Two days after the NBA trade deadline had passed, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, still had one major roster move to make.
He had to sign all 15 members of the 2024 Timberwolves Dream Team, presented by UnitedHealthCare.
Connelly and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch met the youth from Big Brother Big Sisters Twin Cities for the first time the previous week and surprised them with the announcement that they were going to be practicing with the players and going to a game.
Now fast forward a week later, it was time for the Wolves Dream Team to sign their contracts and meet their new teammates.
Here are 7 standout moments from the 2024 Wolves Dream Team’s practice with the Timberwolves on Saturday, Feb. 10.
1. The Press Conference
Before their day got started, the Wolves Dream Team had to make things official by signing their contracts. So, like they do with all their major player signings, the Timberwolves held a press conference to announce the signing of all 15 members.
Everyone came dressed to impress, showing out for the numerous cameras recording the proceedings. One wore a bow tie, and another wore a blue blazer with matching slacks.
They not only looked the part, they played the part too.
They enthusiastically signed their contracts, confidently answered questions from Connelly, their Bigs and family, and took pictures with their very own Timberwolves jerseys.
2. The Photoshoot
Just like the players do on Media Day, the Wolves Dream Team took part in a photoshoot, where they rocked their practice gear and posed for pictures.
3. The Practice
Yes, we’re talking about practice. But this was no ordinary practice. It was the Wolves Dream Team’s first practice after all, so the Timberwolves made sure that they felt right at home.
Each Wolves Dream Team member was paired with a Timberwolves player and went through different basketball fundamental stations as a duo. And while teaching and learning was one aspect of the practice, the players made sure to put the fun in fundamentals.
“[We] teach a little bit but also have fun, said Wolves guard Mike Conley. “To see the smiles on their faces and see how excited they were, it puts us in a good mood and puts them in a good space too.”
4. KAT and Evan
Timberwolves All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns ensured that Evan, his new teammate, would always remember his experience.
Towns hammed it up with Evan throughout the practice, lifted him up to the rim at one point for a dunk and after practice was over, he took off his shoes, signed them and gave his kicks to the speechlessly surprised Wolves Dream Team member.
“I saw Evan in the morning, and he was kind of nervous and shy,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities CEO Pat Sukhum. “KAT made him feel like he belonged. He just brought it to a level where they could connect. It spoke worlds to who KAT is and the culture building relationships here.”
5. The Parents
While the day was mainly about the youth, their families were also going through the experience with them, taking part in the press conference and watching practice from the sidelines.
They could see the interactions between the players and their child. They could see the smiles on their child’s face. They could see the high fives being exchanged.
Every moment made an impact with them as much as it did with their child.
“The sparkle in my son's eyes and that of the other youth in attendance during their time with the team invoked emotions of joy and pride amongst Bigs, Littles, and caregivers,” said Charmaine Bell, mother of Wolves Dream Team member Jimmie. “Moments like these are extremely important to boost the confidence of our babies. I know my son will remember this for the rest of his life.”
6. The Bigs
Like the parents, the Bigs were on hand throughout the day. They were the ones that nominated their Little for the Dream Team and the entire day was quite rewarding and exciting for them as well.
“It felt really good to see Wisdom get out of his shell and experience this whole moment with a bunch of other kids,” said Big Brother Victor, who shares the mentoring experience with his partner as a Big Couple.
7. The Players
For the players, their No. 1 job was to make sure the Wolves Dream Team had fun and a great time. But they also understood the bigger picture and know how impactful their actions are.
“It’s almost like a responsibility for us,” said Conley. “If we can actually make a difference in people’s lives, we all jump to that opportunity.”