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Shabazz Thriving

 

 

f you’ve followed the Timberwolves this season, you probably know Minnesota, languishing at 5-26, has launched a total youth movement. After sending Kevin Love to Cleveland, the rebuild was certainly predictable. With Ricky Rubio out with a bum ankle and starters Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic nursing injuries of their own, the baptism by fire for the talented kids has come sooner than expected.

You’ve also likely heard about the guys Flip Saunders has been trotting out with eyes on the future. The former No. 1 overall college recruit with a nose for the basket? He’s the team’s second-leading scorer. The high-flying guard with the wide-ranging skillset? He’s shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. What might surprise you is those two guys are actually the same person. His name? Shabazz Muhammad.

Odds are, you were thinking of Andrew Wiggins or maybe Zach LaVine, gifted rookies and freak athletes who have enjoyed early success. Totally fair, as both are viewed as superior prospects. But quietly, Muhammad, last year’s first-rounder, has been an impact player in his own right. Logging increased minutes, he averaged 18.1 points and 5.3 rebounds on 49.5 percent shooting in December, capping the month with a career-high 30 points against the Jazz. He also shot a scalding 48 percent from deep, performing well enough for the Wolves to deal veteran swingman Corey Brewer to Houston and make room for Muhammad in the starting lineup. Take a look at the highlights below, and you’ll see a different player from the one who spent last season wallowing on the bench and in the D-League.

 

Part of Muhammad’s transformation has been literal. The UCLA product spent the offseason rededicating himself to basketball and reshaping his body. Grueling workouts with trainer Frank Matrisciano, who’s worked with pros including Blake Griffin and Zach Randolph, helped the 6-foot-6 scorer drop 20 pounds (the team lists him at 227). Despite his struggles, the talent had always been there, with a strong work ethic often shrouded by off-court controversy the past couple of years. For those watching closely, the scorer’s emergence as one of the league’s most improved players hasn't been a total surprise.

“It’s been a big adjustment for me,” Muhammad said. “I’ve really tried to figure myself out, and if I can play in this league and be successful. All the work I put in this summer has really paid off for me. I’m just starting to get back the confidence level I had in high school, and that’s the biggest thing.”