The Birth of the Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves, a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, came into existence in the summer of 1987.
After the NBA announced its plans to expand the league, a group of investors led by Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner decided to bring a team to Minnesota. The city had a rich basketball history, with successful college programs and a passionate fan base, making it an ideal location for a new franchise.
Building the Foundation
The Timberwolves’ journey began with the NBA Expansion Draft on June 22, 1989. The team, along with the Orlando Magic, had the opportunity to select players from existing NBA teams to form their initial roster. They selected players like Pooh Richardson, Tony Campbell, and Tyrone Corbin, who would become the building blocks for the franchise.
With a roster in place, the Timberwolves played their inaugural game on November 3, 1989, against the Seattle SuperSonics. The game took place at the Metrodome, a multipurpose stadium, as their permanent home arena, the Target Center, was still under construction.
Early Struggles and Growth
Like most expansion teams, the Timberwolves faced their fair share of challenges in the early years. They struggled to find success on the court and failed to qualify for the playoffs in their first seven seasons.
However, the team gradually improved as they acquired talented players through trades and the NBA Draft. One of their most significant acquisitions was Kevin Garnett, whom they selected with the 5th overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. Garnett would go on to become the face of the franchise and lead the team to its first-ever playoff appearance in the 1996-1997 season.
Rising to Prominence
Under the leadership of head coach Flip Saunders, the Timberwolves experienced a period of success in the early 2000s. They made eight consecutive playoff appearances from 1996 to 2004, with players like Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Sprewell leading the way.
Despite their regular-season success, the Timberwolves faced tough competition in the Western Conference and were unable to advance past the Conference Finals. The team underwent several roster changes in the following years, and their playoff streak eventually came to an end in 2004.
A New Era
In recent years, the Timberwolves have undergone a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and establishing a strong foundation for the future. They have drafted promising players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Anthony Edwards, who have brought excitement and potential to the team.
With a new ownership group and coaching staff in place, the Timberwolves are determined to return to their winning ways and bring a championship to Minnesota. The franchise continues to evolve and adapt, always striving to leave their mark on the NBA.
As the Timberwolves celebrate over three decades since their inception, they remain a beloved team in Minnesota, captivating fans with their thrilling games and inspiring stories of perseverance and resilience.
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