Humor heals players after losses, creates perspective during difficult times, keeps egos in check while binding everyone together. Laughter is important as medicine for fans, players and coaches and can come in many forms.
"A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done."
A leader has a sense of humor that is evident through their smile, words and ability to laugh with others or at themselves. A team without laughter is missing an important member of the family that will keep them balanced during the chaos.
"I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Jordan, through self-deprecating humor, pointed out his weaknesses while recognizing failure paves the path to success.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves will have failures over the season and will benefit from having humor in the locker room, on the sideline and on the court to build stronger team chemistry. Difficult losses will be healed by self-deprecating humor while helping players to identify their own weaknesses that need to be addressed.
Fans will benefit as well from humor during the rollercoaster of emotions that is an NBA season.
Here are my top five humorous moments in Timberwolves recent history with one honorable mention to get the team in the mood for more laughter.