Pek
Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:18 am
http://www.minnpost.com/sports/2015/03/problem-pek
Robson has written a balanced analysis of Pek. Nothing new here, but a good analysis of the frustration of being a Pek fan. This has been a terrible season for Pek. While I have actually become more a fan of his defensive presence this year, his inability to stay on the court or consistently make shots near the basket has made him the most frustrating Wolf. Last night was a perfect microcosm of Pek's season...missing 2-3 ridiculously easy shots early, and then retiring to the bench unable to play due to injury.
Like Robson, I have to admit that I supported Flip signing Pek. While I appreciate those who say we overpaid or we were negotiating with ourselves, I also remind them that we don't know that. We don't know what Pek's agent was telling Flip, or what Flip was hearing about Pek's value around the league. I conclude that Flip did what he had to do. Pek is such a fan favorite that to lose him would have been a PR disaster. And I also agree that while three more years of $12 million per seems onerous now, it shouldn't represent a significant chunk of our cap when the new deal kicks in...especially if Pek can return to previous form. If...
For those who don't go to Wolves games and whose only knowledge of Pek is box scores and TV, I'm glad Robson talked about the in-arena draw of Pek. His immense size makes him impossible to ignore when you are at Target Center...he just looks different then everyone else in the NBA. And you can't miss the smiles on fans' faces when he appears on the big screen during time outs answering a question in his odd, distinctive style. He is by far my grandson's favorite player, and he's not alone. The Whackos over at rubechat maintained a thread for a couple years with terrific graphics awarding him a "skull" of an opposing center after a night of complete Pek dominance.
Unfortunately, that thread has been discontinued as Pek has had a terrible season. He deserves the poor grade that Cool gave him in his 3/4 season review. My expectations going forward? Not promising. I know Flip can't find someone to take on Pek's contract, and I don't think he will ever move past his foot problems. But I also endorse the ray of hope in Robson's article. Doctors say Pek doesn't stand to hurt himself further when he plays...it's just painful. If he can give us 20-25 a night and get back to being the efficient scorer he was prior to this year, he can still be a valuable contributor.
Robson has written a balanced analysis of Pek. Nothing new here, but a good analysis of the frustration of being a Pek fan. This has been a terrible season for Pek. While I have actually become more a fan of his defensive presence this year, his inability to stay on the court or consistently make shots near the basket has made him the most frustrating Wolf. Last night was a perfect microcosm of Pek's season...missing 2-3 ridiculously easy shots early, and then retiring to the bench unable to play due to injury.
Like Robson, I have to admit that I supported Flip signing Pek. While I appreciate those who say we overpaid or we were negotiating with ourselves, I also remind them that we don't know that. We don't know what Pek's agent was telling Flip, or what Flip was hearing about Pek's value around the league. I conclude that Flip did what he had to do. Pek is such a fan favorite that to lose him would have been a PR disaster. And I also agree that while three more years of $12 million per seems onerous now, it shouldn't represent a significant chunk of our cap when the new deal kicks in...especially if Pek can return to previous form. If...
For those who don't go to Wolves games and whose only knowledge of Pek is box scores and TV, I'm glad Robson talked about the in-arena draw of Pek. His immense size makes him impossible to ignore when you are at Target Center...he just looks different then everyone else in the NBA. And you can't miss the smiles on fans' faces when he appears on the big screen during time outs answering a question in his odd, distinctive style. He is by far my grandson's favorite player, and he's not alone. The Whackos over at rubechat maintained a thread for a couple years with terrific graphics awarding him a "skull" of an opposing center after a night of complete Pek dominance.
Unfortunately, that thread has been discontinued as Pek has had a terrible season. He deserves the poor grade that Cool gave him in his 3/4 season review. My expectations going forward? Not promising. I know Flip can't find someone to take on Pek's contract, and I don't think he will ever move past his foot problems. But I also endorse the ray of hope in Robson's article. Doctors say Pek doesn't stand to hurt himself further when he plays...it's just painful. If he can give us 20-25 a night and get back to being the efficient scorer he was prior to this year, he can still be a valuable contributor.