The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) since 1989 and have been in the league for over three decades. Throughout those years, the Timberwolves have gone through phases of greatness with the likes of all-time greats like Kevin Garnett, along with bouts of heartbreak, mediocrity, and even financial issues. In this blog article, we will explore the history of the Timberwolves and how they rose from the ashes to become a power in the NBA. More here at PNXBet PH.
Founding, First Years and Early Struggles
The Minnesota Timberwolves were founded in 1989 after being approved as an NBA expansion team. The team was owned by Marv Wolfenson and Herb Kohl, two wealthy businessmen from Minnesota who had dreams of bringing professional basketball to the state. As a new franchise, the Timberwolves had their first draft pick in the NBA Draft of 1989. They chose future Hall of Famer, Pooh Richardson. The team wasn't successful in its early years, as it finished its first season at 22-60.
Despite being unable to make the playoffs for the first few years of their existence, the Timberwolves had brilliant drafts by selecting future stars such as Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak, annd Stephon. Marbury. These players gave the Timberwolves a much needed push to the top of the NBA, as they were able to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 1997.
The Transformation From Mediocre Team to Contender
Despite the acquisitions of Garnett and Marbury, the Timberwolves had yet to take the next step as a franchise; to become a contender. However, the tide began to change in the late 90s and early 2000s, as the team was able to acquire young stars such as Terrell Brandon, Joe Smith, and Latrell Sprewell. The Timberwolves also had a talented coach in Flip Saunders, who was able to orchestrate the team’s offense and defense.
With the pieces in place, the Timberwolves were able to win their first division title in the 2002-03 season, as they finished with a record of 58-24. The team then went on a streak of 7 straight post-season appearances, becoming the first franchise in the NBA to make the playoffs for 8 consecutive years. The Timberwolves had finally become a contender, as they reached the Western Conference Finals in 2004, only to lose to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Financial Troubles and Rebuild
Despite the successes of the early 2000s, the Timberwolves began to struggle financially beginning in 2005, mostly due to owner Glen Taylor’s attempts to drastically reduce payroll. This did not sit well with the fans, and eventually the franchise was sold to new owners in 2014.
The new owners immediately began to rebuild the franchise, starting with the hiring of coach Tom Thibodeau in 2016. Thibodeau had previously had success with the Chicago Bulls and was known as a defensive specialist. The Timberwolves also began to stockpile talent, as they drafted Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015 and Andrew Wiggins in 2014.
Recent Success and Future Outlook
After the rebuild, the Timberwolves have had a resurgence in the NBA, as they have made the playoffs two out of the last three years. The team has also seen the emergence of stars Towns and Wiggins, as well as the emergence of new stars such as Zach LaVine and Robert Covington.
As of now, the Timberwolves are still on the rise and are trying to make the playoffs once more. The team has had a rough start to this season, but if they can get things going in the right direction, the future looks bright for the Timberwolves.
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