Al Jefferson has been putting up all-star numbers for the Timberwolves, but even he needs an assist now and then.
Enter the team's public relations department, which has mounted a campaign to get the Wolves' star center selected to the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15 in Phoenix. The Wolves on Wednesday sent an overnight package to each of the other 14 Western Conference coaches who will vote on reserves for the game.
Included in "Big Al's Road Trip'' is a foldout map featuring some of his notable performances and a head-to-head comparison with four Western Conference centers: Houston's Yao Ming, Phoenix's Shaquille O'Neal, Golden State's Andris Biedrins and the Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum.
Last but not least, each coach received a GPS device with a highlight video of Jefferson, who said he's grateful for the help.
"It means a lot," he said. "Hopefully, it will convince these coaches to get me in."
Jefferson has made a strong case for himself on the court, leading the Wolves in scoring (22.2 points) and rebounding (10.6) heading into tonight's game against New Orleans at Target Center.
That the team is winning, with a 7-2 record this month, doesn't hurt, either.
"Al's got all-star numbers; there's no question about that," Wolves coach Kevin McHale said. "I've always said it, though, you have to have team success to get any individual success. But Al's game speaks for itself. ... Al's a tremendous, tremendous talent. Just turned 24 and he should make multiple all-star teams."
Whether he makes it this year won't be known until next Thursday, when all the coaches' votes are counted. But if Jefferson does, he said it would be a dream come true.
"It would mean a lot, man," he said. "Just growing up, before I even knew that I was going to be an NBA player, just watching the All-Star Games on TV, you always wanted to be there. Me having a chance to make it, it would mean a lot to me."
All-Star Game starters, who are selected by a vote of the fans, were announced Thursday night.
What effect, if any, the Wolves' lobbying effort might have on the coaches' vote is uncertain, but Portland's Brandon Roy made the All-Star Game last season following a similar iPod campaign by his team.
If all else fails, there's always the GPS device, which Jefferson figures can't hurt.
"It's like a little present, too, for a coach," he said. "You know, I want one."
Up next: vs. Hornets, 7 tonight, FSN, WCCO-AM830
