How would you feel if the MN Timberwolves left Minnesota? (Viking: stadium, office)

[emcee squared]

I miss KG. I don't want them to leave. Even if they suck, they are great for the area.

[wherespankakehouse?]

They're bound to stumble upon a good season by accident somewhere along the line. Their run in 2003 was a good time. I firmly believe they were on their way to the playoffs this year. Their future is still pretty bright, but I think Khan's drafting has cost them a chance to become a contender.

NBA is a tough league if you're a Cleveland, Milwaukee, or Minnesota. It's a star-driven league that stacks the deck against 2/3 of the teams. OKC has been able to keep their core together so far, so it's not impossible, but definitely a handicap if you're not a major media market.

Very few NBA players fall in to the thug stereotype, but NHL players as a whole are so much more down to earth and likable. I know which league I would rather have my kids following.

[slamont61]

Personally I wouldn't care. For the Cities though it would be a negative hit. There are jobs with the team and in the service industry directly related. No one want's to see a cut like that to the local economy.

One thing does exist there. Room to make revenue. If you're not selling out then someone gets to market the team and try to fill the seats.

It's also good for the Cities in the fact that they're a Four Major team market. A distinction for marketing the area to potential residents.

[jmgg]

I wouldn't lose any sleep if they left either, but it would be a blow to the downtown and Twin Cities in general. I've tried to be a fan, but their lack of success and how the team is run makes it very difficult to show any interest. Despite them being here, I still find myself more of a Boston Celtics fan than a Timberwolves fan. The Celtics were the only team I ever started following simply because they were winners. When I was in junior high and high school the only NBA games that seemed to be televised were the Celtics and whoever they were playing.

The Timberwolves need another KG or at least a very good player with charisma to build around. As good as Kevin Love is, he doesn't totally fit the bill. They need a Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen type person to get this franchise to begin to be interesting.

[phlinak]

Originally Posted by knke0204

Wolves are averaging 16,500!

16,500 * 41 = 676,500 downtown!

I agree that it can only help.

The Timberwolves have built quite the fan base. The franchise is in it's 24th season I believe. They have finished above .500% in winning only 8 times and are not on pace to do that this season. In the heart of the "KG years" (1996-2005) they built up quite the fan base that remains pretty strong, even with the all the losing before then and after. That 2003-2004 season was great. I can remember it like yesterday!

I wouldn't want them to leave. Having four professional teams gives your city a little more credibility, believe or not, that's just the way it is. They have no where to go, and if they go to KC, MSP will be just like KC- with three pro teams. Yay!

Joking aside, keep em' here, it's just a matter of time before they're sold to a new owner who actually cares

KC has three pro teams?

Let's see...... first, the Chiefs and second, the Royals.

They have no NBA or NHL team, right?

So, what's the third team?

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by phlinak

KC has three pro teams?

Let's see...... first, the Chiefs and second, the Royals.

They have no NBA or NHL team, right?

So, what's the third team?

basketball, probably keep the name Timberwolves.

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by Ghengis

basketball, probably keep the name Timberwolves.

AND then after they fail in a few years, they'll move to Sacremento (remember the KC/Omaha Kings?) since by the sound of things, that city will be looking for another NBA team after their's moves out. The merry go round continues. Sacremento Timberwolves?

[Globe199]

I wonder how many people want an NBA team (or other pro team) here simply for bragging rights. Will those people ever go to a game? I went to one Timberwolves game because the ticket was free. It was fun. We had good seats. But I doubt that I'd ever pay to watch them. (When it comes to the NBA, I don't know how much bragging rights you're allowed, since Oklahoma City now has a team.)

A huge reason why we're building the Vikings a stadium is rooted in an inferiority complex. Supposedly we're a cold Omaha if we lose the Queens. The justification for a $1B football palace based on that argument is exceptionally weak in my opinion. I imagine we could debate it all day though.

[slamont61]

Originally Posted by phlinak

KC has three pro teams?

Let's see...... first, the Chiefs and second, the Royals.

They have no NBA or NHL team, right?

So, what's the third team?

Originally Posted by knke0204

I wouldn't want them to leave. Having four professional teams gives your city a little more credibility, believe or not, that's just the way it is. They have no where to go, and if they go to KC, MSP will be just like KC- with three pro teams. Yay!

Based on the IF - then KC would have three.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by jmgg

AND then after they fail in a few years, they'll move to Sacremento (remember the KC/Omaha Kings?) since by the sound of things, that city will be looking for another NBA team after their's moves out. The merry go round continues. Sacremento Timberwolves?

Minnesota Sonics