The Minnesota Timberwolves are a little more than halfway through media day, and there have already been quite a few notable quotes.
Say what you will about media day, but it’s always chock-full of intriguing quotes and entertaining tidbits.
There’s still a few guys that have to take their turn at the podium, but that doesn’t mean we can’t highlight some of the key quotes that have popped up across the Twitter timeline during Minnesota Timberwolves media day.
Side note: we have been tweeting out quotes and notes throughout the day at @DunkingWolvesFS, so be sure to stay tuned there. Below are some of the best of the best so far…
First up was president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and head coach Ryan Saunders, who took the podium together.
Gersson Rosas wants his basketball ops department to be the most diverse, not only in background, but in perspective on life & the game of basketball.
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) September 30, 2019
Rosas and Saunders each contributed to the consistent theme that the team is working hard, bonding, and expects improvement from Andrew Wiggins, as well as a team that will keep improving and is far from a finished product.
Karl-Anthony Towns said Ryan Saunders has a side of him where he's not afraid to hold players accountable. Echoing what Saunders said earlier today.
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) September 30, 2019
Towns was upbeat and appears to have truly embraced the leadership role that he’s been encouraged to take. It’s his team now, and the rest of the players understand that.
If you watch back some of the interviews with other players, including newcomers like Jordan Bell and Shabazz Napier, they all understand that Towns is the best player on the team and the leader of the group, and this team will go as far as he’s able to take them.
Andrew Wiggins said the first time he saw most teammates was at training camp. That's changed.
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) September 30, 2019
Wiggins says he will be limiting the long two’s this season. HALLELUJAH
— Dunking With Wolves (@DunkingWolvesFS) September 30, 2019
Wiggins was pressed on shot selection, as were Rosas and Saunders in regards to Wiggins. Andrew surely seems to understand why fans are frustrated and appears willing to take the critiques passed along by the coaching staff and front office as he adjusts his game to fit what Rosas and Saunders want to do.
Gorgui Dieng said during his time with the Timberwolves, he's never seen anything like this. Players showing up early. Buying into each other and the team.
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) September 30, 2019
This was a common theme throughout the first portion of the day: guys who have been here can tell that there is an obvious difference in overall vibe around Mayo Clinic Square. The majority of the guys who are new to the team have been in positive, winnings situations from the past and are here to do the same thing.
The guys who have been here are ready to get back to winning. That came through in Jeff Teague‘s comments, as he had made the playoffs in each of his first nine seasons in the league until missing out last year.
This is simply the best quote of the day (so far). Had to include that one.
Robert Covington said that he’ll be easing into things as training camp starts. Feels good, though. Just taking the proper steps.
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) September 30, 2019
The consensus second-best player on the team is apparently back to normal following knee surgery, and that’s a big deal.
A healthy Robert Covington is vital to the Wolves’ success, and it sure looks like he’ll be starting power forward from Day One.
We’ll be back to put a bow on media day later on this evening. In the meantime, enjoy the remaining coverage and buckle up for the start of training camp on Tuesday.