Wolves S51 presser

[JNR]

For the first time in maybe a decade, we start with a video package.

We start with two article headlines stacked next to each other:

WOLVES TRADE LUKA DONCIC, ACQUIRE OG ANUNOBY/WOLVES SIGN FORMER KNICKS PG ODELL RASPBERRY

We then start to show highlights. OG hitting a 15 foot jumpshot over Jarrett Allen. Odell Raspberry stealing the ball from Brad Dodge and sprinting down the other way for a layup. Both laughing and joking around in their All Star jerseys.

The package ends on their names and numbers, with a big bold THANK YOU at the top.

The video package ends and The JNR steps to the podium.

The JNR: Before we begin I want to put words to the images we just saw on screen. OG Anunoby and Odell Raspberry contributed to one of the best teams we had. Though we never made the finals, we made two conference finals and were always in the hunt. OG and Odell were instrumental figures in our success. We’ll miss them terribly, and wish them the best in New Orleans and San Antonio, respectively.

Now, the reality is that we took several shots at the apple, and went over the tax significantly to do so. Last year we reached as far as we could go. There were two options: trade everyone and start clean, or trade some players and take a year hiatus from contention with hopes to reload after. We chose the former, and we chose Mitchell and Dennis to keep. We are happy with the returns we received for our two stars. Angel Hayshi, Douglas Harris, Ken Quackenbush and Jaxson Hayes should be able to help the team right away. We also signed veterans John Rainbolt and former Wolves Peter Harker, Markus Potter, Scott Brown, Woodrow Atwater, and Daniel Robinson.

As it stands, we know we won’t be as dominant as we have been in years’ past. But we do think we have a shot at a playoff spot. Our starting lineup will be

C: Mitchell Robinson
PF: Douglas Harris
SF: Dennis Wolfgang
SG: Ken Quackenbush
PG: John Rainbolt

With Hayes, Harker, D. Robinson and Haddock playing valuable minutes off the bench. As I said, I think we’ll be a decent team, and most importantly we won’t have to worry about the tax man after years of near jail.

Any questions?

[AngryBanana]

Chet Youbetcha, Dimmadome News: With Wolfgang entering his prime at 27, combined with you having to do a tax reset this season, do you wish you could have positioned yourself to be a contender this year instead of the previous few seasons?

[JNR]

Not really. I did what I could do with what I had. Bad luck that I kept running into dominant teams in my own division

[false9]

Just saw a tweet- it looks like Corey Brooks is upset he wasn't included in the thank you highlight package. Is there a reason he was omitted?

Also, with increased usage this season, do you expect Wolfgang's numbers to look close to preseason?

[TheSyndicate]

13 teams, 7 make the playoffs. Who are the 6 you're beating?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Right now, the Wiggins division looks like there's no clear frontrunner. What do you think the deciding factor will be in terms of who takes the division title?

[JNR]

Just saw a tweet- it looks like Corey Brooks is upset he wasn't included in the thank you highlight package. Is there a reason he was omitted?

Also, with increased usage this season, do you expect Wolfgang's numbers to look close to preseason?

We obviously value everything Brooks brought to this team. If you'll look at the Timberwolves Instagram account you'll see a dedicated image thanking him. That being said, both OG and Odell were multi time all stars in their time here. We thought their contributions merited this video.

As for your second question, someone has to score. We think Wolfgang can get close to those numbers.

[JNR]

13 teams, 7 make the playoffs. Who are the 6 you're beating?

Honestly? No idea and I won't give anyone billboard material. We have a close team and we think that will ultimately give us an edge.

[JNR]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Right now, the Wiggins division looks like there's no clear frontrunner. What do you think the deciding factor will be in terms of who takes the division title?

Whoever decides to make moves before the deadline to go for it.

[Eazy P]

Do you think this season will be Wolfgang's breakout season?

[JNR]

Do you think this season will be Wolfgang's breakout season?

I certainly hope so. There aren't that many people taking his shots.