This is the first time I’ve ever seen LaMello interviewed. Not what I expected. He’s very understated. Man of few words. Nothing close to Ant’s presence or charisma. Hard to get a sense of him from this interview as you’ll see, but his persona seems to align with those who say he’s a nice guy.
A few things jumped out at me:
1. When asked about how the Wolves will fill their PF position, Tim said “we’re looking at a couple free agents.” We know one of them is LeBron. The word “couple” means two. I wonder who the other one is. When asked what the team’s pitching to LeBon is, Tim made a point of saying it’s the same pitch to the other free agents PFs they’re looking at. He then described the pitch as coming to a winning environment where it will fun to play. So it looks like the Wolves are pursing LeBron and one or possibly two alternative free agents for the PF position and given the limited compensation they can offer they’re stressing both winning and fun as the pitch to lure them here.
2. The way they talked about Green, Finch referring to his toughness and defensive versatility, suggests they’re not inclined to move him. Finch referred to the Wolves going small while the League goes bigger so it doesn’t seem like they’re obsessed with getting bigger. Finch or Tim referred to the importance of having size in the backcourt and we certainly have that with LaMello, Ant and Ayo.
3. Finch seems excited about what going smaller can do to unlock Rudy’s full offensive game. He referred to Rudy’s offensive success in Utah where he was surrounded by four smaller guys who spaced the floor around him.
That was one of the oddest introductory pressers I've ever heard! LaMelo gave nothing but Popovich-like short answers to every question...Johnny Athletic tried everything to pull him out of his shell, but nothing worked! I was really looking forward to this presser, because like you, I had never heard Ball speak...except for the few times I watched their family TV show. If hadn't heard so many people say what a nice guy he is, I might have thought he was acting like a dick with his one-sentence answers. But I think he's actually just quite shy and not totally comfortable in a situation like that. I had heard someone say at the time of the trade that Ant/LaMelo post gamers were going to be a lot of fun. But I saw a guy who seems a lot more like Jaden than Ant! Anyway, I agree...he seems like a really nice guy.
I'm curious who the other FA is too. I'll have to look and see if there is someone I have overlooked.
It was pretty hilarious when Connelly joked about the Wolves not having a draft pick for 10 years Lamelo and Josh were cracking each other up about that one.
When Jon K asked Finch about Green Finch immediately put up his microphone ready to talk as soon as the question was finished. He was clearly ready to talk about him.
TSJ was mentioned but he was well down the list of players.
I'll be honest watching these things a lot of these questions idk what players are supposed to say. I think Lamelo will be more willing to chat as time goes on. He doesn't know any of these people. Which ones are the ones to trust etc.
I was pretty taken aback by LaMelo's terse responses. I guess I didn't know what to expect, but given LaMelo's flair on the court, and tattoos to boot, I wasn't expecting that.
There were many reasons the Hornets were willing to part ways with LaMelo. But after seeing the presser today, I'm wondering if keeping LaMelo as "the face of the franchise" was another reason for moving on.
Fortunately for the Wolves, "the face of the franchise" is already in place...
60WinTim wrote: ↑Tue Jul 14, 2026 4:40 pm
I was pretty taken aback by LaMelo's terse responses. I guess I didn't know what to expect, but given LaMelo's flair on the court, and tattoos to boot, I wasn't expecting that.
There were many reasons the Hornets were willing to part ways with LaMelo. But after seeing the presser today, I'm wondering if keeping LaMelo as "the face of the franchise" was another reason for moving on.
Fortunately for the Wolves, "the face of the franchise" is already in place...
From what I've been reading this is not atypical of LaMelo presses. They don't seem to be his favorite thing.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen LaMello interviewed. Not what I expected. He’s very understated. Man of few words. Nothing close to Ant’s presence or charisma. Hard to get a sense of him from this interview as you’ll see, but his persona seems to align with those who say he’s a nice guy.
A few things jumped out at me:
1. When asked about how the Wolves will fill their PF position, Tim said “we’re looking at a couple free agents.” We know one of them is LeBron. The word “couple” means two. I wonder who the other one is. When asked what the team’s pitching to LeBon is, Tim made a point of saying it’s the same pitch to the other free agents PFs they’re looking at. He then described the pitch as coming to a winning environment where it will fun to play. So it looks like the Wolves are pursing LeBron and one or possibly two alternative free agents for the PF position and given the limited compensation they can offer they’re stressing both winning and fun as the pitch to lure them here.
2. The way they talked about Green, Finch referring to his toughness and defensive versatility, suggests they’re not inclined to move him. Finch referred to the Wolves going small while the League goes bigger so it doesn’t seem like they’re obsessed with getting bigger. Finch or Tim referred to the importance of having size in the backcourt and we certainly have that with LaMello, Ant and Ayo.
3. Finch seems excited about what going smaller can do to unlock Rudy’s full offensive game. He referred to Rudy’s offensive success in Utah where he was surrounded by four smaller guys who spaced the floor around him.
Pretty sure Kevin Love will come home if Lebron signs here
Also on Green it wasnt to long ago when we got someone name NAW that whole league thought his career was going to be short.
This is the first time I’ve ever seen LaMello interviewed. Not what I expected. He’s very understated. Man of few words. Nothing close to Ant’s presence or charisma. Hard to get a sense of him from this interview as you’ll see, but his persona seems to align with those who say he’s a nice guy.
A few things jumped out at me:
1. When asked about how the Wolves will fill their PF position, Tim said “we’re looking at a couple free agents.” We know one of them is LeBron. The word “couple” means two. I wonder who the other one is. When asked what the team’s pitching to LeBon is, Tim made a point of saying it’s the same pitch to the other free agents PFs they’re looking at. He then described the pitch as coming to a winning environment where it will fun to play. So it looks like the Wolves are pursing LeBron and one or possibly two alternative free agents for the PF position and given the limited compensation they can offer they’re stressing both winning and fun as the pitch to lure them here.
2. The way they talked about Green, Finch referring to his toughness and defensive versatility, suggests they’re not inclined to move him. Finch referred to the Wolves going small while the League goes bigger so it doesn’t seem like they’re obsessed with getting bigger. Finch or Tim referred to the importance of having size in the backcourt and we certainly have that with LaMello, Ant and Ayo.
3. Finch seems excited about what going smaller can do to unlock Rudy’s full offensive game. He referred to Rudy’s offensive success in Utah where he was surrounded by four smaller guys who spaced the floor around him.
Pretty sure Kevin Love will come home if Lebron signs here
Also on Green it wasnt to long ago when we got someone name NAW that whole league thought his career was going to be short.
The thing with Kevin Love is the Wolves will be unable to sign him until roughly halfway thru the season because of the 2nd apron...
This is the first time I’ve ever seen LaMello interviewed. Not what I expected. He’s very understated. Man of few words. Nothing close to Ant’s presence or charisma. Hard to get a sense of him from this interview as you’ll see, but his persona seems to align with those who say he’s a nice guy.
A few things jumped out at me:
1. When asked about how the Wolves will fill their PF position, Tim said “we’re looking at a couple free agents.” We know one of them is LeBron. The word “couple” means two. I wonder who the other one is. When asked what the team’s pitching to LeBon is, Tim made a point of saying it’s the same pitch to the other free agents PFs they’re looking at. He then described the pitch as coming to a winning environment where it will fun to play. So it looks like the Wolves are pursing LeBron and one or possibly two alternative free agents for the PF position and given the limited compensation they can offer they’re stressing both winning and fun as the pitch to lure them here.
2. The way they talked about Green, Finch referring to his toughness and defensive versatility, suggests they’re not inclined to move him. Finch referred to the Wolves going small while the League goes bigger so it doesn’t seem like they’re obsessed with getting bigger. Finch or Tim referred to the importance of having size in the backcourt and we certainly have that with LaMello, Ant and Ayo.
3. Finch seems excited about what going smaller can do to unlock Rudy’s full offensive game. He referred to Rudy’s offensive success in Utah where he was surrounded by four smaller guys who spaced the floor around him.
I didn't see the press conference, only some quotes from it.
The one from Connelly about LeBron James walking into a great situation here (while referencing other FA forwards multiple times) read a lot more like "Hey we know we're not getting James, but you 2nd- or even 3rd-rate free agent forwards out there, you'd be crazy not to want to grow or even resurrect your career with the Timberwolves. You'd be walking right into rotation minutes on a good team! Unfortunately, we don't have the money if that's your priority. But don't worry, you can grab your bag AFTER a year with us."
This is the first time I’ve ever seen LaMello interviewed. Not what I expected. He’s very understated. Man of few words. Nothing close to Ant’s presence or charisma. Hard to get a sense of him from this interview as you’ll see, but his persona seems to align with those who say he’s a nice guy.
A few things jumped out at me:
1. When asked about how the Wolves will fill their PF position, Tim said “we’re looking at a couple free agents.” We know one of them is LeBron. The word “couple” means two. I wonder who the other one is. When asked what the team’s pitching to LeBon is, Tim made a point of saying it’s the same pitch to the other free agents PFs they’re looking at. He then described the pitch as coming to a winning environment where it will fun to play. So it looks like the Wolves are pursing LeBron and one or possibly two alternative free agents for the PF position and given the limited compensation they can offer they’re stressing both winning and fun as the pitch to lure them here.
2. The way they talked about Green, Finch referring to his toughness and defensive versatility, suggests they’re not inclined to move him. Finch referred to the Wolves going small while the League goes bigger so it doesn’t seem like they’re obsessed with getting bigger. Finch or Tim referred to the importance of having size in the backcourt and we certainly have that with LaMello, Ant and Ayo.
3. Finch seems excited about what going smaller can do to unlock Rudy’s full offensive game. He referred to Rudy’s offensive success in Utah where he was surrounded by four smaller guys who spaced the floor around him.
I didn't see the press conference, only some quotes from it.
The one from Connelly about LeBron James walking into a great situation here (while referencing other FA forwards multiple times) read a lot more like "Hey we know we're not getting James, but you 2nd- or even 3rd-rate free agent forwards out there, you'd be crazy not to want to grow or even resurrect your career with the Timberwolves. You'd be walking right into rotation minutes on a good team! Unfortunately, we don't have the money if that's your priority. But don't worry, you can grab your bag AFTER a year with us."
This is the first time I’ve ever seen LaMello interviewed. Not what I expected. He’s very understated. Man of few words. Nothing close to Ant’s presence or charisma. Hard to get a sense of him from this interview as you’ll see, but his persona seems to align with those who say he’s a nice guy.
A few things jumped out at me:
1. When asked about how the Wolves will fill their PF position, Tim said “we’re looking at a couple free agents.” We know one of them is LeBron. The word “couple” means two. I wonder who the other one is. When asked what the team’s pitching to LeBon is, Tim made a point of saying it’s the same pitch to the other free agents PFs they’re looking at. He then described the pitch as coming to a winning environment where it will fun to play. So it looks like the Wolves are pursing LeBron and one or possibly two alternative free agents for the PF position and given the limited compensation they can offer they’re stressing both winning and fun as the pitch to lure them here.
2. The way they talked about Green, Finch referring to his toughness and defensive versatility, suggests they’re not inclined to move him. Finch referred to the Wolves going small while the League goes bigger so it doesn’t seem like they’re obsessed with getting bigger. Finch or Tim referred to the importance of having size in the backcourt and we certainly have that with LaMello, Ant and Ayo.
3. Finch seems excited about what going smaller can do to unlock Rudy’s full offensive game. He referred to Rudy’s offensive success in Utah where he was surrounded by four smaller guys who spaced the floor around him.
I didn't see the press conference, only some quotes from it.
The one from Connelly about LeBron James walking into a great situation here (while referencing other FA forwards multiple times) read a lot more like "Hey we know we're not getting James, but you 2nd- or even 3rd-rate free agent forwards out there, you'd be crazy not to want to grow or even resurrect your career with the Timberwolves. You'd be walking right into rotation minutes on a good team! Unfortunately, we don't have the money if that's your priority. But don't worry, you can grab your bag AFTER a year with us."
