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Interview with Joe Smith: Former No. 1 pick talks Timberwolves

By Trey Flynn

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 28: Joe Smith shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected number one overall by the Golden State Warriors during the 1995 NBA Draft on June 28, 1995 at the SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario,Canada NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 28: Joe Smith shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected number one overall by the Golden State Warriors during the 1995 NBA Draft on June 28, 1995 at the SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario,Canada NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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11 Dec 2000: Head Coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Timberwolves defeated the 76ers 96-91. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport
11 Dec 2000: Head Coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Timberwolves defeated the 76ers 96-91. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport /

DWW: Speaking of the different types of players on the Timberwolves, what will Minnesota and their young guys/veterans need to do to hopefully stay in the playoffs (hoping we make it this year) for years to come?

JS: First of all, in the playoffs you have to be able to make adjustments and think on the fly and be highly reactive. Understand your opponent, watch film. Being a young team like the Timberwolves, it’s harder, your scouting reports are different, your mentality is different, the opponents are obviously harder and the preparation is totally different. You have to be able to defend, each possession matters, it’s a possession game in the playoffs.

DWW: Hopefully we’ll focus on that. With this Minnesota playoff push being the first real one in 13 seasons, you had 4 stints with the Timberwovles in the playoffs (’98-’99, ’99-’00, ’01-’02, ’02-’03), that first series in the ’99 playoffs was against the San Antonio Spurs which you eventually lost but the Spurs actually ended up winning the finals that year – wow didn’t realize how saddening of a moment that would be, laughs – but do you have any moments you would like to share with the fans about that series that might makes us… nostalgic?

JS: – laughs – We had a bunch of great memories in the playoffs. But that series we were in Game 3 in Minnesota and it was a close game and I was guarding David Robinson and KG (Kevin Garnett) was guarding Tim Duncan. David Robinson shot me an elbow on a post-up and we both shoved each-other and KG comes out of no where and shoves Robinson – laughs -. KG and myself had no fear going against anyone, and that’s how you have to approach the playoffs.

DWW: You guys were so tough, really miss those teams. You obviously have such a great NBA mind, and you’ve been with so many organizations, have you thought about pursuing a career in the league as a coach and/or office job?

JS: I would love to. I would be a development coach or something in the front office. I would love to help the younger guys. I’ve done that toward my last couple years, helping rookies along and being a mentor toward the youth of the NBA.

DWW: Last Timberwolves question. A lot of Minnesota fans want to hear from someone with experience on this, but how did that 13-year playoff drought happen? Knock on wood – hopefully not 14.

JS: Some part of it was talent, part of it was the inconsistent coaching staff. As well as the players coming in and out, and took a while to get a nucleus to build around and now with their new young guys, they may have put some pieces together to go ahead and do well in the playoffs.

DWW: Fun side-note question – Was there a similarity between playing with playoff version Kevin Garnett and LeBron James?

JS: There is a different focus from both of them in the playoffs, they might not talk as much or laugh as much – LeBron will usually play music to himself and be on a different mission – KG was go in the training room and be very intense in his face and with his emotions.

DWW: To sum up everything, what do you have going on in your life? What’s new?

JS: I have the Joe Smith Basketball Academy down here in Atlanta, Georgia. We work out of a facility called Georgia Sports Performance. We develop kids and their confidence, through footwork, ball handling, shooting, everything. It’s been a lot of fun for me and we’re looking at finding our own facility.

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