebounds being a welcome sight on the Wolves.
Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.
