A recap of Timberwolves media day

The Timberwolves held their media day on Monday, and there were a couple of common themes that carried the day.

Media day is always chock-full of cliches and broad, sweeping statements. Expectations are often out of control, and this would be a season where you might excuse the Timberwolves for being a bit on the optimistic side.

Indeed, there was optimism. But there were also some measured, cautious statements by the players.

Most of the players were asked about the Timberwolves organization’s ongoing, 12-year playoff drought. Many were asked about the new coaching staff and what they’ve learned from and about them thus far.

After taking a spin around the Wolves Twittersphere, here are a smattering of highlights from the day.

From Tom Thibodeau, who opened the proceedings with a mini-press conference alongside general manager Scott Layden:

All similar themes that we’ve already heard from Thibodeau in his short time in Minnesota, but the ‘close the gap’ mantra is so fitting. The three-point discrepancy between the Wolves and their opponents has only grown over the past few years, and the fact that the new regime immediately took note of this is extremely encouraging.

Some notes from the players:

Good stuff from many of the players. Both of the de facto, young stars, who are supposed to be the 1-2 punch for the next few years, answered the playoff question adeptly.

Wiggins was apparently flexing his newfound media muscles; heading into his third season, he did more than just give his one and two-word responses.

One of the other themes touched on throughout the afternoon was the retirement of Kevin Garnett, and it was handled well by pretty much everyone. Thibodeau did a good job opening everything with a statement regarding KG and what he meant not only to the current Wolves roster, but also his Boston Celtics team that Thibs assistant-coached to a title.

Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press posted an article featuring a number of quotes from Timberwolves players during media day regarding Garnett and his impact on the team.

It also included an interesting section regarding Garnett’s buyout and retirement late last week.

"These are sensitive times in the relationship between the franchise and the icon. Tension surrounded the negotiation of Garnett’s buyout — the same arrangement Tim Duncan secured with the Spurs this summer. It was the product of Garnett’s lack of trust in Taylor, which originated from a bitter parting when the Wolves traded Garnett to the Celtics in 2007.…In a potentially positive sign, Garnett’s goodbye video featured him walking alone in an empty Target Center and closed with a picture of his black Timberwolves jersey. And everyone in the franchise hopes that this time around the sides will finish on good terms.“I always told him when the season was coming to an end that he could leave on his own terms and that no matter what I will always be his little brother,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “I told him whatever he decides, I’m always for him.”"

It also included an interesting section regarding Garnett’s buyout and retirement late last week.

As Jon said, it would be a surprise if we heard anything from Garnett in the near future. Maybe towards the end of this season the Wolves will have KG back for some kind of ceremony, but next year could be more likely.

Next: Top-5 Kevin Garnett Games With The Timberwolves

We’ll have some additional player and opponent previews on Wednesday, as well as any news that might break out of the first official day of training camp.