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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 14:07:51 GMT -6
The Wolves GM The JNR and the entire Wolves roster makes their way to the stage. Michael Jordan pushes Larry Bird to the stage in a wheel chair. Bird is drooling. The JNR sits at the middle in front of the main microphone.
JNR: Welcome to the Minnesota Timberwolves press conference. Let us address last year. After squeaking into the playoffs the year before, we made a bold trade which launched us to the 5th seed and a 9 game improvement, the first 50 win season in Timberwolves history. We were swept unceremoniously in the playoffs, but we plan on using our hot finish to the season as a launching pad to a successful 1997. That trade defined our season, and Michael Jordan’s presence will define this one as well. Jordan provides defense, leadership, and a tenacity that our young players can learn from. Although he isn’t the player that set the world ablaze in Utah, he made our team a championship contender by himself. We are looking forward to training camp and our core players getting better. We know that this team will go as far as Chris Webber, Grant Hill, and Michael Jordan take us. We intend to make the playoffs again, and this time get further than we ever have before. While the GM of the Year trophy looks great in my master bathroom, I am more focused on other hardware. Webber: Like the MVP for me? The JNR: Keep dreaming. We made solid free agent acquisitions which will help our depth. We only had 9 players under contract last year, and that ended up causing our stars to spend all of their energy on the impressive second half of the season. By acquiring Larry Bird, Randolph Keys, Doc Rivers, Travis Knight, and Sarunas Mar…Sarunas, we hope to keep our team healthy and rested all year long. Sarunas will be expected to fill Sean Elliott’s shoes and provide some defense and scoring off the bench. Smile Sarunas!  The JNR: What a smile! We are going to experiment with some lineups in the preseason, and our added depth is going to allow us to rest our star players. This is the tentative plan for our starting lineup this year: Starting C: Chris Webber  Starting PF: Tyrone Hill  Starting SF: Grant Hill  Starting SG: Michael Jordan  Starting PG: Robot Pack  As stated, our 6th man will be Sarunas, and we’ll look to Rivers, Bird, and our rookie draft pick Priest Lauderdale to provide depth. We think this team is stronger than any we ever had. We said that last year, and went further than ever last year. I would be lying if I said we weren’t expecting that again. Finally, I want to introduce GM-in-Training FearTheBrow. He wants to be a GM someday, and I thought I would bring him here to get a taste of what to expect. He, along with all players and myself, are available for questions. We will now open the floor.
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Post by Nick Malone 77 on Aug 25, 2014 14:14:08 GMT -6
Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: With so much praise and winning the GMOY award, much was discussed about your move to acquire one of the best players in this game, Michael Jordan and got very little out of him when it came time to play the Playoff tested, LA Lakers. Your core is undoubtedly, Chris Webber and Grant Hill. Would you be disappointed if your squad were to suffer another first round exit and train your intern enough to take over the team the following season or are you committed to this program and seeing things through?
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 14:36:56 GMT -6
"Would you be disappointed if your squad were to suffer another first round exit and train your intern enough to take over the team the following season or are you committed to this program and seeing things through?"
Was that English?
I think you are asking if I'd be disappointed if we lost in the first round.
Yes.
I would.
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Post by Nick Malone 77 on Aug 25, 2014 14:47:29 GMT -6
"Would you be disappointed if your squad were to suffer another first round exit and train your intern enough to take over the team the following season or are you committed to this program and seeing things through?" Was that English? I think you are asking if I'd be disappointed if we lost in the first round. Yes. I would. Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Maybe I should have asked a simpler question or just restated it in a way that was clearer to understand. The basis was my question was that with you taking on this job to train a new GM under your watch, if your team was to suffer another first round loss, would you (in frustration) hand over the reigns of your club to the GM you are training now next year and take a leave of absence. |
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 14:52:48 GMT -6
"Would you be disappointed if your squad were to suffer another first round exit and train your intern enough to take over the team the following season or are you committed to this program and seeing things through?" Was that English? I think you are asking if I'd be disappointed if we lost in the first round. Yes. I would. Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: Maybe I should have asked a simpler question or just restated it in a way that was clearer to understand. The basis was my question was that with you taking on this job to train a new GM under your watch, if your team was to suffer another first round loss, would you (in frustration) hand over the reigns of your club to the GM you are training now next year and take a leave of absence. I don't plan on quitting, and this GM-in-training endeavor has little to do with me or my team, but with the team that FTB will eventually take over. |
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Post by WigNosy on Aug 25, 2014 15:46:28 GMT -6
Do you feel the momentum from the strong push you made into the playoffs after the Jordan acquisition will continue to carry you through this season, or do you feel that your team peaked last year?
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Post by IamQuailman on Aug 25, 2014 16:07:31 GMT -6
Will Maukie, Milwaukee Tribune. Will you be making a move for a true center this season, or are you comfortable playing Chris Webber at the 5 for the duration of the season?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2014 16:27:30 GMT -6
Kane West, SMD Editorial, What would you say your chances of winning your division? Can you give us a run down on the biggest threats to your division?
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kucoach7
Junior Member
Portland Trail Blazers
Posts: 268 
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Post by kucoach7 on Aug 25, 2014 16:54:00 GMT -6
Some people say that Jordan's struggles last year were caused because he was in shock at being on a team that actually had some other talented players on it. Has he expressed this concern to you and is he coping better with being on an actual team this year?
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 17:04:47 GMT -6
Do you feel the momentum from the strong push you made into the playoffs after the Jordan acquisition will continue to carry you through this season, or do you feel that your team peaked last year? I definitely feel the momentum will carry into this year. We made a lot of adjustments that worked well, and we see no reason why they won't work this year. |
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 17:06:07 GMT -6
Will Maukie, Milwaukee Tribune. Will you be making a move for a true center this season, or are you comfortable playing Chris Webber at the 5 for the duration of the season? It would be nice to have a bigger player taking the pressure off of Webber, but his size is suitable for center. And Hill played well at center for long stretches last year, so I feel comfortable with either of them. Of course, we're always looking for ways to improve our team. |
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 17:07:05 GMT -6
Kane West, SMD Editorial, What would you say your chances of winning your division? Can you give us a run down on the biggest threats to your division? I think we have a good chance to win the division. The Mavericks are always dangerous, and I think the Nuggets, Spurs, and Rockets all have a chance to contend as well. This division is nasty. |
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 17:08:27 GMT -6
Some people say that Jordan's struggles last year were caused because he was in shock at being on a team that actually had some other talented players on it. Has he expressed this concern to you and is he coping better with being on an actual team this year? Jordan: Well, I definitely liked coming to Minnesota and seeing the young guys like Chris and Grant deal well with my expectations and criticism. When I criticized players on the Jazz, they would cry and run away. These guys work to get better, and I really respect that. |
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Post by bowtothebill23 on Aug 25, 2014 19:33:53 GMT -6
With the West especially, it is crucial to get homecourt given how tough each and every playoff team will be. Do you believe your team has what it takes to win your division and even the #1 seed? If so, what chances do you give yourself? If not, how close are you?
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Post by JNR on Aug 25, 2014 20:37:08 GMT -6
The JNR looks over at Grant Hill, who suddenly bucks as if his talent were stolen by Space Jam aliens.
The JNR: Now? Probably not a very good chance.
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Post by thesyndicate on Aug 26, 2014 2:23:11 GMT -6
Woody Paige, Denver Post: DC #1, Michael Jordan, Key Player?
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Post by JNR on Aug 26, 2014 6:04:26 GMT -6
I am still mulling over the lineup, but for years, Robot has gotten better and better and I've never given him the reigns to be a key player. I think that ends this year. His training camp shows me he's ready to be one of the best PGs in the league.
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Post by 78 on Aug 26, 2014 6:41:32 GMT -6
Shaq just noticed that Webber would be starting at center and made the comment "lunch meat". Any response to Shaq's comments?
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Post by JNR on Aug 26, 2014 6:57:35 GMT -6
Shaq just noticed that Webber would be starting at center and made the comment "lunch meat". Any response to Shaq's comments? The JNR: The Rockets are just one of the many teams we face this year. A formidable one, yes, but just one team. Not every team has a Shaq, and Webber is more than capable of facing up against the best centers of the league. Additionally, he will not always be center. Because of his versatility, we will move him from PF to C as we see fit. Webber: Can I respond? The JNR: Of course. Webber: Shaq is a phenomenal athlete, some may even say he's unfairly overpowered. But I had a great training camp, and I plan on being better than I ever have this year. We'll see what happens when the season starts, Big Space Shuttle. |
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Post by Conroy on Aug 26, 2014 9:25:32 GMT -6
Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, Chris Webber is tied ratings wise with Jordan as the teams best 3 point shooter. Are there any plans to get him out on the perimeter and give him the greenlight as far as 3 point shots go?
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Post by JNR on Aug 26, 2014 9:36:52 GMT -6
Sports Guy Bill Simmons here, Chris Webber is tied ratings wise with Jordan as the teams best 3 point shooter. Are there any plans to get him out on the perimeter and give him the greenlight as far as 3 point shots go? The JNR: While he has definitely worked on his three point shot, Bill, I think we all know that his strength is his inside game. So while it adds a dimension, I think... Webber: If I may, boss...I'ma let it fly. You best know I'ma let it fly. |
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J2
Junior Member
Washington Wizards
Posts: 955
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Post by J2 on Aug 26, 2014 15:37:06 GMT -6
The JNR looks over at Grant Hill, who suddenly bucks as if his talent were stolen by Space Jam aliens. Speaking of, erm...well, aliens, is that your official explanation for Hill's unexpectedly disappointing Training Camp? Are you worried that his apparent lack of drive and focus could lead to a possibly career-changing injury? |
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Post by JNR on Aug 26, 2014 16:40:45 GMT -6
The JNR looks over at Grant Hill, who suddenly bucks as if his talent were stolen by Space Jam aliens. Speaking of, erm...well, aliens, is that your official explanation for Hill's unexpectedly disappointing Training Camp? Are you worried that his apparent lack of drive and focus could lead to a possibly career-changing injury? Between you and me (and everyone listening, really), Grant seems a little less motivated lately. A couple of guys on the team are attributing it to his new girlfriend, who fancies herself a singer. He's spending a lot of time with her, and it might be having an effect on his training. But no fear, we did force...I mean, suggest he put some emergency work into his inside scoring, so we don't anticipate too much of a dropoff. And we're sure that next season he'll be ready to work once again. |
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Post by IamQuailman on Aug 26, 2014 17:39:35 GMT -6
Speaking of, erm...well, aliens, is that your official explanation for Hill's unexpectedly disappointing Training Camp? Are you worried that his apparent lack of drive and focus could lead to a possibly career-changing injury? Between you and me (and everyone listening, really), Grant seems a little less motivated lately. A couple of guys on the team are attributing it to his new girlfriend, who fancies herself a singer. He's spending a lot of time with her, and it might be having an effect on his training. But no fear, we did force...I mean, suggest he put some emergency work into his inside scoring, so we don't anticipate too much of a dropoff. And we're sure that next season he'll be ready to work once again. Will Maukie, Jr: What a slut!
<security stand up and start moving in the direction of Will Jr.>
<in a slight panic> Will Maukie, Jr: After my dad was arrested in Denver for indecent exposure, it's my time to step up! Check me out on the World Wide Web at bucksnation.geocities.com!
<security chases Will Jr. out of the room>
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Post by JNR on Aug 26, 2014 17:41:49 GMT -6
Robot Pack looks at The JNR.
Robot: Want me to blast his ass?
The JNR: No, I'm sure security can handle it.
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credit loco for photoshop
