Jump to content

Minnesota Timberwolves: An Origin Story

Granite Armadillo

Recommended Posts

Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
Posted

35627507062_fd7ccfed99_b.jpg

 

 

INTRODUCTION

April 22, 1987. NBA Commissioner David Stern announces the inclusion of four—yes, four—new National Basketball Association franchises: Miami, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., and Minneapolis, Minn. The main story of that day as not the addition of a Minnesota-based franchise, or the arrival of the NBA to North Carolina. Instead, the focus was on the league's decision to grant not one, but two franchises to the state of Florida. For Minnesota, this would be the first time professional basketball would take place in the Land of a Thousand Lakes sense the Lakers left with future Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor to Los Angeles.

 

Owners Harvey Ratner and Marv Wolfenson were optimistic of their bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Wolves squad... despite nobody being on the payroll quite yet. A lot of groundwork needed to be laid between 1987 and the kickoff to the 1989 season—the team’s first in the league. The Target center, the $104 million dollar arena which would house the Timberwolves beginning in 1990, needed to be built. A general manager needed to be hired. A coaching staff needed to be formed. And, perhaps most importantly, a roster needed to be filled. Thankfully, they had time. Because on April 22, 1987, as champagne bottles popped in celebration for the return of pro ball to Minnesota, all of that seemed inconsequential. To Ratner and Wolfenson, there was no doubt success would be in their, and their franchises, future.

 

 

WRITER'S NOTE

Welcome to the introduction to my Minnesota Timberwolves Fast Break Pro Basketball diary. This is my
, and my third or fourth attempt on these forums. I particularly love doing diaries for this game, though, and am excited to get the ball rolling. Before I get any further, I wanted to give a shot out to two of the previous dynasty writers who have inspired the format of this dynasty: michgcs's "
" and trypio's "
" If you have not yet given either of those dynasty's a read, I highly recommend it. |

 

For the purposes of this diary, I will begin my game during the 1988 season. We will join in, though, just before the 1989 season. This means we will get to start the Timberwolves from scratch with the 1989 Expansion Draft and the 1989 Rookie Draft. My in-game play will be slightly ahead of my posts here, but I do encourage feedback for any roster moves you could find beneficial as well as any additional posts outside of the normal updates I will post you would like to see. In order to not burn out on this project too quickly, I will be pacing my posts. I will likely have some additional posts to set up the diary; however, it will typically be unusual to see more than one or two posts in a two to three day span.

 

SEASON RECAPS

[
] |
|
|
| [1989 Season:
-
-
-
] | [
]

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

34986889023_7c57b1dc5f.jpg

Kevin Kunnert, new Timberwolves General Manager

 

Flash forward to Summer 1988...

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota Timberwolves are excited to announce Kevin Kunnert as the new general manager and president of basketball operations. Kunnert, 36, is a former first round pick who played with the Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, San Diego Clippers, and Portland Trailblazers over the course of his 10-year career. With 4,602 career points and 4,031 rebounds, Kunnert hopes to instill a hard-nosed defensive philosophy which will match the seven-footers own reputation.

 

Kunnert is most famous for his role in the fight between Rudy Tomjanovich and Kermit Washington. Kunnert, who was with the Rockets at the time, instigated the fight by initially punching Washington. Washington, in response to Kunnert, punched back, before punching Tomjanovich—who was coming in to serve as peacekeeper.

 

Prior to his NBA career, Kunnert played for the University of Iowa. A Dubuque, Iowa-native, Kunnert is excited to be closer to his friends and family.

 

“I think we have an excited opportunity here in Minnesota,” Kunnert said. “While I may not have formal front office experience, I promise Timberwolves fans that we in the organization are going to do everything within our power to bring this franchise a championship.”

 

With a little more than a season left until the expansion draft, Kunnert says he and his staff are now focused on filling out the coaching staff.

 

“I am not sure who we are looking to fill the role of head coach,” he said. “This process will not be taken lightly, though. We are going to search high and low for the right candidate.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:36px;">The 1988-89 NBA season...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The 1988-89 season started off with a bang. We had not made it past November when, much to the surprise of the NBA community, 25-year-old Karl Malone—the power forward for the Utah Jazz who was entering the final year of his rookie deal—was traded on November 14, 1988 for sharp shooter Jeff Hornacek. Hornacek, a 26 year old small forward who went to Iowa State, had wallowed in obscurity on the Phoenix Suns. In 1987-88, Hornacek averaged 9.5 points per game during 27.4 minutes a game. Yet here he was, be paired with John Stockton on the Jazz and asked to make the leap. Would he do it?</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">End of Season Standings</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

In the end the two expansion squads, the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, struggled. Charlotte, led by rookie Rex Shapman and former Cav Dell Curry, ended up with a respectable 21 wins while struggling to contain teams on defense. Miami, on the other hand, floundered to nine measly wins. Their follies were ones which we in Minneapolis hoped to avoid. They were led, offensively, by rookie big man Rony Seikaly. Seikaly was their only bright spot, though. Nobody else on the squad could score, a fact represented by the Heat's season average of 94.74 points per game. When you cannot score, it really hurts when you allow 112.77 points per game. We knew, based on Miami's struggles, that we needed to have a balanced defensive approach if we wanted to find success.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="34956351444_e510c679b6_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4239/34956351444_e510c679b6_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">End of Season Awards</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="34956352544_ee5db5fbe2_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/34956352544_ee5db5fbe2_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="34956352194_f69de9e667_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4116/34956352194_f69de9e667_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Playoffs</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The Karl Malone trade worked out in the regular season for Phoenix, as he took home 2nd Team All-NBA honors and Lenny Roddy took home GM of the Year. The Suns also ended up with a Western Conference best 58 wins on their way to the number-one seed and a date with the Clippers in Round One. In the East, Charles Barkley and Hershey Hawkins led a dominate 76ers squad to 68 wins. No doubt the NBA Finals was their destiny this season.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="34956351824_cbb3bd8db3_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4289/34956351824_cbb3bd8db3_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="34956351084_154ed62a01_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4282/34956351084_154ed62a01_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#4B0082;">The 1988-89 NBA Champion Utah Jazz</span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="34986790973_3abf93f3a6_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4264/34986790973_3abf93f3a6_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="35627414342_b01bacc49d_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4236/35627414342_b01bacc49d_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

It was an upset for the ages. Somehow, Hornacek and the Jazz silenced the critics. It all started with a shocking 3-1 series victory against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. Then a lucky break caused them to match-up with seventh seeded Portland; a six-game series victory. Utah's improbable championship run should have ended there. They were facing Karl Malone and the Phoenix Suns, after all. Karl Malone, the form Jazz. The Suns, the 58 win juggernaut. Where there is a will, there is a way. In an epic series which went to seven games, the Jazz made history and squeaked into the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, who were engaged Cinderella bid for the NBA Championship, awaited them in the finals. Hornacek, meanwhile, never blinked throughout the postseason. In 24 games, he averaged 37 minutes per game, 21.1 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, 7.6 assists per game, and shot 55.8 percent from the field and 55.3 percent from the three-point line. By the time game seven rolled around, it was clear who the Jazz's MVP was.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: The NBA Draft Lottery...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="daulten6" data-cite="daulten6" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43847" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'll be keeping an eye on this, surprised Philly only made it to the second round.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I've been scratching my head over the Sixers elimination too. I went back to check to see if maybe Hawkins (16.4/4.1/4.9 during the postseason in 9 games) or Barkley (26.0/10.4/4.4 in 9 games) were injured. Hawkins was out for 7 days with a broken finger just before the postseason, but he did not miss any time in the playoffs. Jordan did average 35.1/6.6/5.7 during the playoffs while shooting just under 50-percent from the field. Maybe they were just out worked?</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43847" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This one seems promising, surprising playoff results, how the hell did the Blazers eliminate Hakeem in 4?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The Dream (21.8/10.8/1.3 in 4 games) did break his finger during the playoffs, but he was only hurt for 8 days and missed no time. Drexler (27.4/6.9/5.1 in 10 games), Daughtery (19.9/9.1/2.8), and Terry Porter (13.3/5.6/8.4) did not play particular better than Hakeem, Otis Thorpe (19.0/11.0/2.5), and Sleepy Floyd (11.0/5.0/5.3). I guess the Blazers bench just played better than the Rockets, when all was said and done.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:36px;">The 1989 NBA Draft Lottery...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Our odds were good heading into the 1989 NBA Draft. We had the best chance at the number one overall pick. In a draft with David Robinson, the center from Navy, as the prize, a fortunate bounce of the ping pong balls would go a long way to future success for the Timberwolves. Robinson, in 1988, averaged 20.9 points per game for the Midshipmen and 8.9 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game of action. Those stats, coupled with his seven-feet, one-inch frame that was filled with 245 pounds of muscle, had the look of a future Hall of Famer.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Robinsin was not the only gem in this draft, though. Michigan small forward Glen Rice, an excellent offensive player who did not appear to be an absolute scythe on defense. Point guard Tim Hardaway, the defensive force from UTEP who could also do it all offensively, was rising up draft boards. And, of course, Illinois shooting guard Nick Anderson, who had the look of another great offensive player. With names like those on the draft board, we knew we would be fine if we slipped a couple of spots. But Robinson… Robinson was the prize.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Pre-Lottery Odds</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35409560050_ac4a2e7dbf_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4277/35409560050_ac4a2e7dbf_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">1989 Draft Preview</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35628888332_d87f8a6fee_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4239/35628888332_d87f8a6fee_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Post-Lottery Results</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35628888222_92d10bac78_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35628888222_92d10bac78_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: The 1989 NBA Expansion Draft...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:36px;">The 1989 NBA Expansion Draft...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Jim Les, part of the ’89 Utah Jazz championship squad, was the very first Minnesota Timberwolves player. The pickings were slim, though. In the end, our choice came down to Les as our first selection, or former Nets player Charles Shackleford. Les fit with our vision for roster. All of our selections did. We want athleticism in a league where size and strength paid dividends. We wanted defensive ability from the scrapheaps of NBA rosters. What was important to our selections was remembering that we still had a long way to go: our roster was by no means finished.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Draft Results</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35409559860_2cded0b6c9_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4287/35409559860_2cded0b6c9_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: The 1989 NBA Draft...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
<p>Just wanted to let you all know that I am going to get the Draft up at some point today. I am in the midst of studying for the Bar, thus my post rate is not quite as high as I would like. I am going to convert all my photos from Photobucket to Flickr, and then you should be getting another update from me.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43847" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You should look to get Hardaway or Petrovic, one should be available at the 3 pick for sure, or you could try and trade up to get David Robinson, I'm excited to see your plan.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm excited to see your reaction. I can say, without spoiling too much, that there is a trade involved in this Draft... just not like the one you described.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The 1989 NBA Draft...

 

Pre-Draft Trade

 

Jim Les was the first Minnesota Timberwolves player we selected. Today, he was a part of the first Minnesota Timberwolves trade. Days before the trade, my staff and I knew that our current roster wasn't up to playing competitive basketball. If we are going to suck, we thought, we might as well suck with some young assets. So, while we liked Les, as I our best trade chip... well, he was a goner.

MINNESOTA GETS:
1989 19th Overall Draft Selection

GOLDEN STATE GETS: Jim Les and Mark Alarie

 

35630788682_5690034c67_b.jpg35630788562_613cf7a8cb_b.jpg

 

If you are looking for franchise-caliber guys, this draft is deep at the top. If you are looking for good role players, this draft has plenty. That's why getting rid of two short term contracts for a rookie locked up on a four-year deal was worth it. Our roster is filled with contracts which I would practically give away, because we hope to build through the draft. To snag an extra first round pick for two pending free agents was a steal in my book. With this trade done, the Timberwolves go into the Draft with the 3rd, 19th, and 29th picks... with needs pretty much everywhere throughout the roster.

 

First Round

Shock and awe came immediately. Nick Anderson, somehow went number one overall to Orlando. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall during the Magic's talks over that selection. Unfortunately for us, we weren't lucky enough to have another team gloss over the consensus number one prospect. The Nuggets swooped in and took David Robinson at number two. That left us with a tough choice to make: do we go with 19-year-old Shawn Kemp, Tim Hardaway, or Glen Rice. Those were the next three on our board, and there was not clear consensus in our front office on who to take. Any selection, though, would yield a pivotal piece for us moving forward. Yet it would also be a bold statement of how we wanted to play.

 

With the third pick in the 1989 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select...

 

35630787372_3b8c004c65_b.jpg

 

With the nineteenth pick in the 1989 NBA draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select...

 

35759503566_350dae0af8_b.jpg

 

I was personally pleased with our first round picks. Rice, while not the stout defensive player I dreamed of, has great offensive potential. It was his potential to carry the offense which we envisioned carrying this franchise forward for years to come. The fact we felt he could also contribute today, too, did not hurt his cause either.

 

Haywoode Workman, on the other hand, was the replacement for Les that I thought we needed to look for before the Draft ended. Defensively he is better than Les, which is important to me. Our front office projects that he will be an important bench player for our squad once the roster fills out. For now, though, he will be a serviceable second banana to Rice as these two youngsters grow alongside each other.

 

Second Round

 

Trade

 

MINNESOTA GETS:
1989 36th Overall Draft Selection and Dallas's 1990 Second Round Pick

DALLAS GETS:
1989 29th Overall Draft Selection

 

With the thirty-sixth pick in the 1989 NBA Draft,

the Minnesota Timberwolves select...

 

35759503756_2ea8903fbc_b.jpg

 

Scott Meents, a power forward out of Illinois, finished our night off. An older prospect, at 25, we felt he was ready to contribute in the short-term as a good rebounder for us and a good defender. Our front office projects he'll be a career bench player, but he will be an important role player for us during these early dog days. We had our eyes set on Meents heading into the second round. To get him seven slots down from where we were originally slated, along with an extra pick, made us all extremely happy.

 

1989 NBA Draft First Round Selections

 

35630804062_bf3a6547d5_b.jpg

35630803972_2f1d16428d_b.jpg

 

 

NEXT: The 1989 NBA Free Agency Period...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I updated the second post of this thread with the current roster. You can find that post here. I will continue to update this post throughout the course of the diary to reflect changes made through free agency, trades, or the draft. So, keep an eye on it if you ever find yourself lost with who is still on the Timberwolves! Additionally, I will be taking a few days between the NBA draft and free agency. Don't expect another post until Friday/Saturday of next week. In the mean time, I look forward to any discussion which might come as a result for the diary's recent updates!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
tg01 Newbie

tg01

Posted
Posted
I just wanted to pop in and say how glad I am to see another diary in this thread, I don't know ton about basketball's history but really enjoy learning through diary's like this! I must say that I really like the images you use for this diary as well, very eye popping. With that said about the recent draft as I mentioned I don't know much about Glen Rice, although looking at his Wiki it looks like he's a great 3pt shooter....so I automatically assumed Tim Hardaway would be the way you go as that was a name I knew. Looking forward to see what happens next!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I just wanted to pop in and say how glad I am to see another diary in this thread, I don't know ton about basketball's history but really enjoy learning through diary's like this! I must say that I really like the images you use for this diary as well, very eye popping. With that said about the recent draft as I mentioned I don't know much about Glen Rice, although looking at his Wiki it looks like he's a great 3pt shooter....so I automatically assumed Tim Hardaway would be the way you go as that was a name I knew. Looking forward to see what happens next!

 

I am pleased and excited to have you aboard! Funnily enough, I came down to Tim Hardaway and Glen Rice as my two options for the No. 3 pick. While I hope to build this team around solid defensive players (a fact which I hope is evident through my moves as this diary continues forward), I also knew from past experience with the game that Minnesota would get quashed without an offensive force to build around. Hardaway better all-around in some respects, because he is solid both offensively and defensively. However, I thought Rice was a better fit at what I wanted with the pick: a player who hopefully can become an All-Star and carry most of the offense.

 

Anyways, I wanted to pop in and let you know that you should be expecting another entry in the saga of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball tomorrow night or Saturday morning. Free agency was quite the roller coaster this year!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tg01 Newbie

tg01

Posted
Posted
I am pleased and excited to have you aboard! Funnily enough, I came down to Tim Hardaway and Glen Rice as my two options for the No. 3 pick. While I hope to build this team around solid defensive players (a fact which I hope is evident through my moves as this diary continues forward), I also knew from past experience with the game that Minnesota would get quashed without an offensive force to build around. Hardaway better all-around in some respects, because he is solid both offensively and defensively. However, I thought Rice was a better fit at what I wanted with the pick: a player who hopefully can become an All-Star and carry most of the offense.

 

Anyways, I wanted to pop in and let you know that you should be expecting another entry in the saga of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball tomorrow night or Saturday morning. Free agency was quite the roller coaster this year!

 

Looking forward to free agency then!! I figured that it was probably the offense that attracted you to Rice; and it makes sense if you are trying to build a defensive team around him with all the offensive teams that are out there. Plus if you have a really rough year and need help on defense....I believe there's a certain defensive player of the year available in the next draft :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:36px;">The 1989 Free Agency Period...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Many familiar faces were on the market as free agency kicked off on July 1st, 1989. Fat Lever, Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing, and Karl Malone were only some of the games superstars who teams were vying for. We knew that the Timberwolves, being an upstart franchise in a small market, were going to have a hard time getting into serious discussions with players. It was important that we try.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

So, at the stroke of midnight, my staff and I hit the phones. We cast a wide net, yet were also calculated in what players we called. Agents were not receptive to our overtures; so, we made our offers and continued down our list.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Once a few days passed, Magic Johnson, Chris Mullin, Terry Porter, and Joe Dumars all turned us down. Midway through the process, we cut Pace Mannion in an effort to free up a roster spot. We cast a wider net, and reached out to players like Reggie Theus, Brad Davis, and Jerry Reynolds. Again, no luck. The market would kick us out, as I refused to overpay for guys who I did not think would fit with us long term. Theus ended up signing with the Clippers for four years at $9,537,230 total. Davis stayed in Dallas, signing a four year deal worth $4,099,545. Reynolds left for Cleveland on a four year, $2,2736,214 deal.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

I knew we had money to spend, but I also knew that didn’t mean I had to spend it.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Yet I had a mandate from ownership that they wanted us to sign somebody who could help the business department sell tickets. And as free agency continued onward, I was worried I was going to fail them. Short term gains weren’t attractive to me if that meant jeopardizing our long-term future: I wanted to build a contender, after all. Somehow, though, I struck the perfect balance when long-time Los Angeles Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar agreed to sign with us on a one-year deal for $373,672 with a player option for a second year. Despite being 42 years old, and well past his prime, I knew Kareem was precisely the kind of big name who could help sell tickets in Minneapolis. While the second year was not ideal (who wants to be locked in paying what could be a horrible Kareem at 43 years old), I was willing to sacrifice next year’s payroll a little bit in order to satisfy ownership.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Minnesota Acquisitions</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35923836365_b8e7118daa_z.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4326/35923836365_b8e7118daa_z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="35753801152_f1bf19bf8a_z.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/35753801152_f1bf19bf8a_z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Free Agency Summary</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35792043391_eefaf48a71_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4299/35792043391_eefaf48a71_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

By the time the free agency period cooled off, the Boston Celtics were a shell of themselves. Bird, gone to Houston. Parish, gone to Cleveland. And in Los Angeles, the loss of Magic Johnson to the Sixers was going to be devastating. Tons of big names moved, completing shifting the landscape of the NBA. We in Minneapolis just couldn’t play ball in the changing landscape—as an unknown quantity, nobody knew what to expect from us. While my focus was and is to buld through the draft, I was disappointed with our turnout this year; based on our roster, I quietly thought that we were going to stink to high heaven this season. But the boys and I in the front office did what we had to get by. It was time to see just how our creation would fare…</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Author's Note</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

As it is not too clear what Magic, Mullin, Porter, and Dumars signed for, I wanted to provide you with some precise figures. Magic signed for a total of $25,725,000. Mullin signed for a total of $23,581,250. Porter signed for a total of $23,581.250. Dumars signed for a total of $18,375,000.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Also, not shown here is Bill Laimbeer. I mention him because he was the second big name from the Pistons to leave Detroit. He signed with the Clippers for 4 years at a total of $10,8989,224.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: The 1989 NBA Preseason...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted
<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="tg01" data-cite="tg01" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43847" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Looking forward to free agency then!! I figured that it was probably the offense that attracted you to Rice; and it makes sense if you are trying to build a defensive team around him with all the offensive teams that are out there. Plus if you have a really rough year and need help on defense....I believe there's a certain defensive player of the year available in the next draft <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> So true, haha. Knowing precisely who is going to be in the next draft class and roughly how good they will be is, actually, one of the weirder pieces of the game. Fortunately for me, I think the Timberwolves have a good chance of getting a Hall of Fame caliber player in the next draft. The team looks like it should be horrid, so I am optimistic about our odds in the Lottery.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:36px;">The 1989 Preseason...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Preseason Signing</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35150606363_99858579f0_z.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4314/35150606363_99858579f0_z.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Quite frankly, even I wasn’t positive why we signed Joseph Martin just before the start of the season. The 21-year-old rookie out of Florida had just been waived by the Nets, and there was nothing remarkable about him. At six-feet, five-inches, he was a tall point guard, who had the type of quickness and stamina that we liked in our front office. Aside from that, though? He was dreadful. He couldn’t shoot. He couldn’t pass. And he couldn’t play defense. Yet there was something about his size and athleticism. Call it first year arrogance, but I thought we’d be able to turn him into an actual NBA player.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Preseason Results</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35150352163_a78e3ca995_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4311/35150352163_a78e3ca995_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Heading into the 1989-90 season, the front office and coaching staff did not expect to be good. We knew we’d be a team “fighting” for the first pick in the 1990 Draft. What we wanted, however, was to see some growth out of our young guys.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The preseason was a big kick in the gut.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

After a promising first out at home against Houston, the Timberwolves were nearly halfway through the preseason without any major setbacks. Then Glen Rice got hurt with a stress fracture. The diagnosis? He’d be out thirty days. Without Glen, Coach Ide and his staff were going to have a hard time keeping pace offensively during the first half of the season. Who would step up for us? That was the question being asked around the front office after that blowout loss to Seattle.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

For some reason, when it rains… it pours. While still out on our three game preseason road trip, during the very next game, Anthony Jones was out for nearly two months. A broken foot was a severe injury. While Jones would likely be back during the regular season, none of us knew what kind of condition he’d be in upon his return.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Our starting small forward and third guard were out to start off the season. The inaugural season of Minnesota basketball felt like it was limping into the regular season. An aging legend was our temporary face of the franchise. A young point guard out of Oral Roberts needed to step up and become a leader. Could the team stay healthy? Would the players we needed to play hard make a leap forward? With our first preseason in the rearview window, I wasn’t optimistic.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Author's Note</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Now with our first regular season upon us, I wanted to have some fun and do a little bit of a predictions contest for the regular season. The winner of this contest will get a chance for me to do a “scouting report” for whatever team they want prior to the start of the 1990 season. I know it’s not much, but I wanted to add something for you all. Since I don’t plan on following too closely the happenings of around the NBA, I thought this would be a nice reward.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

With that said, time for some preseason predictions:</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Total number of Timberwolves wins:</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

Leading Timberwolves scorer:</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

Points per game for Timberwolves leading scorer:</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: First Half of the 1989 NBA Season...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
daulten6 Newbie

daulten6

Posted
Posted
<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Granite Armadillo" data-cite="Granite Armadillo" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43847" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Total number of Timberwolves wins: 14</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Leading Timberwolves scorer: Glen Rice</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> Points per game for Timberwolves leading scorer: 18ppg</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: First Half of the 1989 NBA Season...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p>[/indent][/indent]</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Joe Martin will break the NBA</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites
tg01 Newbie

tg01

Posted
Posted
<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Granite Armadillo" data-cite="Granite Armadillo" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="43847" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><p> <strong>Total number of Timberwolves wins: 10</strong></p><p><strong> Leading Timberwolves scorer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</strong></p><p><strong> Points per game for Timberwolves leading scorer: 19 ppg</strong></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Let's just say I'm the leader of the "Tank for Payton" fan club so as few a wins as possible is what I'm hoping for <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I like the addition of the prediction contest, good idea!</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I am so pleased to see a couple of predictions! For those of you who are interested in joining the prediction contest, you still have plenty of time! At the moment, I am in the middle of my last week of studying for the Bar Exam; another post won't be up until Monday morning.

 

Also, as an aside, I am taking suggestions for a "Suck for Luck" style campaign for Gary Payton.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Granite Armadillo Newbie

Granite Armadillo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

<p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:36px;">The First-Half of the 1989 Season...</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Preseason Trades</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>MIAMI GETS: SG Mitch Richmond</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

GOLDEN STATE GETS: PG Tim Hardaway</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Regular Season</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Everything that could go wrong, did.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="35732151170_6c935fc749_h.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4303/35732151170_6c935fc749_h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="35315117323_a30765015a_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4308/35315117323_a30765015a_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="35315165463_b2180e4a2f_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4300/35315165463_b2180e4a2f_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The Minnesota Timberwolves ended the first half of the season five wins against 44 losses. Our crew knew we would stink. Yet, for some reason, reality still stung. I think it had a lot to do with why we stink: we just couldn’t stay healthy. Glen and Jones were already out when the regular season commenced. Within a matter of days, Greenwood and Mike went down. Just as we were about to get another man back, another guy seemed to go on the shelf.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

It was a parade of miserable as our overworked training staff struggled to keep our crew on the court.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

At least once Rice got on the court, I was able to see part of the vision I had for this team come to life. While he only played 37 games, Glen carried the Wolves during those games: 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in a little over 32 minutes a game. He was doing everything my staff hoped he would. His defense, though, left a lot to be desired; our squad was a minus 13.4 when Rice was on the court—the worst of any Timberwolves player.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Kareem struggled to keep up with the high level of play he began the season with, too. By the time the All-Star Break arrived, a man who was arguably the greatest basketball player of all time was a tremendous shell of his former self. While he carried the rebounding load, and occasionally flashed brilliance on offense, it was clear the future Hall of Famer was not the man he once was. Since he had the option to lock us in for another year, I was not too thrilled with this.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

So, in an effort to rid myself of what I thought was my first major mistake on the job, I sent Kareem packing on the day before the All-Star Break. It took a lot to get the deal done, but at least we were able to free ourselves of this horrid deal.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Regular Season Trades</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>MINNESOTA GETS: PF Orlando Woolridge</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><img alt="35990314081_633eb5acdc_b.jpg" data-src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4307/35990314081_633eb5acdc_b.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

L.A. LAKERS GETS: </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="color:#FFD700;">C Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, PG Joseph Martin, and 1990 Dallas Second Round Pick</span></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

The Lakers agreed to waive Martin right away (and we ended up reclaiming him), so in reality the deal was Kareem and a second rounder for the much younger player on the one-year deal. While we had to give up a second rounder to shed ourselves of Kareem, I thought we got the better player in the deal. If Orlando turned into a solid role player—which I had a suspicion he might—then we would be in a perfect spot to resign him during the offseason. </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

Plus, if anything, adding Woolridge might just be the kick in the pants the guys need to get their heads out of their asses and begin to play basketball. Our unit was a sieve defensively, and nobody on the roster played consistently. Maybe this random also ran from Los Angeles might just be the force we need to have a strong finish to an abysmal season…</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WASHINGTON GETS: C Danny Schayes</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

DENVER GETS: SF Bernard King</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

SACRAMENTO GETS: SG B.J. Armstrong</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>

UTAH GETS: SF Vinny Del Negro</strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-family:Impact;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Author's Note</span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

It should be noted that normally I would have a screenshot of the players I traded away post-trade. In this instance, I forgot to take a screenshot. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at the time of the trade, was rated as a yellow with his potential in the yellow. He had significantly declined.</div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">

</div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:right;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>NEXT: Second Half of the 1989 NBA Season...</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tg01 Newbie

tg01

Posted
Posted
Wow that is a harsh start to the season......let's get Glove!! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...