Tolliver's travels brings him to Minnesota

Two things became very clear very early in Anthony Tolliver's professional basketball experience: He needed to work on his shot, and he needed to avoid signing any long-term leases.

"Man, I've been all over the place," Tolliver, the 6-9 Timberwolves backup power forward, said Monday after practice. Then he started ticking off his stops: Cleveland, Iowa, Germany, San Antonio, Iowa (again), New Orleans, Turkey, Idaho, Portland, California.

Now here.

Since leaving Creighton University in 2007, Tolliver has played in three countries and four leagues. He had a few cups of NBA coffee, paid mighty development league dues, had his passport stamped in Germany and Turkey. But, through it all, he believed stability would come -- even from the beginning, as an undrafted free agent in the Cavaliers' training camp in the fall of 2007. He made that team, even if only for a few days because the Cavs were trying to fill roster spots while a couple of players held out.

"I went through that camp and, going through the process, that gave me confidence," Tolliver said. "Even then I had a feeling I would get a shot. And when I got that shot, I'd take advantage of it."
His biggest break came with Golden State last year. The Warriors signed him to a 10-day contract in January but kept him for the rest of the season. In 44 games and 29 starts with the Warriors, Tolliver averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. His big night was a 34-point performance against the Wolves. As a free agent Tolliver could have re-signed with Golden State but chose the Wolves.

Minnesota offered slightly more money -- a guaranteed, two-year deal worth about $4.5 million -- and a lot more opportunity.

"Golden State gave me my first real shot, and I appreciated that," he said. "I was sure I'd end up back there. But the Timberwolves went out of their way to make it known they wanted me here, long-term. They said I could compete for a starting job. If I didn't get that, I could compete for minutes. I knew If I was allowed to compete I'd get my fair share."