http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/s...all/8042199.htm Some quotes from Wells' game notes: <font color="DarkSlateBlue">The plan was for Michael Olowokandi to slowly work back into the Timberwolves' starting lineup. The Wolves didn't want to rush their free-agent center, who had missed 36 games after December knee surgery. But Ervin Johnson swallowed his pride and did an unusual thing. He told coach Flip Saunders to take him out the starting lineup and put Olowokandi in. "I know my role," Johnson said. "Just be a team player and be a role player. They didn't bring me here to start. I know what I bring, I know what I can do. I just want to win."</font> WOW!!! Big Erv gets my vote for tonight's Unsung Hero Award. As I posted earlier, I first heard this from Kandi himself during his postgame interview. Kandi sounded a bit choked up telling the story. I think this is the perfect gesture to inspire & motivate Kandi to playing great ball the rest of the way. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">As well as Johnson has played in Olowokandi's absence, he knows the Wolves' best chance to win is by having Olowokandi in the starting lineup because he's younger and moves better.</font> Humility like Big Erv's amongst pro athletes is as common as seeing Mark Cuban in a welfare line. Thankfully, we've got a real team attitude. That's one reason why I think we'll win it all. They really don't care who gets the glory as long as the T'Wolves win. That sounds like the 1987 Twins attitude & we all know how that turned out. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">"People talk about guys that want to win. People can say they want to win, but a lot of times they don't want to do it," Saunders said. "But Ervin came up said, 'I know what you brought me here for. I was brought here to be a guy for when someone got hurt, I help out and do what I can.'"</font> Props to Flip for praising Big Erv like that. After his actions & the performances of Kandi, Wally & Troy, team morale probably couldn't get much higher. That's why I'm predicting the T'Wolves beating up on GS Friday night. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">Olowokandi didn't disappoint Wednesday night in his fourth game back and his first start since early December. In the Wolves' 81-68 victory over the New Jersey Nets, he finished with five points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots.</font> Those are nice stats but they don't nearly tell the whole story of Kandi's impact. To know his REAL IMPACT, just look at the Nets' FT statistics. They went 1-5 FOR THE GAME. After the first quarter, KMart didn't even try driving the lane. Jefferson only ventured in there occasionally. That's what tells me that the Nets were intimidated by Kandi's shotblocking. His rebounding was just the icing on the cake. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">"Ervin Johnson is the elder statesman on the club," Olowokandi said. "I think Ervin's mind frame wants to be in the best interest of the team. I'm thankful to him."</font> Just like Erv knew it was right to get Kandi back in the lineup, Kandi knew it was right to praise Big Erv for his actions, too. That's why I'm not even slightly worried about this team's chemistry. This team's got a great attitude & that will make a difference this season.
I like what Johnson did. He knew what was best for the team, and he pulled himself. It takes courage to do that. I would thank him for this win, I'm glad he knows his role.
I agree Johnson did the right thing. Most professional athletes don't have the courage to do that. I respect him more as a player now after reading that artical.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting coolhandluke:</div><div class="quote_post">I respect him more as a player now after reading that artical.</div> I respect him more as a person after reading that, not just as a player.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting twolvefan11:</div><div class="quote_post">I respect him more as a person after reading that, not just as a player.</div> Wow....that was very humble, never thought I'd see that even in my young lifetime! He played so well in Kandi's absence a veteran with such defensive prowness. This really was "big" of Johnson. Kandi will be sparked by this for sure
Ervin Johson always made it clear that he feels more comfortable coming off the bench. He has never like to start, it goes back to his days with the Bucks. Erv Knows his role is to come of the bench play about 15-20 & bring some added defensive pressence. With all the great scoring options the t-wolves have, it will be Kandiman who decides how good you gus are going to be. You already know what KG, Sam & Spree bring to the table. But the question is will Kandiman bring you guys rebounding & an inside pressence come playoff time. And Ervin Johnson knows that.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">Ervin Johson always made it clear that he feels more comfortable coming off the bench. He has never like to start, it goes back to his days with the Bucks. Erv Knows his role is to come of the bench play about 15-20 & bring some added defensive pressence. With all the great scoring options the t-wolves have, it will be Kandiman who decides how good you gus are going to be. You already know what KG, Sam & Spree bring to the table. <font color="DarkSlateBlue">But the question is will Kandiman bring you guys rebounding & an inside pressence come playoff time.</font> And Ervin Johnson knows that.</div> IMO, that question got answered this past week. He hindered Duncan's game with his agility & his blocking 2 of TD's shots, then he played strong defense against Milwaukee & continued this run with his intimidating defense last night against a team known for their strong reliance on points in the paint. Kandi & KG played a huge role in shutting the paint down. Best evidence of that is KMart. Normally, he attacks the rim with a vengeance. Last night, he scored 18 points, didn't attempt a FT & 7 of his 9 FG's were from 15-18' away. That doesn't sound like he was attacking the rim much. Kandi's rebounding in traffic was impressive, too.
