<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">USA Today - Mark Madsen, a valuable reserve for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past two seasons, has agreed to a five-year contract to remain with the team, Madsen said Saturday. Madsen, a free agent, is a strong rebounder and defender coming off the bench. He had surgery in March to repair a ruptured ligament in his shooting wrist and was clearly missed by Minnesota, which failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1996. "I'm extremely excited to be back in Minnesota," the 6-9, 245-pound forward said. Madsen was being wooed by other teams ? reportedly Washington and Utah ? but he felt staying in Minnesota was the best fit. He had contact with coach Dwane Casey and vice president for basketball operations Kevin McHale during the negotiation process, and he said a call from team owner Glen Taylor was especially important to him.</div> Source
Five Years! What is Minnesota thinking. Madsen barley plays! He is gonna get a 5 year deal? Why? All he does is sit on the bench and play the position of cheerleader. He played in only 41 games last year. Most of the time, it was due to injury. Now I know he hustles, and sometimes it helps the team. But look at the stats. A 5 year deal for a 2 point per game career player? I could see Minnesota signing him for a year or two, but 5 year deal. He has to prove something this year.
His expertise isn't documented in stats. ex. (hustling, getting putbacks, firing up the home crowd, being a positive team mate.)
The deal does seem kind of long, Brain Cardinal was a hustler too. And he got a long term deal from Memphis last year, but it hasnt worked out so far.....Brain Scalabrine another hustle type player got a big deal from Boston this year, so guys that play more on effort then skill are finally being paid. I think that Madsen's energy was missed during the 2nd half of the season last. And part of the reason Minny could not go on a legit run to make the playoffs. Solid move bringing him back.
I haven't heard the financials of the situation, but Madsen WAS on my list of "Have-To-Resigns" and I'm happy to have him. He reminds me alot of Jud Buechler for the Bulls. I remember when they were going through lulls, and when they called Jud's name, the crowd erupted because of his hustle. Madsen was a DEFINITE in my eyes.......but not for something like the full mid-level. Gotta hear the financials.
