#SLOE: People's Basketball Sim League

The JNR looked enthusiastic, filled with life for perhaps the first time since this wild restart. As we start a new year, his exuberance is gone, replaced with a businesslike frown.

The JNR: Welcome to another press conference, our first officially in the city of Minneapolis. We have completed our move to Minnesota and will henceforth be the Timberwolves forever. Last year was a great year for the new look Wolves. David Robinson won Rookie of the Year, we won 50 games, and we beat the Suns in the first round before falling to the eventual champion Spurs 4-1. It was our most successful year. And yet here I am, frowning. Do you know why that is?

He waits for an answer that doesn't come.

The JNR: Because this is what we are. We are a good team. We are a 50 win team. We made some changes to try and compete, and yet the West is still a bloodbath. The Spurs lost players and are still the best team in the league. The Sonics got stronger. The Blazers are still strong. And the Nuggets and other Western Conference teams improved. It almost makes you wonder what the point is.

I take this time to point out that The JNR hasn't brushed his hair or made any attempt to look groomed.

The JNR: But I'm still here. We still have a good squad. Jerome Kersey should help us immediately. I think eclipsing our win total last year is possible. We will continue to try and improve where we can -- we have to, we have no picks.

The JNR: Preseason was bad, but in an alternate reality it was actually really good, so who really knows with preseason? We're going to make some changes and trot out the following starting lineup:

C: David Robinson
PF: Charles Barkley
SF: Jerome Kersey
SG: Sidney Moncrief
PG: Tim Hardaway

With Kelly Tripucka, Leon Wood, and Chris Dudley making valuable contributions off the bench. We'll do our best and see what happens. Any questions?

Sonics, Suns, Blazers, Warriors....as you mentioned all have good squads. These are just the teams in your Division.

Where do you see yourself finishing the season in this division?

You said 50 wins. A 50 win team has never missed the playoffs.

Would you like to guarantee a playoff appearance right here and now for the Timberwolves?

You're frowning but you have promising young talent in Robinson and Hardaway. How do Barkley and Kersey fit into their timeline? Do you see them being an integral part of the future? Or do you think you'll try to extract trade value before their next contract renewal?

Darth Vegito wrote: Mon Jul 20, 2026 9:35 am Sonics, Suns, Blazers, Warriors....as you mentioned all have good squads. These are just the teams in your Division.

Where do you see yourself finishing the season in this division?

You said 50 wins. A 50 win team has never missed the playoffs.

Would you like to guarantee a playoff appearance right here and now for the Timberwolves?

I ain't guaranteeing nothing. I think I'm neck and neck with the Suns. Behind the Sonics and Blazers. Warriors aren't quite there yet.

tbone963 wrote: Mon Jul 20, 2026 10:02 am You're frowning but you have promising young talent in Robinson and Hardaway. How do Barkley and Kersey fit into their timeline? Do you see them being an integral part of the future? Or do you think you'll try to extract trade value before their next contract renewal?

It's hard to say, but I figure we'll take our best shots now while I have no draft picks, then see where we're at after.

Your division is looking to be a blood bath. What do feel you need to do to survive the pacific division's version of the "Red Wedding?"

Eazy P wrote: Mon Jul 20, 2026 11:24 am Your division is looking to be a blood bath. What do feel you need to do to survive the pacific division's version of the "Red Wedding?"

Probably need to make another move or two tbh. Staying pat will make sure I sink.

Justin Bieber, girlsgonewild.com: Based on preseason results, are there any immediate concerns with your lineup, any changes?

Yeah. I need to have more ball movement. I need to change my offensive gameplan.

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: If there’s one position on the court you feel like you need to upgrade the most, what would that be or is that more a philosophical gameplan style on the court?