Nikola Pekovic At MN Grocery (Photos & Video)

Nikola Pekovic is a second year center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who was selected with the first pick of the second round, in the 2008 NBA Draft. Prior to joining the Timberwolves, Pekovic spent seven full seasons playing professionally in Europe, including stints with Serbia's KK Atlas and KK Partizan, as well as Greece's Panathinaikos Basketball Club.

During his time with Partizan, Pekovic won three Serbian League and two Adriatic League titles. He was named the Adriatic league Final Four MVP in 2008.

While competing in Greece, he helped Panathinaikos to the 2008 - 2009 Euroleague championship.

Pekovic is also a member of the Montenegro (his native country) national team.

After a relatively quiet first year, Pekovic has really come into his own this season, averaging 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds a game. He has also helped the Timberwolves with his rebounding and interior defense, allowing star forward Kevin Love to move his game further away from the basket when needed.

While Ricky Rubio was healthy, he, Pekovic and Love were the driving forces in turning around Minnesota's previously dormant NBA franchise. It is also interesting to note that Pekovic shares an apartment with Rubio (native of Spain) in downtown Minneapolis.  This Eastern and Western European tandem has had a profound impact on their adapted hoops homeland, both on and off the court.

As a result of Pekovic's play, he has become a fan favorite throughout Minnesota.

Last Saturday, Pekovic made an appearance at a local Minnesota Cub Foods grocery store, in the Twin Cities suburb of Chanhassen.

Above are a few iFolloSports.com original photos of the event. These shots show how truly big of a man Pekovic is in person.  He is listed at 6-11, 290 pounds.

In addition, here is iFolloSports.com original video of Pekovic signing autographs for the large gathering of fans in attendance. He was very accommodating, even posing for pictures if people were so inclined.