The Decision Part Deux: Tolliver picks Timberwolves, mocks LeBron with YouTube spoof

Tolliver picks Wolves, mocks LeBron with spoof

MINNEAPOLIS — With the world waiting, Anthony Tolliver has finally announced his decision.

Tolliver said he has chosen to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in a short video posted on YouTube that mocks superstar LeBron James’ much-maligned “The Decision” special on ESPN last month.

Tolliver, a relatively unknown forward with 65 career games in the NBA, spent the last few days deciding between offers from the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors.

In a video entitled “The Decision: Part Deux!!” Tolliver spoofs all the attention given to James, who announced “I will be taking my talents to South Beach” in a one-hour television show on ESPN in July. The special broke hearts in Cleveland, disappointed fans in Chicago and New York, and brought heavy criticism on James and the network for the way it was handled.

In the spoof, a woman off camera asks Tolliver when he made his decision.

“Um, I think I made my decision this morning while using the bathroom,” Tolliver deadpans. “It just came to me.”

Woman: “So, are you going to let us know your decision?”

After writing it down on a piece of paper to extend the supense, Tolliver announces: “I will be taking my services to the north, the Minnesota Timberwolves” and holds up the ratty piece of notebook paper as a wolf howls in the background.

“Thank you to all my fans who have been following me and following my decision,” Tolliver said. “It’s been a great run and hopefully this is just the beginning.”

It’s clear from the video that Tolliver has quite a sense of humor, and he may need it as he joins the rebuilding Timberwolves. Tolliver agreed to terms on a two-year deal after weighing offers from Minnesota and Golden State, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made.

Tolliver averaged 11.7 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Warriors and Portland last season and most Timberwolves fans wouldn’t recognize him if he was sitting right next to them.

In Minnesota, the 25-year-old Tolliver will fit into a frontcourt rotation that includes Wes Johnson, Corey Brewer, Lazar Hayward and Martell Webster and power forwards Kevin Love and Michael Beasley.

The 6-foot-9 Tolliver fits the mold of what the Timberwolves have been striving to add all summer long — young, athletic players who can play multiple positions.

Coach Kurt Rambis has said the team needed to get more height and athleticism after it won only 15 games in his first season on the job.

After his college career at Creighton finished in 2007, Tolliver bounced around between minor league teams in the United States and playing overseas while he waited for a chance in the NBA. He played in 19 games with the San Antonio Spurs in 2008-09 and two with Portland last season before landing with the Warriors and thriving in Don Nelson’s up-tempo system.

Tolliver averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 44 games with the Warriors, including a career-high 34 points at Minnesota on April 7.

It’s been another summer of turnover for the Wolves, who are completely remaking their roster. They traded star Al Jefferson to Utah and said goodbye to Ryan Gomes, Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins, Damien Wilkins and Brian Cardinal. Only four players remain on the Timberwolves roster from the one that started last season.

Online:

“The Decision: Part Deux!!!” www.youtube.com/watch?v(equalsign)fvL5KRoXC00&feature(equalsign)youtu.be