Thursday, September 21, 2006
Fred Hoiberg gets promoted!
Fred Hoiberg is now assistant GM!

It has been a tumultous past year for Fred Hoiberg.  Ever since he had major heart surgery last summer he has been dying to return to his playing days as one of the best shooters ever to play in the NBA.  A few days ago, the Timberwolves announced that they were formalizing his employment with the team as Assistant General Manager along with our old friend Rob Babcock. 

I think because of Fred's experience along with the tragic death of fellow NBA player and former teammate, Jason Collier, the NBA has made mandatory cardiovascular testing a requirement for all NBA players.  I will have to get on a treadmill with all of the cables attached to my chest next Tuesday in order to determine if I have any heart irregularities along with the rest of the NBA.  Trenton Hassell did his testing yesterday along with a few other of the guys.

Well, I promised I was going to write a little bit more about Randy Foye, but he has been off at "Rookie Transition Camp" so I'm going to wait until he gets back.  Rookie Transition camp was a very interesting experience for me.  Every single incoming rookie in the NBA has to attend or get fined $10,000.00.   When I was there, they brought in accountants, image consultants, financial advisors, and conflict resolution people who try to teach us how to stay calm when things get heated.  Overall it was good.  I remember when David Stern came in to talk to us about the NBA.  He was really cool to all of the guys and actually gave out his email address to all of us and said that if we ever had any concerns, complaints, or questions, to email him directly.  The one area that I have communicated directly with the league on is rules for cheap shots.  During a game, all of us can handle unintentional elbows to the head, throat, back, etc.  What really gets most NBA players mad though is when they get hit with a cheap shot.  I'm going to report back to all of you when they read us the new rules for the coming year, and if I don't like what I hear I am going to protest to the league and through our liason, Billy Hunter. 

Lastly, I wanted to let you all know that Daniel Santiago has been working out with us and he's been looking pretty good.  Daniel is a longtime friend of mine as we played a lot together in LA and we are the same age. Daniel is about 7'1" and he can shoot.  He is from Puerto Rico and has had huge games in international competition against guys like Tim Duncan, and the rest of the US team.   I think Dan brings a very intelligent, and tough big guy to mix.

9/21/2006 2:31:27 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)  #    Comments [6]
9/21/2006 12:38:24 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
Dog,
I saw Paul Shirley of ESPN.com was playing for the Wolves summer league team. Any chance he'll make the squad? I think his blogs about Minneapolis would be Nene Hilario.
Moroni |AngelMoroni00AT NOSPAMyahoo dot com
9/21/2006 4:14:09 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
Mark,
Found your blog...I find it very interesting. I hope things are good for you and your family. We miss you over here in El Segundo!
I wish you all the best this season and in life.
All the best,
Glenn
Glenn (Lakers) |gmanlacaAT NOSPAMaol dot com
9/21/2006 11:32:00 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
Is Paul Shirley a tough player though?

I'm keeping eyes on your blog, Dog...
Ann |anniexingyanAT NOSPAMyahoo dot com
9/25/2006 3:00:06 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
FYI from an interview on the Twolves web site...what people in the office are saying...Thought you'd like to know!

Babcock: I know Mark well, and understand what he can do for a basketball team. He does a lot of intangible things that the average fan might not pick up on. They will see that he's hustling like crazy, but he does a lot of basketball things that are not the skill things, but it's not just dirty work either. He does the basic things that a lot of guys don't do, and he takes pride in executing those things. He knows what the play is, and he knows how to carry it out. When he goes to set a pick, he sets a pick that you can get open from, and then he rolls. Defensively, he knows where the help is supposed to be, and he's there. He's going to take a charge, he's going to cut someone off on the baseline when he's supposed to, he's going to trap. There is no place in the box score for taking a charge, helping, keeping someone from driving, or keeping the ball alive on the offensive boards. I think he is a very valuable guy to have on your basketball team.

Trudell: While some of those elements of his game may elude the casual basketball fan, they don't escape the eyes of fellow players, coaches or front office members like yourself...
John Worden |sixwordensAT NOSPAMCOMCAST dot NET
9/26/2006 10:25:26 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
Thanks for the info Mark! Our local newspapers don't cover the Wolves much in the offseason (grrr), so Wolves fans need info from other sources.

Any hints on whether Santiago will make the team? Any other free agents working out with the team?
Shawn McCarney
9/24/2008 1:32:12 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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video poker gambling |noAT NOSPAMemail dot com
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