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The Timberwolves have reached an agreement with Othyus Jeffers on a contract that will keep him in a Wolves uniform for the rest of the season, according to reports. Jeffers is a 28 year old wing player who is a veteran of the NBA Developmental league.
Jeffers, who has had brief spells with the Jazz, Wizards, and Spurs (including four games with San Antonio this season), has spent most of the year with the Iowa Energy of the D-League.
Jeffers was a member of the Wolves summer league team in Las Vegas in 2013, where he was impressive enough to earn an invitation to training camp. He also impressed in Mankato, and appeared to have a good chance of making the squad to start the season, but the Wolves instead chose to keep former second round pick Robbie Hummel and veteran point guard A.J. Price, leaving no roster space available for him.
With the Wolves desperate for bodies due to injury, especially on the wing where Chase Budinger and Shabazz Muhammad are out for the year, and Kevin Martin's foot is hurting him, Jeffers is a player who knows the system after summer league and training camp, and can step right in.
He has been a star with the Energy this season, where he has averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds, as well as 3.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
It occurs to me that Jeffers has, at least at the D-League level, the fully realized version of Shabazz Muhammad's game. He's a power wing player who doesn't have much of a perimeter shot, but produces around the basket with his strength. A terrific rebounder for a player his size, he's very effective getting to the basket and drawing fouls. He averages 7.5 Free throw attempts per game for the Energy, and also grabs nearly 3 offensive boards per contest.
I'm glad he's back, at least for a cameo appearance. He was quite enjoyable to watch during summer league and pre-season, and seems quite committed to his profession. Hopefully he can use this as a springboard to more opportunities.
It is unknown whether the necessary paper work will be done in time for Jeffers to be in uniform and available tonight at Target Center against the Spurs.