Bill Musselman
The expansion Timberwolves' first head coach, who set a franchise high-water mark with 29 wins in 1990–91.
Bill Musselman was an American basketball coach who led the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves in their first two NBA seasons (1989–90 and 1990–91).
- Affiliation
- Minnesota Timberwolves (1989-1991)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Musselman coached the Timberwolves from 1989 to 1991, posting records of 22–60 and 29–53. The 29 wins in his second season were a high-water mark for the franchise, which did not top 29 wins again until the 1996–97 season. Musselman's expansion team won more games than any of the four expansion teams that season, and his 29 wins were more than any expansion team since the 1974–75 New Orleans Jazz (which had 23 wins). He was fired on April 22, 1991, a day after the 1990–91 season ended.
In Their Own Story
The Minnesota Timberwolves were born under Musselman's watch in a league that often underestimated expansion teams. He assembled a roster of unknowns and veterans looking for one last chance, creating a unique chemistry that defied typical expansion futility. The team played with a dogged intensity, exploiting opponent weaknesses rather than relying on star power. One specific game against Golden State showcased this philosophy perfectly: by forcing the Warriors to double-team Randy Breuer all night, Musselman created an opening that led to a 40-point explosion from his center. Though the Wolves lost that contest 106–96, it highlighted a system where every player had a chance to win. As Richardson noted, "That's one thing that Musselman always gave us: a chance to win." This approach allowed the Timberwolves to finish their second season with 29 wins, a record that would not be broken for six years, cementing Musselman's legacy as the man who made the new franchise relevant immediately.
Reader's Guide
Musselman's Timberwolves were known for being competitive despite a roster of 'vagabonds, long shots and characters.' Point guard Pooh Richardson later said, 'We were the best expansion team out there. That was as good as going to the playoffs. That's one thing that Musselman always gave us: a chance to win. Pass the ball, pass the ball, cut down the shots for the other team.'
Did You Know?
- Musselman's 29-win season in 1990–91 was the most wins by any expansion team since the 1974–75 New Orleans Jazz (23 wins).
- The Timberwolves did not surpass 29 wins again until the 1996–97 season.
- Musselman was fired the day after the 1990–91 season ended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bill Musselman?
He served as the inaugural head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, hired in August 1988 to lead their expansion franchise.
What were his win-loss records with the team?
Musselman posted a 22–60 record during the debut season and improved the squad to 29 wins in the following year.
How long did he coach for Minnesota?
He remained at the helm through the franchise’s first two seasons, concluding his tenure after the 1990–91 campaign.
Why is his win total historically notable?
His achievement of 29 wins established a franchise high-water mark that stood until the 1996–97 season arrived.
What was the composition of his initial roster?
He managed an expansion lineup described by local media as being full of vagabonds, long shots, and characters rather than proven stars.
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