Timberwolves newcomer Damjan Rudez could easily be an X-factor from deep.
When underperforming Chase Budinger was traded in July, the Wolves received little-known small forward Damjan Rudez from the Indiana Pacers in return. The move saved the Wolves almost $4 million in salary, and many analysts expected Damjan to be waived. However, Flip Saunders quickly announced plans to keep the 29-year old Rudez.
Damjan's road to the NBA wasn't an easy one. Starting out with a second-league team in his home country of Croatia at 16, Rudez was quickly lauded as a potential NBA prospect due to his good size, athleticism, and shooting touch.