It doesn't exactly make up for a difficult rookie season, but it helps.
Nemanja Bjelica is healthy again, he's getting significant minutes again. And, frankly, the game is fun for him again.
"I finally feel good," Bjelica said. "That's the most important thing. I'm 100 percent healthy.''
The reigning EuroLeague MVP, Bjelica came to America as a 27-year old rookie. He had a promising start. But then he was slowed by a knee contusion. Then, coming out of the All-Star break, a foot injury. His minutes dropped, sometimes to zero.
But after getting 11 points and 14 rebounds in Monday's game with Houston, Bjelica had scored double figures in three consecutive games and in four of his past six games.
Saturday he had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in Minnesota's victory over Portland.
"I survived this year," said Bjelica, who had to adjust to a new country and a new league. "After this, I will just be stronger and I'll know what to expect next year.''
It's no coincidence that his improved play has come with the Wolves winning more games. Bjelica and Shabazz Muhammad have both picked up their production, and that has translated into a more potent bench.
