Minnesota Timberwolves: Is Nikola Pekovic worth a big extension?

Nikola Pevokic’s play this season could earn him a big extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com

Minnesota Timberwolves’ center Nikola Pekovic has stepped up in the absences of Kevin Love. The 6’11” center has shown a presence on the court for the Timberwolves. But one question should face the Timberwolves front office and Pekovic.

Is he worth a big contract extension?

Pekovic is at the end of his three-year, $12.96 million deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent after this season. According to the Star Tribune, Pekovic wanted to stay before this season started. He loves the town and has undergone a good season so far.

Pekovic nearly averages a double-double per game with 15.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. He’s gotten progressively better during his NBA career. He already exceeded his career point total of 11.1. The center is also in demand because of his size, a rarity nowadays.

The NBA has seen many big men get maximum deals. Brook Lopez got a four-year, $60 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Indiana Pacers signed Roy Hibbert for a four-year contract netting $58.37 million. In comparison, Pekovic is actually having a better season than Hibbert.

Hibbert records 10.1 points and eight rebounds a game, less than Pevokic’s contributions. The Timberwolves’ center trails Lopez in points but passes him in rebounds. Lopez averages 18.8 points a game compared to Pevokic’s 16. Pevokic outrebounds Lopez’s 7.2 rebounds per game. Hibbert and Lopez average more than two blocks per game, while Pevokic averages only 0.7 blocks a game.

Stat-wise, Pevokic doesn’t stand a chance to get that deal. The one thing going for him could be Al Jefferson of the Utah Jazz.

Jefferson will be in high demand and is an unrestricted free agent. He can sign wherever he wants, unlike Pevokic. The Timberwolves can match any offer thrown at Pevokic. And frankly, maybe they should.

It’s rare for a center to have the presence of Pevokic. It’s in high demand in the NBA. Just ask Hibbert and Lopez, who landed maximum contracts from their own teams.

Nikolai Pevokic shouldn’t be any different. He wants to stay in Minnesota and came through while teammates Love and Ricky Rubio recuperated from their injuries. Pevokic is earning a big extension and the Timberwolves owe him for his hard work and loyalty.