1989-90 Minnesota Timberwolves Press Conference

[JNR]

We're in a new city this time, as The JNR finally decided to schedule a press conference for the first time in several years. He emerges in a blue and green suit with the logo of his new team emblazoned upon it. He walks over to the podium and grips it, then smiles.

The JNR: Welcome to our first press conference in Minneapolis. I know that our team page still says we're in San Diego, but I promise you that will be rectified soon enough. This team has completed the move to Minnesota, and in light of that we've made many changes to the team. First off, we were lucky enough to win the lottery and the rights to draft David Robinson, who we think will make an immediate impact on our team. And we could've let it sit there, pick up a future star and continue to build for the future.

But that wouldn't fit the energy of this move, of this change. No, we needed to make sure that we started off our time in the North with a bang. And so only a few hours later in the draft we decided to trade Rod Strickland and other assets to acquire Tim Hardaway, who we had scouted in our due diligence at the #1 position. We believe that Hardaway and Robinson will be a core that will grow together in this franchise.

And again we could have just rested on our laurels, had two young guys and see where it went. But then the opportunity arrived to acquire a great post player to put next to Robinson. We've struggled to find a reliable power forward ever since this league started, and Ron Harper was terminally unhappy in San Diego, so we traded for Barkley and decided to not worry about draft picks for the first time in a while. It may backfire, it may not, but the point is we're here in Minnesota and we're here to compete.

The JNR sighs, looking around the room at the media members.

The JNR: We had a good free agency, a less good training camp, and we now find ourselves in an interesting position. We do not have control of our next three drafts. We have a four man core of youth in Robinson, Hardaway, Barkley and Reggie Lewis. We signed impact players Kelly Tripucka and Michael Cooper. The option to rest on our laurels and take it slowly has been dashed by my impatience and perhaps my foolhardiness. There is no other option than to win.

We sit in a tough Western Conference. The Spurs, the Trailblazers, and many other teams are determined to make our lives harder. But I had grown so bored of my team in San Diego. I barely paid attention. Right now I'm here and present, and that feels worth a few years of draft uncertainty.

The team should win a lot more games than 14. I expect David Robinson and Tim Hardaway to contend for Rookie of the Year. I expect our defense to be vastly improved under the watchful eye of Robinson and the long arms of Cooper. I expect effort on the glass. For my starting lineup, I will be employing

C: David Robinson
PF: Charles Barkley
SF: Michael Cooper
SG: Reggie Lewis
PG: Tim Hardaway

With Kelly Tripucka, Chris Dudley, and Winston Garland playing valuable roles off the bench. I plan on making life hard for my Pacific division brethren, and I plan on actually paying attention this time.

I now open up the floor to questions.

[Eazy P]

What's the buzz like in Minny after the draft and moves made during the offseason?

[JNR]

The JNR: The people here are really excited for basketball. You can tell by walking down the street or going to the Mall of America. They’re talking about the team nonstop and the expectations are high. It’s a really exciting time.

[BigDaddyd8720]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

While Robinson and Hardaway are great 1st round selections this season, and obviously cornerstone pieces for the future of this franchise, Do you really think it's wise to put the fate of this season on two rookies? Do you foresee any development issues that may have cause for concern about them being able to handle the pressure of carrying a franchise so soon?

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Do you think this team is capable of making a run in the Western Conference this year to possibly being a top seed out of the gate here in Minnesota?

[Mike Lowry]

David Robinson was a no brainer for the top pick, but this draft had a bunch of point guards with potential.
What was it about Tim Hardaway that made you believe he was more valuable than the others?

[AngryBanana]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: While everyone is asking about Robinson, and rightfully so, I wanted to ask about someone else. Do you expect Reggie Lewis to take a step forward this year? Especially after such a good TC?

[greepleairport]

What are you going to do to Doug now that he’s slimed you, too? So rude…




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[JNR]

Picks Emmington of the SLOE Gazette,

While Robinson and Hardaway are great 1st round selections this season, and obviously cornerstone pieces for the future of this franchise, Do you really think it's wise to put the fate of this season on two rookies? Do you foresee any development issues that may have cause for concern about them being able to handle the pressure of carrying a franchise so soon?

Is it wise? Probably not. Is it better than sleepwalking through another season? I think so. The game is boring when you aren’t trying to win. I’m more active now than I have been in years. I think most GMs would prefer that.

[JNR]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Do you think this team is capable of making a run in the Western Conference this year to possibly being a top seed out of the gate here in Minnesota?

It depends on how we start. We are a talented bunch but the start of the season will be a true test for us.

[JNR]

David Robinson was a no brainer for the top pick, but this draft had a bunch of point guards with potential.
What was it about Tim Hardaway that made you believe he was more valuable than the others?

Of the other young point guards and the one we had last year, Hardaway plays inside out like David does, and his ability in the pick and roll should make him and David a perfect match.

[JNR]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: While everyone is asking about Robinson, and rightfully so, I wanted to ask about someone else. Do you expect Reggie Lewis to take a step forward this year? Especially after such a good TC?

He’s going to get the green light to for sure. I want him being our main option at the 2. His quickness and defense is exactly what we need there.

[JNR]

What are you going to do to Doug now that he’s slimed you, too? So rude…



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Nothing. He got me and he’ll get me again. I still think Barkley is going to be very good for me.

[WigNosy]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

Everyone is talking about your rookie acquisitions, but I we in Portland saw Kelly Tripucka win the Finals MVP not that long ago - what made you decide to pursue Kelly in Free Agency and how do you think he can influence your young squad as you try to build a new tradition in Minnesota?