Timberwolves guard-forward Marko Jaric finished last season averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 assists per game, down from his career high numbers of 9.9 and 6.1 in 2004-05 with the Los Angeles Clippers. After starting the first 46 game games, his minutes became more limited and he shot just 39 percent from the field. At times he played like a player low on energy.
This off-season Jaric, who at 6-7 gives the Wolves a versatile player at point guard, off-guard or small forward, didn’t play national basketball for Serbia-Montenegro. What he did was spend almost three months every day working with one of the hot names among personal trainers in the NBA, Todd Troxel. Earlier in the off-season Troxel had been in China working with star center Yao Ming of the Chinese national team and the NBA’s Houston Rockets.
With Troxel’s input, Jaric focused on various aspects of his game including ball handling, shooting, becoming stronger and more effective in drawing contact. “It helped me a lot. …Working out with him gave me self confidence,” Jaric said.
He indicated Troxel was a steady influence, detail oriented and ready to spot mistakes. Troxel has also tutored former Gopher Joel Pryzbilla, now with the Portland Trailblazers.
Jaric said he didn’t know what position he will play for the Wolves. “I know this team is going to use me in the right way,” he said. “They will use me (and) that’s the most important thing for me. I am going to find my way and then we will see during the season which will be my major spot (position).”