2020 In-Market Program

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For the first time since March, the Minnesota Timberwolves were able to take the court together as part of their participation in the NBA’s In-Market Programs. A chance for each franchise that did not participate in the NBA’s season resumption to return to the court, each team engaged in voluntary group workouts at the team’s facilities while residing in a campus-like environment to ensure the highest level of safety.

For the Timberwolves, that meant residing at the Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis for the duration of the In-Market Program.

Upon arrival at the hotel, on display outside the team’s entryway was the team’s logo, and in large font, one word: “US.”

Entering the premises, a framed and well-lit photo of every player on the Wolves’ roster lined the hotel walkway. On the floor of every elevator and on every keycard, a Timberwolves logo. Inside each hotel room, Timberwolves branded water bottles, gifted merchandise and Timberwolves-branded face coverings. Even outside the team’s meal room, a wall decal read “US” in bold letters, with the name of every Timberwolves season ticket member lining the wall’s remaining space.

“We really wanted to lock-in on that message – anything we talk about, any of the successes we strive for, it starts with us,” said President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas.

“For us to be the change we want to see in this team, in this world, in society: it starts with us, and that’s what it means and that’s what it stands for,” said Head Coach Ryan Saunders. “If you want to see change for the better, it starts with the individual, then the collective ‘us.’”

The message resonated with players and coaching staff alike, with each Timberwolves huddle ending with the group proudly shouting “US” in synchronization.

Behind the planning and execution of the astonishingly vast Wolves-centric bubble environment was Timberwolves Head Equipment Manager Peter Warden and the team’s Basketball Operations staff, who had just three weeks to put the 15-day In-Market Program together.

Balancing the quick turnaround with an attention to detail that showcased the organization’s family-first culture was a challenge, but one that Warden and team excelled in. In just a few weeks, the hotel transformed into a space complete with wide-ranging game rooms, meal rooms, suites, and meeting rooms.

“We knew it needed a personal touch so that staff and players were comfortable to be away from home for two-and-a-half weeks,” said Warden.

The “Us” mentality was on full display in the Bubble’s creation, with Warden commending a team-wide effort for the personalized feel to the premises.

“Starting off, you’ve got to acknowledge there was a lot of people involved to do everything in small detail – from our Creative team providing graphics to Rachel [Saunders], our Manager of Team Services, coming up with great ideas,” shared Warden.

Inside the Bubble, that careful thought was evident, with staff enjoying personalized snack packs, receiving framed photographs of family members, and taking part in an innovative yet intentional attention to safety.

Each morning, all residents within the In-Market Bubble were required to provide a saliva sample as part of the team’s COVID-19 testing. The test, known as SalivaDirect, is a cheaper and more efficient coronavirus test without the pains associated with expensive nasal and mouth swabs. Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Performance and Technology Robby Sikka played an integral role in arranging a partnership between the NBA, the NBA Players Association, and Yale University, who developed the coronavirus test, to promote its widespread use, something that was done for the Timberwolves within the In-Market Program, and the NBA at-large.

Weeks of planning culminated in the 15-day Program ending on Tuesday, but not before the team chose to visit the George Floyd memorial in South Minneapolis. The somber moment of reflection was followed by an event at the Sanneh Foundation promoting voting registration in the Twin Cities.

Throughout their time in the Bubble, in addition to team cohesion on and off the court, the group focused on an array of social justice topics. From a conversation surrounding the Breonna Taylor verdict, to voting registration, and finally, a visit to the Floyd memorial: the Wolves are focused on being active citizens to bring positive change in their community.

“Coming out of the Bubble, expect a group that’s going to get better each day, on and off court,” said Coach Saunders. “We’re going to continue navigating through hard times, together, and grow together so that it leads to better times.”

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The Bubble Bursts: Recapping The Timberwolves In-Market Program From The Inside

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Timberwolves Bubble Scrimmage #3

On Thursday afternoon, the Timberwolves took the Target Center court for their third and final scrimmage of the 2020 In-Market Program. A rewarding experience to date, Minnesota’s In-Market roster has seen growth both individually and as a team – a key aspect behind the creation of the Program.

“The team that has the most chemistry, they’ll get a jump start on next season whenever next season starts,” said Head Coach Ryan Saunders.

While there is uncertainty regarding the start dates for the 2020-21 NBA Season, the goals of the In-Market Program did not waver from the team’s goals under normal circumstances: to compete and to connect with each other.

“Our number one goal within this week was to get these guys back competing. It has been a long time since they have been able to do that in a structured setting. We also wanted to connect and while you are connecting you want to continue to build relationships,” shared Saunders.

The Timberwolves seemed to have accomplished the competition and cohesiveness they desired – with Wednesday marking a team bonding day at Top Golf and Thursday’s scrimmage finale ending in another sudden death overtime.

Whereas the past two scrimmages featured pre-assigned intra-squad teams, Thursday’s teams were selected by Josh Okogie and Jake Layman. After a back-and-forth game, Team Layman’s captain connected on a scrimmage-winning overtime basket.

Thursday marked the end to formal scrimmages at Target Center, but players will continue the In-Market Program through group and individual workouts.

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Timberwolves Wrap Up Bubble Scrimmages

Two days removed from their first scrimmage, the Timberwolves returned to Target Center on Tuesday for 5-on-5 action – an important piece of the In-Market Program.

“That’s why this bubble is so important – the ability to get together and play 5-on-5 in game-like situations for our players has been crucial and critical for us,” said Gersson Rosas following the team's scrimmage.

Tuesday’s intra-squad exhibition featured another 32-minute matchup, but it was clear that the team is still working toward game-level conditioning.

“Game 2 was a little rougher [than Game 1] – the guys were feeling their legs today,” shared Rosas.

Conditioning aside, the competitive spirit did not waver, with the development and versatility of several young Timberwolves being on full display. Soon-to-be second year guard Jaylen Nowell scored a game-high 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, Josh Okogie showcased his tenacious defense and offensive repertoire en route to 17 points and the game-winning bucket, and several others continued strong In-Market Program showings.

“You see the maturity and experience of a guy like Josh Okogie…there’s been an incredible battle in between Jarred Vanderbilt and Naz Reid which has been fun to watch, Jaylen Nowell has taken a step forward,” noted the Wolves’ President of Basketball Operations.

By the end of regulation, both teams were tied, which led to one of the bubble’s most-intense moments: a sudden death overtime. Naz Reid and Josh Okogie connected on a beautiful backdoor cut to earn their team victory, 76-74.

Thursday marks the third and final In-Market scrimmage, although the player-led Program will continue with practices thereafter.

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Nowell Impresses, Okogie Wins Scrimmage Game #2

On Sunday evening, the Minnesota Timberwolves returned to Target Center for game action for the first time since March 8.

In an intra-squad setting, the In-Market roster split into two teams (navy and white) for four eight-minute quarters. 5-on-5 action ensued, with the focus of the night being offensive and defensive concepts introduced during the In-Market Program being tested.

“We’ve had 5-on-5 competition, we’ve had 3-on-3, we’ve done a number of other things [here] that we’ve needed to do as a group in terms of concepts….and also trying some different things that we’d like to see as a staff,” said Head Coach Ryan Saunders.

Thriving during the night were Kelan Martin and Naz Reid, with the duo combining for 54 of their team’s 77 points. Martin ended the night 11-of-21 from the field, converting on 5-of-12 three-point attempts en route to a scrimmage-high 31 points. Reid, meanwhile, scored 23 on 10-of-19 shooting.

In total, seven players scored in double figures in the first of three expected scrimmages during the In-Market Bubble.

The team will return to practice on Monday, and is slated to scrimmage at Target Center again on Thursday night.

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Martin Shines In Timberwolves Bubble Scrimmage #1

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Timberwolves Bubble Scrimmage #1

Minnesota’s In-Market Program kicked off its second phase this week, marking the first time since March 10 that the team has been able to hit the hardwood together. Now, six months removed from competitive action, a tactical approach was necessary to reacquaint players with group workouts, and each other.

Phase 2 of the bubble began with a required 48-hour in-room quarantine, with players and staff required to stay within their housing accommodations until two negative tests were returned.

Following the quarantine period, the team grouped together for dinner, where Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor addressed the team via Zoom while Head Coach Ryan Saunders alongside President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas delivered notes on what the road ahead entails for the organization both on and off the court.

That road began on Wednesday, nearly 200 days removed from their last game, where the In-Market roster’s excitement was evident. Several hours of team-wide offensive and defensive drills culminated in a 3-on-3 scrimmage session, where the energy carried over to Thursday’s session.

“As a team, you could tell the guys were excited to be out there competing,” said Head Coach Ryan Saunders. “That was fun for these guys and we know the basketball will get better and better…honestly, it was a lot better than I expected it to be after a six-month hiatus.”

The Timberwolves will return to Mayo Clinic Square Friday for continued work during the In-Market Program.

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Timberwolves Begin Group Work

Although the NBA season is still underway, the Minnesota Timberwolves have their sights set on 2021-22.

Minnesota, in addition to the seven other teams that did not participate in the Orlando bubble, is conducting an In-Market Program featuring intra-squad scrimmages and group training in a campus-like controlled environment.

While the program is voluntary, the Timberwolves expect a large contingent of the team’s roster to participate. In Phase 1 of the program, consisting of voluntary individual workouts and daily COVID-19 testing, several players returned to Minneapolis, including Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and more.

“We’re excited about the level of commitment that we have, and we’re chomping at the bit to get back to competing,” said Head Coach Ryan Saunders.

On Wednesday, that competition can begin with Phase 2 of the Timberwolves In-Market Program. Phase 2 will consist of group practices, skill and conditioning sessions, and game-like scrimmages in addition to the continuation of daily testing.

And while the on-court portion is enticing, the team building opportunities away from the court are equally exciting.

“It’s a special opportunity for us to connect after the hard stop in March…there’s a lot of work to do not only on the court but off the court,” shared President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas.

Timberwolves.com and the team’s social media channels will have coverage throughout the In-Market Program for fans’ consumption.

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Timberwolves In-Market Bubble Begins

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2020 In‑Market Program