03/11/2009 - 15:12
Al Talks to the Press
by Paul Kingston

No. 25 held his first press conference Wednesday since injuring his knee, and revealed the most difficult thing about being hurt so far is friction.

As reported by Timberwolves.com:

Al Jefferson shuffled into the Minnesota Timberwolves media room on crutches and murmured the words, "Man my armpits hurt."

The Wolves leading scorer and unquestioned franchise player struggled to reach the press table to explain his journey in the past three weeks after successful ACL surgery. After dropping the crutches on the table and the microphone, it was clear that Jefferson was more comfortable on the hardwood court.

Big Al spoke extensively about his injury.

"I've never had a season-ending injury like that," Jefferson said. "I remember telling Kevin [Love], telling coach, and I just felt like I let myself down, let my team down even though I know it was a freak accident. "I just can't stand that they're playing without me and that I can't be there to support them and be the backbone for them."

" Right now it's all about building this muscle back in my knee, just trying to get it stronger and basically teach the knee. So, from the beginning, just teach the knee how to work to get that muscle stronger around the knee to get off these crutches in the next two weeks."

IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

Al explained that watching games at home is difficult -- so difficult, in fact, that he's found himself throwing things at his television at frustrating calls by officials.

Still, he has remained in constant contact with his teammates.

"I'm especially in Kevin Love's ear. I try to call him every chance I get, just talk to him and Randy, just let them know, keep a clear head and keep playing hard."

EAGER TO IMPROVE

Al acknowledged that he has a long road of rehab ahead -- he's only at the start of four stages -- but reiterated his desire to not only heal, but be even better upon his return.

"I'm going to take advantage of this time. I want to come back and be better than ever when I come back, and now I have the time to do it."

IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

EAGER TO IMPROVE

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