Iowa Energy to be Minnesota Timberwolves
2013-14 NBA D-League Affiliate
The NBA today announced that the Iowa Energy will be the Minnesota Timberwolves' NBA Development League affiliate for the 2013-14 NBA season. This is the first season the two teams have been paired as affiliates to develop young players. The Wolves had been paired with the Sioux Falls Skyforce for the previous seven seasons.
"We are pleased to be establishing a relationship with the Iowa Energy as our D-League affiliate," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "Iowa is a first-class organization with great local ownership and a solid fan base. The D-League continues to be a great opportunity for young players to improve their game, benefiting both the players and NBA teams."
“We are very excited to partner with the Minnesota Timberwolves this season," said Energy General Manager Chris Makris. "Not only is Minnesota the closest NBA franchise to Des Moines, but they are a first-class organization with an exciting roster. We anticipate this relationship being very beneficial for both parties.”
The Iowa Energy enter their seventh season of competition in the NBA Development League as one of the most successful franchise in league history. The team, owned by a group of Iowa businessmen, won the NBA Development League Championship in 2011 while also winning Conference Championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The franchise tied a league record with four consecutive playoff appearances from 2008-2011. During the 2011 Championship Finals, the Energy set an all-time league record for single-game attendance as 14,012 fans watched game two of the series in Des Moines.