Minnesota Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale today announced the team has re-signed restricted free-agent forward Craig Smith. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Craig brings tremendous energy, hard-nosed post play and depth to our roster," McHale said. "We look forward to his continued improvement, and having him as a member of our core group of players for the future."

The Wolves drafted Smith in the second round (36th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft. Last season, Smith averaged 9.4 points (.563 FG%) and 4.6 rebounds per game in 77 appearances, including a career-high 36 points on Dec. 11 vs. the Washington Wizards.

In 2006-07, the Boston College product was one of only three rookies to appear in all 82 regular-season games. Smith averaged 7.4 points (.531 FG%) and 5.1 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game during his rookie season, while ranking fourth among rookie qualifiers in scoring and third in rebounding. For his career, Smith holds averages of 8.4 points (.548 FG%) and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Minnesota made a qualifying offer to Smith on June 30, which allowed the team a "right of first refusal" that enabled it to match any offer made to the free agent by another team.

Fan reaction to the news is in this forum thread.