Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly relies solely on HoopsHype for his NBA news, a unique approach as his team prepares for its next preseason test. The Timberwolves are coming off a 106-128 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 14, their final tune-up before the regular season begins.
Tim Connelly actively avoids the constant buzz of social media. He has no social media apps on his phone. Instead, he checks HoopsHype, an aggregation site that compiles major NBA headlines. This habit comes from advice given by his early mentor, former Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard, who told him to block out the external noise.
Connelly’s brother, Timberwolves vice president of player personnel Joe Connelly, confirmed this disciplined focus. "Sometimes the noise could be as loud as you want it to be if you’re scrolling Twitter or watching the TV shows," Joe Connelly said. "But Tim doesn’t really put too much time or stock into those things." This philosophy helps the front office concentrate on building the roster without distraction.
The team's 2026 preseason schedule provided a mixed bag of results. It started with a strong 116-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on October 5. A tough 112-123 loss to the Indiana Pacers followed on October 7. The Wolves then edged the Miami Heat 125-124 on October 10 and beat the New York Knicks 122-104 on October 12. The preseason concluded with that 106-128 defeat against the Pistons.
These games offered early looks at roster adjustments and player conditioning. While preseason outcomes don't count in the standings, they are valuable for evaluating rotations and chemistry. The front office, led by Connelly, uses this time to make final assessments before the real games begin.
The immediate focus shifts to the regular season opener. After their final preseason game against Detroit, the Timberwolves will launch their campaign against the Chicago Bulls on October 16. It’s the first real test for a team that has been fine-tuning its play over the last two weeks.
Connelly’s method of consuming information reflects a broader organizational mindset. By filtering out unnecessary chatter, the leadership can stay focused on basketball decisions. This approach will be tested as the season unfolds and the pressure of the NBA schedule intensifies. The goal is clear: translate a thoughtful preseason process into regular-season success.
