Timberwolves recall Shabazz Muhammad from D-League

The Timberwolves have recalled rookie Shabazz Muhammad from the D-League, where he appeared in four games with the Iowa Energy.

After not being used by Rick Adelman in Minnesota, Shabazz Muhammad spent four games in the D-League where he put up excellent numbers, averaging 24 and 10 while shooting 57% from the field.  Muhammad showed off his strengths with the Energy: using his strong frame to dominate around the basket, secure offensive rebounds, and score on putbacks, at the free throw line, and in transition.

Obviously four games in the D-League tells us very little, but it was a solid performance in which Muhammad showed the ability to dominate a lower level.

With Chase Budinger now healthy and back in the rotation, the acquisition of Luc Richard Mbah and Moute, and the improving play of Alexey Shved, it still seems unlikely that Muhammad will see any real playing time with the Wolves, but he was able to get some game time and will now return to practice with the team hopefully with renewed confidence.

What remains unknown is whether the skills he's shown--strength, effort on the offensive glass, will translate successfully in the NBA given his size and limited ball handling and perimeter skills at the small forward spot. Certainly a successful stint in the D-League is better then the alternative, however, and Muhammad exhibited a willingness ability to play hard and be successful in the minors.

We'll see what happens next.