Jefferson Impressing Locals

Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson was one of just five NBA players averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds a game entering Friday's play.

It's the latter number he's most proud of.

"My goal before the game is to get every rebound, period," Jefferson said before the Wolves' game at Portland. "I know I'm going to score, regardless. But rebounding is something that some guys really don't want to do but have to do it. I'm a guy that loves to do it."

Before Friday's games, only Jefferson, Houston's Yao Ming, Utah's Carlos Boozer, Washington's Antawn Jamison and Orlando's Dwight Howard were averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Jefferson ranked fourth in the NBA with 12.3 rebounds a game. He also was pulling down 4.0 offensive rebounds, a figure that ranked second in the NBA behind New Orleans' Tyson Chandler. Jefferson is on pace to break the Wolves' franchise record for offensive rebounds.

That Minnesota record is owned by Felton Spencer, who grabbed 3.4 a game in 1990-91.

Jefferson's 10 offensive rebounds Wednesday night at Golden State equaled the second most in team history. Kevin Garnett and Spencer each had games with 11 offensive rebounds.

Wolves coach Randy Wittman, who has been with the organization since 1994, except for one season in Orlando, said he's not quite ready to proclaim Jefferson the best offensive rebounder in franchise history.

"He's on pace, but ask me that question at the end of the year," Wittman said. "Consistency, that's what we're talking about. He's done it for 27 games. He's doing a good job of it, but we've got more games to play."