"Al Jefferson could have said anything he wanted Tuesday, prior to flying to Minneapolis for a return trip back to his former professional home.

The Jazz center could have discussed the Timberwolves' horrible win-loss record during his tenure with the team from 2007-10. Minnesota went 61-185 during the span, winning no more than 24 games per season.

He could have spoken poorly of the Timberwolves' coaches and management, who some believe never maximized his raw talent or placed him in a system that best suited his unique skill set.

Or he could have easily chosen to contrast the numerous emotional lows he suffered in Minnesota to the previously unexperienced highs that have characterized his early season success in Utah.

But after joking that the first thing that comes to mind when he thinks about the Timberwolves is how cold the city they play in is, Jefferson delivered an unexpected thank-you note to the team's fans. He spoke about being arrested in February for driving under the influence, acknowledging that the moment served as a bottoming-out period in his basketball life. He then recalled that Minnesota's faithful followers stood by him rather than offering condemnation, which helped Jefferson learn from his mistake and move forward.

"It showed that when some are going through a real tough time, instead of turning their back on me, they supported me and they helped me through it," Jefferson said. "That's one of the thing that always stick with me."

Jefferson said that his overall thoughts are positive when he looks back upon his Timberwolves days. Fans still showed up for games and cheered for a franchise that showed little upward traction. Several previously unknown teammates became close friends. And while Jefferson immediately knew that Minnesota forward Kevin Love — who leads the league with 15.5 rebounds per game — was a special talent, he acknowledged that he and Love are better off in their new environments."