In an attempt to bribe convince Western Conference coaches to choose Al Jefferson as an All-Star reserve, the Timberwolves sent Big Al-themed GPS devices to all of those coaches. The devices were sent overnight delivery yesterday, meaning the likes of Phil Jackson, Mike Dunleavy and Don Nelson are as we speak giddily unwrapping a box stamped with “Big Al’s Road Trip” and marked as the “Model No. 25, Double-Double Machine” (and then possibly asking someone how the thing works). Inside, they will find a Personal Navigation System. When it is activated, the first thing that comes onto the screen is a highlight video of Jefferson in action. After that, we presume, it will function like any other device of its kind (though it would be rather humorous if there was an audio component that incorporated Jefferson’s voice. “Big Al suggests you spin away from double-teams and make a left on Pine.”)

Coaches will also find the “road map” through various NBA cities that Jefferson has taken this year to what the Wolves deem as deserving All-Star status. (Box and map pictured via shaky cell phone picture taking technology by us. That box was empty, by the way). Staff writer Brian Stensaas was covering Wolves practice today and brought back that treasure trove for us, as well as a couple of quotes.

Kevin McHale: Al’s a tremendous talent. He just turned 24 and he should make multiple, multiple all-star teams. I think Al deserves it, but that’s for everybody else to vote on.

Jefferson: It’s good to get me out there to show why I feel I deserve to be an all-star. … It’s a nice little present for a coach, too. I want one!

Jefferson is averaging 22.2 points and 10.6 rebounds — certainly a case for a berth in the game. Even with their recent surge, however, the Wolves are still 13-27 — a case against. For a player on the bubble, a little gimmick can’t hurt. The Blazers sent out “iRoys” to coaches last season, which were basically iPod Nano devices with Brandon Roy highlights loaded onto them. Next thing you know, Roy made the team.

Starters for the All-Star game are announced tonight (Jefferson was trailing significantly in the fan voting as of Jan. 8); coaches pick the reserves, which will be announced a week from today. Time will tell if the Double Double Machine is enough to push Al over the top.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm and is filed under Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.