Recently the national media has been covering the Timberwolves more than they usually do, based on how good they’ve been playing. A lot of ESPN and Ringer shows and podcasts have spoken frequently and highly of the 23-24 wolves so far. It got me to thinking, what was the perception of the team during 03-04, the best season in team history. For those who were around at the time, were the wolves being nationally discussed as a major contender? Overlooked or hyped up? A fun story but not serious? Not discussed that much?
I was 8 and lived in Detroit then. As a kid, I almost exclusively watched the Pistons so I didn’t know much about the West. But my parents also didn’t know about the Wolves (which is crazy to say bc KG was literally the MVP that year).
But we literally didn’t even know about the Timberwolves. But again, I was 8
You’re correct about Flip coaching the ASG. Cassell made it too .
They were well respected as an overachieving team that KG carried to .550 ball every year, and to the first round of the playoffs. It was the best Wolves year by far.
But I don’t recall us being thought of as contenders. Cassell and Sprewell were clearly in the downside of their careers.
Contrast with this year, when only Conley is nearing the end of his career. Everyone else is in their prime or young.