| Who Is Damien Wilkins Authored by Adam Winegarden - August 9, 2005 - 11:07 pm
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Most fans could probably assume that Wilkins might be related to Dominique Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks, but a famous relative does not make you an excellent signing. What else can we learn from Damien Wilkins’ history that might help us determine if he is a good fit for the Timberwolves?
Rated as one of the top prep prospects in the country, Wilkins started his collegiate career at N.C. State and burst onto the scene. He was named to both the ACC All-Freshman team and All-ACC Tournament teams in the 1999-2000 season. He was named as one of the Wolf Pack’s Captains when he returned for his sophomore season.
He transferred from N.C. State to Georgia at the end of the 2000-2001 season and was forced to sit out the next season due to NCAA regulations. Wilkins came off the bench for the Bulldogs in the 2002-2003 season his statistics suffered. However, being the sixth man for the Bulldogs’ allowed Wilkins to show what he could provide as a role player. He increased in assist to turnover impressively and was able to show an ability to be a serviceable defender.
In his senior season at Georgia, 2003-2004, Wilkins served as Co-captain. Wilkins again showed his leadership abilities both as captain and as an impact player on both sides of the court. He tailed career highs in points per game and assists per game. Wilkins also proved to be a durable and heady player, managing to stay on the court for 35 minutes a game, also a career high.
Wilkins went undrafted and signed with the Seattle Supersonics in October of 2004. He played sparingly for the Supersonics last season, appearing in only 29 games, starting 7 of those contests. For the season, Wilkins 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists a game. However, Wilkins impressed the most in the playoffs against San Antonio, in 5 games Wilkins raised his averages to 7.8 points per game and 3.2 rebounds a game and also averaged 2 steals a game versus the eventual champion Spurs.
While Wilkins might not be the ideal signing the fans were pining for, he might be exactly what the coaching staff was looking for, a talented player who can fit into the new system of athletic defensive willing players who can apply pressure on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court.
In addition what is certainly more influential than the public’s familiarity is the familiarity of Dwane Casey, the Timberwolves’ new head coach. Casey was an assistant coach with Seattle last season and is a fan of Wilkins.
By examining Wilkins career it becomes apparent what his contribution the Timberwolves could be. In a best case scenario Wilkins could develop into a solid option off of the bench who can provide defensive intensity and an ability to get to the basket. Wilkins has displayed both leadership and willingness to be a role player in the past. He has good size, 6’6” 225, and has shown some ability to put pressure on the defense. If Wilkins can avoid settling for three point shots, and stay active on the defensive end, he can become an excellent addition the Timberwolves’ bench. |
