Marko Jaric is looking for a fresh start.
At the end of last season, the 6-foot-7 guard was tired, disappointed and
frustrated. He'd lost his spot in the Minnesota Timberwolves' starting
lineup, and on some nights, he'd lost his place in the rotation.
"I couldn't wait for last season to end," Jaric said. "I was not happy with
my situation, and I'm sure the team was not happy with me."
So he spent the offseason improving his quickness, ball-handling and
attitude. "I've worked hard, and I'm even more hungry to show people who I
am," he said. "I feel like I'm ready for this season."
Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey said Wednesday he's seen the change. When
Jaric came to camp last year after a trade for Sam Cassell and a No. 1 draft
choice, he had tired legs and a tired mind from playing in a tournament for
the Yugoslavian national team.
"Marko has a totally different look," Casey said. "He re-energized himself in
the offseason. He's worked very hard."
Jaric started the first 46 games of last season at point guard, but then the
team traded for Marcus Banks and Jaric made just three starts the rest of the
way.
He was confused by his rule and seemed to lose confidence, finishing the
season averaging 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 39.9
percent from the field.
"Fair of unfair, we played Marcus at the point, and Marko got down," Casey
said.
This season, Banks is gone. In his place the Timberwolves have acquired Mike
James through free agency and drafted Randy Foye, two players capable of
playing point guard.
That leaves Jaric as more of a utility player, who might see time at point
guard, shooting guard, small forward or even some power forward.
"I'm not stupid, with that many guys here I won't play point guard as much as
I did last year," Jaric said. "I'm ready to play and contribute anywhere.
It's a long season, and I know I'll get a chance to play some point guard
sometime."
However, Jaric's size does create matchup problems and Casey likes his
defense.
"His anticipation is probably the best on the team, especially on the weak
side," Casey said. "On the ball, he's disciplined enough to stay with guys
and disciplined enough to shut them down. Just his mental toughness, Marko's
very mentally tough."
原文：http://myurl.com.tw/r8d3
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