Minnesota Timberwolves 2007-2008 Press Conference

[JNR]

The lights go out and a projector whirrs to life. A still frame shot of Tyson Chandler posting up Joel Przybilla fades into a black screen with white text. A voice is heard speaking; it belongs to Jason Richardson.



"No more first round exits."

Another still frame, this time of Antawn Jamison dunking while Chris Bosh looks down, dejected. Bosh's voice rings out next as they fade to another black screen with white text.



"No more first round exits."

Finally, a shot of Kobe Bryant celebrating, wrapped in an embrace with Jermaine O'Neal. Behind them, Rip Hamilton looks to the sky, searching for an answer. His voice comes next, pain dripping from each syllable.



"No more first round exits."

The lights come back and The JNR is standing at the podium, gripping it to the point of white knuckles.

The JNR: No more first round exits.

This has been a mantra this offseason. I've said it before bed. I've said it when I wake up. I've said it when I recruited free agents. I promised it to Rip and Chris as we got them to stay with us. I made a mural and hung it at our practice facility.

There comes a time where a team needs to continue to grow. We've made the playoffs 3 straight seasons, and this past year we were a 3 seed, which is great. But now just getting there isn't enough. We need to keep growing. We need to make the second round and beyond.

I think we're capable of it. We signed quality players to shore up our depth. We have two dedicated stars who are back with us, ready to bring us to new heights. And we have new determination to get us there. The mantra is not a guarantee, and things can happen outside of our control. But every player in that locker room knows what is expected of them, and they're ready to deliver. We think this will be a great year and we intend to prove it.

Any questions?

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Tell us more about how Gilbert Arenas became a T-Wolf. Some would say he's an odd fit, but tell us more about his planned role on the team and what made you decide to pursue him despite coming off of a major injury.

[IamQuailman]

On the heels of this past post-season, at which point did you put your foot down and say enough is enough? I'm sure the emotions are shared in the lockerroom, and this mantra of "No More 1st Round Exits" had legs of its own. I personally feel the Wolves are up to the task of socking the Kings in the jaw, shoeing them away, and overcoming the feet that is winning the West. Does Chris Bosh have it in him to toe the line?

[JNR]

Random Reporter: Tell us more about how Gilbert Arenas became a T-Wolf. Some would say he's an odd fit, but tell us more about his planned role on the team and what made you decide to pursue him despite coming off of a major injury.

The JNR: Thanks for the question. Gilbert has had trouble finding a team that will stick with him, and I think it's because of the way he's being used. We see him as a shooting guard, available to come off the bench and light it up. We saw it as a net risk that we needed to take, as if we stood pat our tax bill would only be a million less. Sometimes risks are worth taking.

[JNR]

On the heels of this past post-season, at which point did you put your foot down and say enough is enough? I'm sure the emotions are shared in the lockerroom, and this mantra of "No More 1st Round Exits" had legs of its own. I personally feel the Wolves are up to the task of socking the Kings in the jaw, shoeing them away, and overcoming the feet that is winning the West. Does Chris Bosh have it in him to toe the line?

The JNR: He sure does. Now get out of here before I put this broken foot in your ass.

[IamQuailman]

On the heels of this past post-season, at which point did you put your foot down and say enough is enough? I'm sure the emotions are shared in the lockerroom, and this mantra of "No More 1st Round Exits" had legs of its own. I personally feel the Wolves are up to the task of socking the Kings in the jaw, shoeing them away, and overcoming the feet that is winning the West. Does Chris Bosh have it in him to toe the line?

The JNR: He sure does. Now get out of here before I put this broken foot in your ass.

You can't walk all over me. But you sure nailed your answer.

[WigNosy]

You have put together a plethora of shooters around Bosh; do you expect him to maintain his scoring production with this many other options on the team or are you hoping his focus is freed up to work on other aspects of his game?

[JNR]

You have put together a plethora of shooters around Bosh; do you expect him to maintain his scoring production with this many other options on the team or are you hoping his focus is freed up to work on other aspects of his game?

The JNR: I'm happy that Chris was a top scorer last year, but I'm convinced that is at his best when he focuses on being a complete player. So if other players can alleviate his scoring load, I'm all for it.

[fearthebrow]

Random Dallas reporter:

Earl Watson seemed to be your one of your team's major weaknesses the past few seasons. With Marbury and Arenas now in the mix, you must feel very good about your team. Can you expand on what their roles will be? Will one of them be a 6th man?

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; The Advocae: In a topic that may go unnoticed but what was it that convinced Peja and Brad Miller to accept vet min deals to stay in Minnesota for a year. Was it the lakes, the school systems, the penchant for winning, or the marketability and star power of Chris Bosh?

[coltsguy510]

Can this team this team win three 7 game series in the West?

[JNR]

Random Dallas reporter:

Earl Watson seemed to be your one of your team's major weaknesses the past few seasons. With Marbury and Arenas now in the mix, you must feel very good about your team. Can you expand on what their roles will be? Will one of them be a 6th man?

The JNR: We loved Earl, but his main problem was his inability to run and stay in front of his man. Arenas and Marbury are quicker, more explosive, and hopefully they'll be able to do what Earl wasn't.

As far as roles, I think Marbury will be our starter and Arenas will spend time playing the shooting guard off the bench while Rip handles point guard duties.

[JNR]

Nick Melon; The Advocae: In a topic that may go unnoticed but what was it that convinced Peja and Brad Miller to accept vet min deals to stay in Minnesota for a year. Was it the lakes, the school systems, the penchant for winning, or the marketability and star power of Chris Bosh?

The JNR: One of the hardest things to do in free agency when you're a cash-strapped team is to convince good players that they should sign with you for a minimum contract. The best way to make that process easier is to have a team that is capable of doing great things. We believe we are a team that is capable of doing great things, and we're very fortunate to have convinced Brad, Jason, and Peja of that fact.

[JNR]

Can this team this team win three 7 game series in the West?

The JNR: It will be hard, but I certainly hope so.

[TrayWithAnA]

I think this is a fun question and a chance for others to get creative. So pardon if repetitive...

Do you have any special giveaways on the docket this season? There are only so many times we as fans can receive a white tshirt with the local ambulance chaser's logo on the back. How do you plan on mixing it up for your fanbase?


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