One week ago, media day wasn’t expected to be a huge deal. Players talk about the upcoming season, and new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez would presumably introduce themselves. After firing Gersson Rosas, that completely flipped the script, and it was going to be a difficult topic to navigate.

However, Glen Taylor opened the press conference and made it clear that there could be no questions about the recent employees fired (legal reasons) or any players under contract playing for a different team (Ben Simmons).

With all that, let’s dive into some of the notable takeaways from each individual:

Glen Taylor:

• Taylor has been interviewing potential buyers for over a year.
  • He had the opportunity to sell the team for more money but chose to sell for less in the best interest of the franchise.
• The decision to sell to Lore and Rodriguez happened quickly.

Marc Lore

• Lore mentioned the hardest thing in making a business successful is finding the right people.
• He’s thankful for the opportunity to learn under Taylor before fully taking over in a few years.
• Lore notes that diversity of thoughts and people will be keys to success.
• Minnesota Lynx: Lore and Rodriguez were drawn to buying the Timberwolves because it also came with the WNBA franchise.

Alex Rodriguez

• Rodriguez understands how difficult it is to win a championship. To do so, it takes diversity, age, ways of thinking and a set of skills.
• He will play a large role in player relations:
  • “Where I’m coming from is really understanding players first.”
  • The smallest details become a bigger part of the picture (showerheads, travel, food, medical department, etc.)

Important Notes from owners:

• Trades/Decisions: Taylor is still in charge of making final decisions, but Lore and Rodriguez have a say in what happens.
• Sachin Gupta is fully endorsed as the President of Basketball Operations:
  • Taylor: “So I’m confident that we’re set for the future, and I think we’ve made our immediate decisions.”
• Relocation: Lore and Rodriguez are bullish on the market, the people, and corporate America opportunities:
  • “We have no plans to move as we plan to be right here and do really really exciting things, and bring a World championship to this city.”

Malik Beasley:

• Malik Beasley was able to workout every day in jail during his work release.
• He emphasized that he improved his ball-handling and play-making this offseason:
  • “I wasn’t good at it. I felt like that was one of my weaknesses. For me, I try turning weaknesses into strengths.”
• Beasley noted that playing hard on defense will result in a better offense.
• His biggest problem was issues off-the-court and some struggles mentally. He said he feels mentally stronger and will be able to focus on what he needs to do.

Jake Layman:

• Jake Layman is entering the season with zero regrets and is mentally prepared for whatever comes his way.
  • “My mindset is there’s nothing to lose. Just leave it all out there, and have zero regrets after the year is done.”
• He wants to play more aggressively and mentioned that his strengths are in spot-up situations and cutting to the rim.

Josh Okogie:

• Josh Okogie believes the defense wasn’t the biggest problem for the Wolves, but rather the consistency.
• He’s going to leave the contract negotiations up to his agent but would love to stay in Minnesota.
  • “I would love to be here. Minnesota’s who drafted me, and I’m still here, and I kind of fell in love with the city.”
• Instead of driving to the rim, he’s prepared to shoot the open 3.

Taurean Prince:

• Taurean Prince was pleasantly surprised by the trade.
• After his second season, he’s been dealing with a Grade 2 ankle sprain. He finally received surgery this offseason and feels good.
• He believes his catch and shoot ability will help his teammates, especially if Karl-Anthony Towns is double-teamed.

Jaden McDaniels:

• Jaden McDaniels has always had confidence, but Chris Finch’s trust in him during the Summer League instilled more in him.
• This offseason he grew a few inches and is about 6-foot-10.
• He believes that his length gives him an advantage in guarding power forwards and centers.

Karl-Anthony Towns:

• Towns is grateful to be playing in the NBA and to be playing for this franchise. He made it very clear that he’s always going to put the Timberwolves first.
• He’s had positive conversations with Lore and Rodriguez, and it’s up to the players to trust their plan.
• His workouts consisted of lifting the heaviest weights. He says he’s feeling stronger and more confident.
• Everyone needs to help on defense because it’s a collaborative effort.

D’Angelo Russell:

• D’Angelo Russell entered the offseason like it was a contract year.
• The point guard is in favor of giving the open guy the ball and playing for one another – explaining it’s “contagious.”
• Russell was quick to say that he’s a fan of Finch:
  • “I love that guy already.”
• He said it’s important to build a good mentality heading into training camp and the preseason if they want to have success this season.

Anthony Edwards:

• Anthony Edwards said his ankle feels 100 percent, and he’s ready to get the season started.
• The biggest positive impact during his rookie season was Finch allowing everyone to play freely.
• Edwards confirms that he has grown a few inches.
• He’s focused heavily on everything shooting this offseason – mid-range, 3-pointers, step-backs, etc.
• He’s hoping to average two-to-three steals per game and getting into the passing lanes.

Leandro Bolmaro:

• The transition to move to the United States was easier for Leandro Bolmaro because he’s had experience moving.
• He’s been focusing on improving his jump shot and physicality.

Jarred Vanderbilt:

• Jarred Vanderbilt understands the pressure of performing well after receiving a contract extension.
• He’s also been expanding his offensive game this offseason and has the confidence to shoot more jump shots.
  • “I was trying to get up 500 makes a day.”

Naz Reid:

• Naz Reid is expecting to play more minutes alongside Towns this season.
• He’s been fed up with losing and has been getting to the gym by 7 a.m. and is usually the last guy to leave.

Jordan McLaughlin:

• Jordan McLaughlin emphasized playing with multiple ball-handlers is important for the Timberwolves offense.
• Understanding defensive assignments will be important for improvement:
  • “Buying in and locking in on coach’s game plan as far as defensive assignments. Who we’re going over on, who we’re going under, which way we’re sending guys and just being able to do that for a full game.”
• Besides Reid, Russell and Vanderbilt are two players McLaughlin has developed a chemistry with the most.

Jaylen Nowell:

• Jaylen Nowell looks at this upcoming season like it’s a “make-or-break” year.
• This offseason he studied every play over his career and figured out what mistakes he’s been making.
• Nowell said Finch would like for him to cut down on his fouls when he’s on defense.