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Jaric Getting a Fresh Start in Minnesota

Algin Baylor spoke very highly of his second round pick, Marko Jaric, a few years back. Baylor predicted great things for Jaric who never really got it going in LA despite getting plenty of chances. The fact that he never proved himself worthy of a starting job didn?t stop him from getting a rich contract from the Minnesota Timber Wolves. After three years with the Clippers, the guard from Serbia moved two time zones closer to home and signed a six-year contract with Minnesota.

In the opposite direction went Sam Cassell on a tail end of what Kevin McHale called a `failed experiment` with the Wolves. In training camp, once Cassell finally decided to put on a Clippers jersey, he also wore a chip on his shoulder, publicly questioning Jaric as his replacement in Minnesota. But when we recently spoke with Jaric in Dallas, he had nothing but praise for the guard he replaced. As if he new he would be asked the question, Jaric made sure Cassell and himself would not become the next NBA Christmas special.

This year, Jaric is doing what he is supposed to do in those close finishes -- earning his time on the floor and being productive. In clutch minutes with Jaric on the floor, Wolves have on average scored 13 more points then the opponent. Obviously, that was not enough for all games but it`s just a matter of time before Jaric gets comfortable with his new team.