Minnesota Timberpups Press Conference 2014-2015

[JNR]

No intro video as in years' past. The JNR steps up to the podium and begins speaking.

JNR: In 1992, we decided we needed to trade our star, Clyde Drexler. We won 18 games, won the #1 pick in the draft, and picked Chris Webber. From there, we had one season where we missed the playoffs, then became a playoff and division contender for 7 seasons.

In 2002, we decided we needed to trade our star, Chris Webber. We won 16 games, won the #4 pick in the draft, and picked Chris Bosh. From there, we had one season where we missed the playoffs, then became a playoff team for 9 seasons.

He sighs.

JNR: In 2013, we decided we needed to trade our star, Chris Bosh. We won 24 games, won the #2 pick in the draft, and picked Andrew Wiggins. From there...?

He lets the question ring, then laughs.

JNR: Well clearly if the pattern holds, we're missing the playoffs this year, right? And then we'll be a playoff team for the next 11 seasons or so. Then we'll get back and draft some kid who's 7 now named Maximo Dick or something.

So why do I think this rebuild will be different? Well, I don't necessarily, and I don't think it's a bad thing. I've had largely successful regular season teams. No ring, no finals appearance, but that doesn't bother me. But what I do like about this time around is the order of things are different.

In 1992, I got Webber and then started the task of building around him. Same in 2003 with Bosh. This setup was different. By trading Bosh for Gobert and Green, and swapping Green for Porter, I acquired two players who can grow into great players in their own right, stars by anyone's definition. I traded Victor and Jeff Withey for Kemba Walker, another young player who could be a star. So my draft pick, Andrew Wiggins, will be a great player. But he isn't being treated as the savior of the franchise like those other Chris's were.

Instead, this is very much a tandem. Four young men with promise and hunger, knowing that the game may not be theirs yet, but it will be soon. Andrew won't feel too much pressure early on, and we'll probably struggle again. But I think this will be my most successful team build yet, because we are focused on defense and because we aren't putting it all on one person's shoulders.

This year's lineup will be as follows:

C: Rudy Gobert
PF: Derrick Favors
SF: Otto Porter, Jr
SG: Andrew Wiggins
PG: Kemba Walker

With Toney Douglas, Brook Lopez, Anthony Randolph and Pat Patterson getting the lion's share of bench minutes. I think we'll be a young team, a hungry team, and ultimately not a playoff team. But I love the way we have grown together, and I think the future is very bright.

Any questions?

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; The Advocate: Who were you most impressed with coming out of training camp?

[JNR]

JNR: Well, every player had a net positive camp, which I'm very thankful for. I think overall Otto Porter proved the most. We were a little wary when trading Green for him, because Green seemed more versatile. But Otto really hit the weight room this summer, and it looks like he'll be capable of playing the 3 and the 4 going forward, which is great for us.

[NOLa.]

Your team is full of potential stars just needing time to grow, but give us a description or vision of the build you're aiming for here. Is it just to accumulate as much talent as possible, or do you think these guys fit what you want to accomplish if they grow into their roles?


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[JNR]

JNR: I actually think these guys will gel very well together going forward. The key is they all focus on defense. The scoring may be an issue early on, but Wiggins, Walker and Porter have the potential to grow into dynamic offensive players. I see them all as part of the future.

[Inner_GI]

Your team is full of future stars, but is there any worry that they won't be ready before their big paydays?

[JNR]

JNR: None at all. Rudy and Otto have shown they're almost ready now. I have methods in place to put off my tax burden as long as possible. I think I'll eventually be a tax payer, but by that time the performance of the team will make my burden worth it.

[IamQuailman]

As the clear cut winner of the Draymond Green/Otto Porter trade, do you think the warriors can coast to the division with the kings stepping back?

Sent from my Phone
No Trade List: Hornets

[JNR]

JNR: I think the Warriors are one of the best teams in the conference. They will definitely have an easier road to the division title with the Kings taking a step back.

[garbageman]

Your team came out of training camp looking incredibly hungry and ready to compete. Did you do anything different this year in training camp, or is it just a testament to the group of young talent you've assembled?

[JNR]

JNR: The training staff is the same one that has been in place for years now. We didn't do anything different, but it is worth pointing out that the team is filled with young guys who are eager to get better. The oldest player is 28, so I don't think we have to worry about complacency for a little while.

[Bowtothebill23]

Outside of your big 4, which player are you most excited about seeing this season, and what do you hope to see from that player?

[JNR]

GWR: I'll be honest, one of the biggest surprises from training camp was the resurgence of Brook Lopez. He came out of camp with a renewed passion and dedication to defense. We're hoping he can be a 6th man who really can step in and provide the team with quick offense.

[78#]

Where do you see yourself in the Midwest Division with the Nuggets as the obvious favorites, but everything else up for grabs?

[ballsohard]

Name one team with more young talent than you.

[JNR]

Where do you see yourself in the Midwest Division with the Nuggets as the obvious favorites, but everything else up for grabs?

JNR: I don't think we're going to make the playoffs, but I will say this: I think we can carry our defensive performance from last year into this season. And as we get better offensively, I think we'll be able to make noise if not this season, than the next two seasons after that.

[JNR]

Name one team with more young talent than you.

JNR: The Knicks and the Pistons are loaded with young talent, and I don't think you can overlook the Bucks either.

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Word is that Lopez's hard work in camp was due to a belief that the center position could be his if he worked to regain his old form. What has led you to go with Gobert as your starting center over Brook?

[JNR]

Random Reporter: Word is that Lopez's hard work in camp was due to a belief that the center position could be his if he worked to regain his old form. What has led you to go with Gobert as your starting center over Brook?

JNR: There are a few reasons. We feel that Rudy is the more athletic player, and he's a better defender and rim protector, which we think fits in well with our starting lineup. Brook has the clear advantage in offense, which we think fits much better coming off of the bench. We definitely are going to give Brook plenty of chances to shine, though.

[Inner_GI]

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