Bill Musselman
The first coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Musselman led the expansion team to a record 29 wins in its second season.
Bill Musselman (September 13, 1940 – May 5, 2000) was an American basketball coach in the NCAA, the ABA, the WBA, the CBA, and the NBA. He was the first head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 13 September 1940
- Birthplace
- Wooster, Ohio, U.S.
- Died
- 5 May 2000
- Place of death
- Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.
- Alma mater
- Wittenberg
- Championships
- 4× CBA champion (1985–1988)
Lore & Background
Musselman coached the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves in 1989–90 and 1990–91, posting records of 22–60 and 29–53. He was fired on April 22, 1991. His 29 wins in the second season were a high-water mark for the Timberwolves until 1996–97, and his expansion team won more games than any of the four expansion teams that season, and more in its second season than any expansion team since the 1974–75 New Orleans Jazz.
Reader's Guide
Musselman's Timberwolves were known for being competitive despite a roster 'full of vagabonds, long shots and characters.' Point guard Pooh Richardson 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.' Musselman highlighted his style of doggedly exploiting the other team's weaknesses.
Did You Know?
- Musselman's 1989–90 Timberwolves won 22 games, more than any other expansion team that season (the Charlotte Hornets had 19).
- His 29 wins in 1990–91 were the most by any expansion team since the 1974–75 New Orleans Jazz.
- Musselman previously won four consecutive CBA championships (1985–1988) with three different teams.
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.
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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