The two finalized the sale of the team at the end of June.
LAS VEGAS — On Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ newest and youngest players put on a show in Las Vegas and won their first summer league game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It comes just a day before the team’s new owners, Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are set to address the public for the first time after officially acquiring the team at the end of June. KARE 11’s Jennifer Hoff is there and will be the only Minnesota television news reporter to interview the two one-on-one.
The two are embarking on what they call a “bold and exciting” new journey. And fans are certain that means a championship, especially with college star Jaylen Clark. The team drafted him in 2023, but he’s coming off a recent injury.
“He looked good today,” said Boston resident Craig Scanzio. “He’s moving around well and playing good defense.”
Scanzio says he’s a huge fan of the Timberwolves because of Clark and star Anthony Edwards.
“Edwards is going to have another year in him, so I think they’re going to improve and they have a shot,” said Scanzio.
The team is coming off what is their most successful stretch in its history – making it to the conference finals in back-to-back seasons. And some fans think Rodriguez and Lore are only adding to their success.
“It’s been an overall upgrade and that resonates, you know, that carries over and energy like that helps elevate everybody,” said fan Cameron Retterath, who traveled to Vegas from Plymouth, Minnesota, to watch the games.
Rodriguez is a baseball legend and Lore is a successful businessman. They bought the Timberwolves and the Lynx for $1.5 billion. It was a multi-year process that faced delays and disputes with longtime, now former owner, Glen Taylor.
“It’s been a hell of a ride and I look forward to keep going,” said Retterath.
Fans still have looming questions surrounding new player acquisition, if the two will keep the team in Minnesota and the shot at a new stadium, among other interests.
Look for Hoff’s interview coming up Friday afternoon on KARE 11 News on air and online.