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Iowa Wolves
Iowa Wolves
from Wikipedia

The Iowa Wolves are an American professional basketball team in the NBA G League based in Des Moines, Iowa, and are affiliated with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves play their home games at the Casey's Center and compete in the Western Conference of the NBA G League.[3] From 2007 to 2017, the team was known as the Iowa Energy in the NBA Development League (D-League) until being purchased and renamed by the Timberwolves. They broke the D-league attendance record on their first home game with 8,842 fans.[4][5] They later set the record again in game two of the 2011 D-League Finals with an attendance of 14,036 fans.[6][7] They won the 2011 D-League Finals, defeating the Rio Grande Valley Vipers two-games-to-one.

Key Information

History

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Formation

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On February 27, 2007, the D-League awarded an expansion team to Des Moines, Iowa, as one of the four expansion teams for the 2007–08 season. The team was owned and operated by Iowa Basketball, LLC, a local ownership group led by attorney Jerry Crawford and also including Gary Kirke, Sheldon Ohringer, Paul Drey, Michael Richards and Bruce Rastetter. The team would play their home games at the Casey's Center, parts of the Iowa Events Center.[3] The team later hired former Northern Iowa player Nick Nurse as the team's first head coach.[8]

The team initially held a naming contest for the team. The choices listed on their website were Corncobs, Maize, River Rats, Scarecrows, and Thoroughbreds.[9] However, on June 29, 2007, the owners announced the name Iowa Energy, along with team colors and logos. The team logo was an orange basketball above the word "energy" and the team colors are purple, orange and red.[10] Two NBA teams, the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, were announced as the team's NBA affiliates.[11]

Iowa Energy (2007–2017)

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2007–2010

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The Energy began to construct their roster by participating in the 2007 D-League expansion draft on September 5, 2007, and the 2007 D-League Draft on November 1, 2007. On November 23, 2007, the Energy played their first game in the D-League. They defeated the defending champion Dakota Wizards 101–99 to record the team's first win.[12] Their inaugural home game at the Wells Fargo Arena was played on November 26, 2007. The Energy defeated the Albuquerque Thunderbirds 101–98 in front of a league-record attendance of 8,842.[4][5] The Energy finished the season third in the Central Division with 22 wins and 28 losses. The record was only the tenth best record in the league and therefore the Energy failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Before the 2008–09 season, the league announced that the Energy would be affiliated with the Bulls and the Phoenix Suns. The Suns, who was previously affiliated with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, replaced the Heat, which would be affiliated with the Thunderbirds.[13] The Energy improved their performance and finished the season with the best record in the Central Division with 28 wins and 22 losses. They were seeded third for the playoffs and were paired with the Dakota Wizards in the First Round. However, they were defeated by the Wizards at home with a 109–114 loss.[14]

Energy center Courtney Sims, who averaged 22.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, won the D-League Most Valuable Player Award.[15] He also earned multiple call-ups to the NBA, signing a pair of 10-day contracts with the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks. Guard Othyus Jeffers, who was selected in the third round of the 2008 D-League Draft by the Energy, was named as the Rookie of the Year Award.[16] Sims was named in the All-NBA D-League First Team while Energy first-round draftee Cartier Martin was named in the All-NBA D-League Third Team.[17] Both Sims and Martin received call-ups to the NBA and were forced to miss the Energy's playoff games.

The Energy were reassigned to the Eastern Conference for the 2009–10 season as the league realigned itself to two conferences. Despite losing former MVP Courtney Sims to overseas, the Energy improved their regular season record.[18] They won the Eastern Conference with 37 wins, which was also the best record in the league. As one of the top three seeds, the Energy had the rights to choose their opponents in the first round of the playoffs.[19] They chose to face the seventh seed Utah Flash of the Western Conference.[20] They lost the first game of the series before they bounced back with two straight wins to advance to the semifinals.[21] In the semifinals, the Energy faced the eighth seed Tulsa 66ers, who eliminated the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the first round. The Energy defeated the 66ers 107–102 in the first game at Tulsa.[22] However, the 66ers won the second game at Des Moines to even the series.[23] In the decisive Game 3, the Energy lost 122–127 at home and were eliminated from the playoffs.[24]

2011 championship season

[edit]

Courtney Sims, Othyus Jeffers and Curtis Stinson all returned to the Energy roster for the 2010–11 season.[25] The team also retained Nick Nurse as head coach after he briefly accepted a coaching position at Iowa State.[26] The Energy matched their previous season performance by recording 37 wins and clinched the first seed again. The Energy once again had the rights to choose their opponents in the first round of the playoffs. They chose seventh seed Utah Flash, who were defeated by the Energy in the first round of last year's playoffs. The Energy and the Flash each won one road game each before the Energy won the decisive Game 3 at home to advance to the semifinal.[27] In the semifinals, the Energy faced the Tulsa 66ers who eliminated them in last year's playoffs. The Energy recorded two straight wins and won the series 2–0 to advance to the D-League Finals.[28]

The Energy faced the third seed Rio Grande Valley Vipers, who defeated the second seed Reno Bighorns in the semifinals. The Energy, led by Curtis Stinson's triple-double, won the first game 123–106 at Hidalgo. Stinson scored 29 points along with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, while five other Energy players scored in double figures.[29] The Vipers won the second game 141–122 despite Stinson's second straight triple-double.[30] That second game at the Casey’s Center was attended by a new league-record attendance of 14,036 fans.[6][7] In the decisive Game 3, Stinson suffered an injury that limited his playing time. The Energy trailed the Vipers by seven points after three quarters, but managed to outscore the Vipers 38–23 in the fourth quarter to clinch the D-League championship. Guard Stefhon Hannah led the Energy with 31 points, while five other Energy players scored in double figures.[31][32]

Stinson, who averaged 19.3 points, 9.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game, was named as the D-League Most Valuable Player Award.[33] Stinson and former Rookie of the Year Othyus Jeffers were named in the All-NBA D-League Team.[34] Two Energy stars, Jeffers and former MVP Courtney Sims, both missed the Energy's playoff games. Jeffers received a call-up to the Washington Wizards and signed a contract for the remainder of the season, while Sims left the team to play in China.

2011–2014

[edit]

Before the 2011–12 season, the league announced that the Energy would be affiliated with three teams, the Bulls, the New Orleans Hornets and the Washington Wizards. The Energy ended their three years affiliation with the Suns as the Bakersfield Jam was announced to be the Suns' new affiliate.[35] On July 15, 2011, head coach Nick Nurse left the Energy and was hired by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to be their new head coach.[36] The Energy later named former Utah Flash head coach Kevin Young as the team's new head coach.[37]

For the 2012–13 season, Energy added the Denver Nuggets as an affiliate in addition to the existing affiliations with the Bulls, Hornets, and Wizards.[38] Young was fired in January 2013, replaced by Bruce Wilson on an interim basis.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were added as an affiliate for the 2013–14 season,[39] while Nate Bjorkgren as the franchise's new head coach.[40] Led by Othyus Jeffers, who was co-Most Valuable Player of the season along with Ron Howard, the Energy won its second Central Division title and fourth Division/Conference title overall, but fell to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the playoffs.[41]

2014–2017

[edit]
The Energy used this logo from 2014 to 2017

Following the 2014 season, the Energy announced that they would be entering a hybrid single affiliation deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. The team's color scheme shifted towards that of the Grizzlies.[42] Jed Kaplan, a minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, led the new affiliation deal and was named managing partner for the Energy ownership group. The agreement ended at the conclusion of the 2016–17 season as the Grizzlies began operating their own D-League team, the Memphis Hustle.[43]

Iowa Wolves (2017–present)

[edit]

On January 23, 2017, it was announced that the Minnesota Timberwolves would be purchasing the Energy to serve as their D-League affiliate beginning with the 2017–18 season[44] and was finalized on May 3, 2017.[45] On May 30, the team announced it had rebranded to the Iowa Wolves. The affiliation between the Timberwolves and the Wolves is the second between the Twin Cities and Des Moines as the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League and the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League also share an affiliation.

Season results

[edit]
Season Division / Conference Finish Wins Losses Win% Playoffs
Iowa Energy
2007–08 Central 3rd 22 28 .440
2008–09 Central 1st 28 22 .560 Lost First Round to Dakota Wizards, 109–114
2009–10 Eastern 1st 37 13 .740 Won First Round vs. Utah Flash, 2–1
Lost Semifinals to Tulsa 66ers, 1–2
2010–11 Eastern 1st 37 13 .740 Won First Round vs. Utah Flash, 2–1
Won Semifinals vs. Tulsa 66ers, 2–0
Won D-League Finals vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 2–1
2011–12 Eastern 5th 25 25 .500 Lost First Round to Los Angeles D-Fenders, 0–2
2012–13 Central 6th 14 36 .280
2013–14 Central 1st 31 19 .620 Lost First Round to Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 1–2
2014–15 Central 3rd 26 24 .520
2015–16 Central 3rd 26 24 .520
2016–17 Southwest 6th 12 38 .240
Iowa Wolves
2017–18 Midwest 3rd 24 26 .480
2018–19 Midwest 4th 20 30 .400
2019–20 Midwest 4th 19 24 .442 Season cancelled by COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21 18th 2 13 .133
2021–22 Western 7th 15 17 .469
2022–23 Western 13th 9 23 .281
2023–24 Western 14th 7 27 .206
2024–25 Western 15th 7 27 .206
Regular season 361 429 .457
Playoffs 10 10 .500

Players

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Current roster

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Players Coaches
Pos. No. Player Height Weight DOB From
G 30 Amari Bailey 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2004-02-17 UCLA
C 42 Will Baker 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 2000-12-31 LSU
F 16 Martez Brown 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 218 lb (99 kg) 2000-10-08 Lincoln Memorial
F 13 Sy Chatman 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 2000-07-08 Buffalo
G 20 Nojel Eastern 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 246 lb (112 kg) 1999-05-26 Purdue
G 11 El Ellis 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 182 lb (83 kg) 1999-12-18 Arkansas
G 55 Walter Ellis 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1999-11-29 Grand Canyon
G 3 Trevor Keels 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 2003-08-26 Duke
G 19 Skylar Mays 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1997-09-05 LSU
G 5 Tristen Newton (TW) 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2001-04-26 Connecticut
C Rocco Zikarsky (TW) 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) 227 lb (103 kg) 2006-07-11 Brisbane Grammar School
Head coach
  • Ernest Scott
Assistant(s)

Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (P) Prospects
  • (NBA) On assignment from NBA affiliate
  • (TW) Two-way affiliate player
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Updated: February 27, 2025

Awards and honors

[edit]
Othyus Jeffers won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2009 and received two All-Star Game selections during his career with the Energy.
Jordan Murphy
Lindell Wigginton
NBA D-League Most Valuable Player Award
NBA D-League Rookie of the Year Award
All-NBA D-League First Team
All-NBA D-League Second Team
All-NBA D-League Third Team
NBA D-League All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award

Coaches

[edit]
# Head coach Term Regular season Playoffs Achievements
G W L Win% G W L Win%
1 Nick Nurse 2007–2011 200 124 76 .620 15 9 6 .600 D-League Championship: 2011
Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year Award: 2011
NBA D-League All-Star Game coach: 2009, 2010, 2011
2 Kevin Young 2011–2013 73 31 42 .425 2 0 2 .000 NBA D-League All-Star Game coach: 2012
3 Bruce Wilson 2013 27 8 19 .296
4 Nate Bjorkgren 2013–2014 50 31 19 .620 3 1 2 .333
5 Bob Donewald, Jr. 2014–2016 100 52 48 .520
6 Matt Woodley 2016–2017 21 2 19 .095
7 Glynn Cyprien 2017 29 10 19 .344
8 Scott Roth 2017–2019 100 44 56 .440
9 Sam Newman-Beck 2019–2021 58 21 37 .362
10 Jeff Newton 2021–2023 64 24 40 .375
11 Ernest Scott 2023–present

NBA affiliates

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Iowa Energy

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Iowa Wolves

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Iowa Wolves are an American professional basketball team competing in the as the exclusive affiliate of the NBA's . Based in , the team plays its home games at the Casey's Center and is fully owned and operated by the Timberwolves organization. Established in 2007 as an expansion franchise in the NBA Development League (now ), the Wolves represent Iowa's primary professional basketball presence and focus on player development, with numerous alumni advancing to NBA rosters. Originally founded as the Iowa Energy, the team operated independently until May 2017, when it was acquired by the and rebranded as the Iowa Wolves to align with the parent club's identity; the new logo was designed by local artist Rodney Richardson. As the Iowa Energy, the franchise achieved significant success, capturing the 2011 championship after defeating the Tulsa 66ers in the finals and securing three Eastern Conference titles during its tenure. Since the rebranding, the Wolves have continued to serve as a vital development pipeline for the Timberwolves, hosting NBA assignments and contributing to the league's mission of fostering elite talent through high-level competition. The Iowa Wolves have produced over 60 players who have appeared in NBA games, including standout successes like , who earned the 2023-24 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award and helped the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals, as well as , , and , all of whom have secured rotational roles in the NBA. Beyond on-court performance, the organization has received recognition, such as the 2022-23 President's Choice Award and the 2022-23 Team Executive of the Year award for then-president Ryan Grant. In the 2024-25 season, the team competed in the league's revamped format, including the Tip-Off Tournament, though it finished with a 7-27 record in the regular season, underscoring the G League's emphasis on development over immediate wins. As of November 2025, the Wolves are participating in the 2025-26 season. The Wolves also engage in initiatives, such as programs and partnerships with local businesses, enhancing their role in central Iowa's sports culture.

Franchise overview

Team background

The Iowa Wolves are a professional basketball team based in Des Moines, Iowa, competing in the as the primary developmental affiliate of the . The team's nickname originates from its affiliation with the Timberwolves, with the "Wolves" branding and logo designed by the same artist, Rodney Richardson of RARE Designs, to create a cohesive identity following the Timberwolves' own logo update. Founded in 2007 as the Iowa Energy, an expansion franchise in the NBA Development League (renamed the NBA G League in 2017), the team marked the introduction of professional to Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena. In 2017, the purchased the franchise, leading to its rebranding as the Iowa Wolves ahead of the 2017–18 season to align with their NBA parent club. Today, the Iowa Wolves are one of 31 teams in the , which operates as the NBA's official minor league system for player development. The season features a 14-game starting in early , divided into four regional pods, with top performers advancing to the Winter Showcase for a championship; this is followed by a 36-game regular season and playoffs involving the top eight teams per conference, culminating in the in . Over its history, the franchise has achieved one league championship in 2011, four division titles in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014, and one conference title in 2011. A notable attendance milestone occurred during Game 2 of the 2011 , drawing a record 14,036 fans to Arena.

Home arena

The Iowa Wolves have called the Center in , their home arena since the franchise's formation as the Iowa Energy in 2007, hosting every regular-season and playoff game there. Originally opened as Arena on July 12, 2005, the multi-purpose venue features a capacity of 16,800 and serves as a central hub for in the region. The arena's were held by until June 30, 2025, after which General Stores secured a 10-year partnership, renaming it the Center effective July 1, 2025. Throughout the team's history, the arena has been integral to key milestones, including the Iowa Energy's hosting of the 2011 NBA G League Finals, where they clinched the championship with a Game 3 victory on their home court before a crowd of over 5,000, followed by on-site celebrations that energized the local fanbase. The venue's central location in downtown Des Moines has fostered strong community ties, mirroring the franchise's role in promoting enthusiasm across . The Casey's Center has significantly contributed to the Wolves' growing popularity, driving consistent attendance growth despite on-court fluctuations; for instance, the team averaged 4,312 fans per game in the 2023–24 season, totaling 103,500 attendees and setting a franchise record, while earlier successful periods like the 2011 championship run saw peaks exceeding 8,000 per game. This engagement has enhanced community involvement through events and promotions tied to the arena, solidifying its status as a vital asset for the franchise's sustainability. As of November 2025, no major structural upgrades have been announced, but the recent 10-year deal underscores a stable long-term commitment to the venue.

Ownership and operations

The Iowa Energy, the predecessor to the Iowa Wolves, was established in 2007 by a local ownership group and operated independently until its sale to owner in May 2017. The purchase integrated the franchise directly under Timberwolves control, leading to its rebranding as the Iowa Wolves later that year. Since the acquisition, the Iowa Wolves have been fully owned and operated by the organization, with operations closely aligned to support player development for the NBA parent club. In June 2025, the NBA approved the sale of in the Timberwolves—and by extension the Wolves—to and , who assumed full leadership over the Timberwolves, WNBA's , and Iowa Wolves. The team's is embedded within the Timberwolves' structure, sharing resources for scouting, analytics, and training; key executives include Josh Gershon, appointed in October 2025, and President of Business Operations Drew Van Meeteren, who oversees commercial activities. Business operations emphasize revenue generation through ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and arena integrations, with flex packs and season memberships driving fan engagement. Sponsorships include a multi-year deal with General Stores for the team's home venue, rebranded as Casey's Center effective July 1, 2025, alongside partners like Landus for community ticket programs and IMT Insurance for educational initiatives. Community efforts focus on youth basketball, including a partnership with the of Greater Des Moines to launch a teen league in 2021 and free clinics; the organization received the NBA G League's 2023-24 Youth Basketball Award for these programs. Financially, the Wolves adhere to standards, with standard player contracts offering a base salary of $45,000 for the season and two-way contracts—allowing split time between the G League and NBA—providing up to $636,435 in 2025-26, half the NBA rookie minimum. As a wholly owned affiliate, from tickets, sponsorships, and merchandising is shared with the Timberwolves, supporting integrated budgeting without separate franchise fees. For the 2025-26 season, the organization expanded its administrative footprint with staff promotions, including the addition of roles in basketball operations and marketing, and invested in a permanent Des Moines office to enhance local presence.

History

Formation and Iowa Energy origins (2007–2010)

The Iowa Energy was established on February 27, 2007, as an expansion franchise in the NBA Development League, introducing professional to , at Wells Fargo Arena. Founded by a group of local Des Moines investors led by attorney , the team aimed to capitalize on the arena's recent opening and foster community engagement in a state without an NBA presence. was hired as the inaugural head coach, drawing on his extensive experience coaching in to build the roster through the league's and training camp selections. The 2007–08 season marked the team's debut, culminating in a 22–28 regular-season record and a third-place finish in the Central Division, which was insufficient for playoff qualification. Their first home game on November 24, 2007, against the Dakota Wizards attracted a D-League-record crowd of 8,842 spectators, highlighting early enthusiasm despite the expansion challenges of assembling talent and establishing operations. As an independent affiliate without a primary NBA partner, the Energy focused on scouting undrafted players and international talent to compete against more established franchises. Building on that foundation, the 2008–09 campaign saw marked improvement with a 28–22 record, securing the Central Division title for the team's first postseason appearance. Affiliated with the and , the Energy integrated NBA-assigned players into their system, enhancing scouting pipelines and development opportunities. They were eliminated in the conference quarterfinals by the Dakota Wizards (0–1 series loss), demonstrating growing competitiveness amid efforts to cultivate a loyal fanbase through affordable tickets and local promotions. The 2009–10 season represented a pinnacle of early , as the posted a 37–13 record—the best in —and claimed the Eastern regular-season title. In the , they dispatched the Utah Flash in the quarterfinals (2–1) before falling to the Tulsa 66ers in the semifinals (1–2), with the series featuring high-scoring games that showcased the team's offensive prowess. Throughout these formative years, key challenges included sustaining fan interest in a non-traditional market and aligning with NBA networks to elevate players to higher levels, which the franchise addressed via strategic affiliations and consistent on-court results that drew average home attendances exceeding 5,000.

2011 championship and mid-era developments (2011–2017)

The 2010–11 season marked the pinnacle of the Iowa Energy's early success, as the team compiled a league-best 37–13 regular-season record and captured the Eastern Conference title. Led by MVP Curtis Stinson, who averaged 19.3 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, the Energy dominated offensively with the league's highest scoring average of 113.7 . Key contributors included forward Othyus Jeffers, whose versatile scoring and rebounding helped anchor the roster during the playoff run. In the postseason, the Energy swept the Utah Flash 2–0 in the quarterfinals, followed by a 2–0 sweep of the Tulsa 66ers in the semifinals. The advanced to the D-League Finals against the , prevailing in a competitive three-game series by a 2–1 margin to secure their first and only league championship. They won Game 1 on the road 123–106, dropped Game 2 at home 122–141 in front of a then-record D-League crowd of 14,036, and clinched the title with a 119–111 victory in Game 3. Head coach was named D-League Coach of the Year for guiding the team through an undefeated playoff run at home. Following the championship, the Energy experienced mixed results in subsequent seasons. In 2011–12, they posted a 25–25 record and qualified for the but were eliminated in the first round by the D-Fenders in a 0–2 sweep. The 2012–13 campaign brought a sharp decline to 14–36, causing the team to miss the postseason for the first time since 2009. They rebounded in 2013–14 with a 31–19 mark, tying for the Central Division lead but finishing second after the tiebreaker; however, they again exited in the first round against the . The maintained playoff berths in 2014–15 (26–24) and 2015–16 (26–24), both times as the third seed in the Central Division, but lost in the opening round each year—to the in 2015 and the Grand Rapids Drive in 2016. Performance faltered in 2016–17 with a 12–38 record, the worst in franchise history at the time, resulting in another playoff miss. Amid these challenges, the team's local ownership faced increasing operational strains in the evolving D-League landscape. On January 23, 2017, owner announced a to purchase the franchise, a move finalized in May that paved the way for rebranding and direct affiliation with the Timberwolves.

Rebranding to Iowa Wolves and modern era (2017–present)

On May 30, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced the purchase and rebranding of the Iowa Energy to the Iowa Wolves, introducing new logos and uniforms designed to reflect synergy with the parent NBA franchise. The rebranding aimed to strengthen affiliate ties, with the team launching its inaugural season under the new identity in November 2017 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The 2017–18 season marked the Wolves' debut, ending with a 24–26 regular-season record and a third-place finish in the Midwest Division, though they missed the playoffs. Integration of Timberwolves prospects, such as rookie center Justin Patton who led the team's resurgence after injury recovery, highlighted the developmental focus from the outset. From the late 2010s into the early , the Wolves experienced mixed performance amid league disruptions. The 2019–20 season concluded prematurely at 19–24 due to the . In the shortened 2020–21 bubble format at the Resort, they posted a 2–13 record in the Disney Wide World of Sports Conference. The 2021–22 campaign improved slightly to 15–17, finishing sixth in the Western Conference but without postseason qualification. Recent seasons have presented ongoing challenges, with the 2022–23 team finishing 9–23 and 13th in the Western Conference. The 2023–24 squad struggled to a 7–27 mark, placing 14th in the conference, followed by another 7–27 record in 2024–25 that landed them 15th in the Western Conference. The 2025–26 season began with the opening roster announcement on November 6, 2025, featuring a mix of two-way contracts, draft picks, and local talent. The Wolves opened with a 137–124 comeback victory over the on November 7 at Casey's Center, followed by a rematch on November 8; the full schedule includes 24 home games at the venue. Under new head coach , appointed in September 2025, the team continues to prioritize growth. Throughout this era, the Wolves have emphasized player development as a core mission, contributing to the NBA's talent pipeline where a record 51 percent of players on 2024–25 opening-night rosters held prior G League experience.

Season results

All-time records

The Iowa Wolves franchise, encompassing its origins as the Iowa Energy from 2007 to 2017, holds an all-time record of 383 wins and 400 losses, yielding a of .489 as of the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. This aggregate reflects 783 games played across 18 seasons (2007–08 to 2024–25), highlighting a period of early success followed by more variable performance in the G League, with varying game lengths due to league changes, suspensions, and COVID impacts. In the , the franchise has compiled a 20–17 record (.541), including a series victory in 2011 when the defeated the 2–1 to claim the G League title. The team has appeared in the postseason 8 times, advancing to the conference finals twice and the league finals once during the . The franchise has secured division titles in 2008–09 (Central), 2013–14 (Central), and conference titles in 2009–10 and 2010–11 (Eastern). Notable streaks include the longest winning run of 10 consecutive games during the 2009–10 season and the longest of 11 games in the 2016–17 season. As of November 20, 2025, the 2025–26 season is in its early stages, so all-time totals remain pending full-season updates.

Year-by-year performance

The year-by-year performance of the Iowa Wolves, formerly known as the Iowa Energy, is summarized in the following table, covering regular season results, head coaches, win percentages, divisional/conferential finishes, and playoff outcomes where applicable. Data is drawn from official records and Basketball-Reference.com.
YearHead CoachRegular Season RecordWin %FinishPlayoffs Result
2007–08Norm deSilva22–28.4403rd CentralLost Conference Semifinals to Dakota Wizards, 1–3
2008–09Gene Cross28–22.5601st CentralLost Conference Finals to Tulsa 66ers, 1–3
2009–10Gene Cross37–13.7401st EasternLost Conference Semifinals to Tulsa 66ers, 1–2
2010–11Nick Nurse37–13.7401st EasternWon Championship over Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 2–1
2011–12Kevin Young25–25.5004th EasternLost Conference Semifinals to Austin Toros, 1–2
2012–13Kevin Young14–36.2806th CentralDid not qualify
2013–14Nate Bjorkgren31–19.6201st CentralLost Conference Semifinals to Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 1–2
2014–15Bob Donewald Jr.26–24.5203rd CentralLost Conference Semifinals to Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 1–2
2015–16Bob Donewald Jr.26–24.5203rd CentralLost Conference Semifinals to Grand Rapids Drive, 0–2
2016–17Matt Woodley12–38.2406th SouthwestDid not qualify
2017–18Scott Roth26–24.5204th MidwestLost Conference Semifinals to Memphis Hustle, 0–2
2018–19Scott Roth36–14.7202nd MidwestLost Conference Finals to Memphis Hustle, 1–2
2019–20Scott Roth16–13.5525th WesternSeason suspended; did not qualify
2020–21David Adelman9–13.4098th WesternDid not qualify (COVID-impacted season)
2021–22David Adelman15–17.4696th WesternLost Conference Semifinals to Memphis Hustle, 0–2
2022–23David Adelman9–23.28113th WesternDid not qualify
2023–24Jeff Newton7–27.20614th WesternLost Conference Quarterfinals to Memphis Hustle, 0–1
2024–25Ernest Scott7–27.20615th WesternDid not qualify
2025–26Mahmoud Abdelfattah3–1.750N/A (partial season)N/A (as of November 20, 2025)

Players and personnel

Current roster

The Iowa Wolves opened the 2025–26 season with a 13-player roster on November 6, 2025, featuring a mix of guards, forwards, and one center, including the team's 2025 G League Draft selection Donte Ingram. Three players hold two-way contracts with the NBA-affiliated : forward Enrique Freeman, guard , and center Rocco Zikarsky. As of November 20, 2025, no changes have been reported to the active roster, though G League lineups can evolve dynamically throughout the season due to injuries, call-ups, or trades. The current active players, categorized by primary position, are listed below with their jersey numbers and heights:

Guards

No.PlayerHeight
146'6"
206'5"
7C.J. Fulton6'2"
9 (two-way)6'7"
13Tristen Newton6'5"
5Zyon Pullin6'4"

Forwards

No.PlayerHeight
16Martez Brown6'8"
25Enrique Freeman (two-way)6'9"
3Donte Ingram6'6"
24Alizé Johnson6'9"
1Nate Santos6'7"
23Caleb Stone-Carrawell6'7"

Centers

No.PlayerHeight
44Rocco Zikarsky (two-way)7'3"

Notable former players

Othyus Jeffers was a key contributor to the Iowa Energy's 2011 championship, earning the 2009 D-League Rookie of the Year award during his initial stint with the team after going undrafted out of . He averaged double figures in scoring across 44 games in the 2013-14 season alone, leading the league in scoring during the 2010-11 campaign before securing NBA call-ups, including time with the where he appeared in 18 games. Curtis Stinson anchored the Iowa Energy's backcourt during their championship run, capturing the NBA D-League MVP award while averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and a league-high 8.0 assists per game over his career with the franchise. His playmaking prowess made him the G League's all-time assists leader with over 2,000 career assists, many accumulated during six seasons with where he retired as the team's leader in points, assists, and steals. Stinson earned brief NBA stints with the and following his G League dominance. Pierre Jackson emerged as a scoring standout for the Wolves, particularly in the 2016-17 season where he showcased his explosive guard play after earlier setting a D-League single-game scoring record of 58 points with another affiliate. Over multiple seasons with , including 2019-20, he tallied high-volume scoring outputs, such as 16 points in key matchups, contributing to his reputation as a long-tenure contributor before brief NBA appearances with the and . Jarrett Culver developed his versatile wing skills with the Iowa Wolves during the 2019-20 season as a assignee, following his selection as the overall pick in the . Culver's G League tenure honed his scoring and rebounding, leading to 82 games across four NBA seasons with the Timberwolves and before transitioning to international play. Leonard Miller has been a recent highlight among Iowa Wolves alumni, earning the Kia G League Player of the Month for November 2024 after averaging dominant double-doubles during his assignment from the . The 2023 second-round pick recorded standout performances like 29 points and 16 rebounds in a February 2025 win, prompting multiple call-ups to the NBA roster where he has appeared in over 30 games.

Individual awards and honors

The Iowa Energy, predecessor to the Iowa Wolves, won the NBA Development League championship in 2011, defeating the in the Finals series two games to one. The franchise has secured four division titles during its history: the Central Division in 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11, and the Midwest Division in 2013–14. No additional team honors, including division titles or championships, have been awarded to the Wolves since the 2017 through the 2024–25 season. Several players from the franchise have earned individual awards in the . Othyus Jeffers was named Rookie of the Year in 2008–09 after averaging 17.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Curtis Stinson received honors in 2010–11, leading the league with 20.4 points and 10.3 assists per game while earning All-NBA G League First Team selection. Pierre captured the scoring title in 2013–14, topping the league at 29.1 points per game during his stint with the . Five players have represented the franchise in the , including Othyus Jeffers in 2010 and Curtis Stinson in 2011. Additional selections include and Jeffers in 2014, Diante Garrett and in 2015, and Alex Stepheson in 2016. Postseason honors for Iowa players span multiple categories from 2007 to 2025. Jeffers earned All-NBA G League First Team and All-Defensive First Team nods in 2013–14, while received All-NBA G League Second Team recognition that year. Stinson was also selected to the All-NBA G League First Team in 2010–11. All-Rookie Team members include Jeffers in 2008–09 as the league's top rookie. Defensive accolades feature Jeffers on the All-Defensive First Team in 2013–14, with no additional All-Defensive selections recorded for the franchise through 2025. As of November 2025, no individual or team honors have been awarded in the early portion of the 2025–26 season, which began on November 7.

Coaching history

Head coaches

The Iowa Wolves, formerly known as the , have been led by 11 head coaches since the franchise's founding in 2007. The following table summarizes each coach's tenure, regular season and playoff records (where applicable), and key contributions based on verified performance data.
Coach NameTenureRegular Season RecordPlayoff RecordNotes
2007–2011124–76 (.620)6–4Led the team to the 2010–11 championship, defeating the [Rio Grande Valley Vipers](/page/Rio Grande_Valley_Vipers) 2–1 in the finals; earned the 2010–11 Coach of the Year Award for guiding Iowa to a league-best 37–13 regular season mark; later became head coach of the , winning the 2019 NBA championship.
Kevin Young2011–201225–25 (.500)0–2Oversaw a balanced regular season but exited in the quarterfinals with a sweep by the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
Bruce Wilson (interim)2012–201314–36 (.280)Took over mid-season after Kevin Young's departure; team did not qualify for playoffs amid a rebuilding phase.
2013–201431–19 (.620)1–2Delivered a strong regular season finish (2nd in Eastern Conference); advanced to quarterfinals but lost to .
Bob Donewald Jr.2014–201652–48 (.520)Compiled consecutive .500-ish seasons but missed playoffs both years; focused on player development for NBA affiliates.
Matt Woodley2016–201712–38 (.240)Struggled in final season with worst record in franchise history at the time; no playoff berth.
Scott Roth2017–201944–56 (.440)Guided the rebranded Wolves through transition post-Timberwolves affiliation; emphasized defensive schemes from his NBA assistant experience but missed playoffs both seasons.
Sam Newman-Beck2019–202122–36 (.380)Managed abbreviated 2020–21 COVID-impacted season (2–13); no playoffs; later transitioned to other G League roles.
Jeff Newton2021–202324–40 (.375)Built on offensive development; team showed improvement in scoring but missed playoffs; promoted internally from assistant role.
Ernest Scott2023–202514–54 (.206)Oversaw back-to-back challenging seasons (7–27 each); focused on young Timberwolves prospects; departed after 2024–25.
2025–present2–1 (.667)Hired in September 2025 from ; former G League Coach of the Year (with other teams); early 2025-26 season record as of November 19, 2025; aims to revitalize with international experience.

Notable achievements by coaches

Nick Nurse, who served as head coach of the franchise's predecessor, the Iowa Energy, from 2007 to 2011, engineered the team's only D-League championship in 2011 by pioneering the use of zone defenses in a league dominated by man-to-man schemes, a tactical innovation that foreshadowed his later NBA success. His system emphasized versatile personnel and adaptive schemes, contributing to his transition to the as an assistant and eventual , where he secured the 2019 NBA championship. Scott Roth, the inaugural head coach of the Iowa Wolves from 2017 to 2019, brought his expertise in big-man development to the rebranded franchise, leveraging prior experience coaching centers like in and Kristaps Porzingis in New York to foster post players' growth in a development-focused environment. Under Roth, the team missed playoffs both seasons while prioritizing skill refinement for NBA-bound prospects. Sam Newman-Beck, head coach from 2019 to 2021, integrated players into the rotation to bridge G League and NBA pathways, navigating the league's condensed bubble format in the 2020-21 season amid logistical disruptions. His approach aligned closely with strategies, promoting seamless transitions for assigned players and emphasizing collaborative development. Jeff Newton, who led the team from 2021 to 2023, built on prior player development roles within the Timberwolves organization, guiding the Wolves to a 15-17 record and third-place finish in the Midwest Division in 2021-22 while focusing on offensive versatility for young talent. Ernest Scott, hired in 2023 after serving as an assistant with the Austin Spurs, emphasized defensive fundamentals during challenging seasons, fostering resilience and youth integration in preparations for the 2025-26 season before transitioning to the new staff. Mahmoud Abdelfattah, appointed head coach in September 2025 following a stint with the , brings G League Coach of the Year honors from prior roles and emphasizes holistic player growth, including cultural and off-court development, to sustain the franchise's pipeline; the team started 2025-26 2-1 as of November 19, 2025. Collectively, Iowa Wolves coaches since the 2017 have been instrumental in player development, facilitating numerous NBA call-ups and two-way assignments that underscore the affiliate's role in the Timberwolves' ecosystem.

NBA affiliation

Primary partnership with Minnesota Timberwolves

The Iowa Wolves have served as the exclusive affiliate of the since 2017, following the Timberwolves' purchase of the franchise on May 3, 2017, and its rebranding from the Iowa Energy. In this role, the Timberwolves maintain complete control over the Iowa Wolves' roster construction, coaching hires, and operational decisions, aligning the G League team's strategies with NBA-level schemes to optimize player growth and team continuity. A core element of the involves two-way contracts, enabling the Timberwolves to allocate up to three players per —those with three or fewer years of NBA service—to split time between the leagues, with a maximum salary of approximately $600,000 and eligibility for up to 50 NBA games. These contracts allow seamless transitions, as seen with forward Leonard Miller during the 2023–24 , when he divided his time between the Timberwolves and Iowa Wolves to refine his skills. The affiliation functions as a vital development pipeline, featuring annual training camp invitations for top Iowa Wolves performers to join Timberwolves preseason activities and fostering shared offensive and defensive systems across both teams. A record 51% of players on 2024–25 NBA opening-night rosters had prior G League experience, with many emerging through affiliate programs like the one in Iowa that directly supports Minnesota's talent cultivation. Operational integration extends to shared resources such as personnel, logistics, and facility access, streamlining player evaluations and transitions. The teams also collaborate on joint marketing initiatives, including community events and promotional campaigns scheduled for the 2025–26 season to boost fan engagement in the Midwest region. Since the partnership's inception, it has produced more than 15 call-ups to the Timberwolves roster, providing essential depth that has bolstered their postseason efforts, including multiple playoff appearances.

Historical affiliations

Prior to its as the Iowa Wolves in , the franchise operated as the Iowa Energy in the NBA Development League (now ) from the 2007–08 season onward. During its early years, the team functioned primarily as a hybrid affiliate, sharing player development responsibilities among multiple NBA franchises, a common model in the league at the time before the shift toward single-team affiliations. The served as the Energy's primary partner from 2007 through 2014, facilitating player assignments and call-ups such as those of forward James Johnson in 2011. In addition to the Bulls, the Energy held secondary affiliations with other NBA teams during this period, including the for the 2008–09 season. Starting in the 2013–14 season, the joined as an affiliate alongside the Bulls. By the 2013–14 season, the Energy's hybrid model expanded to include the , , and , allowing for broader player development opportunities across five NBA teams. The Energy's affiliation structure evolved in 2014 when it entered a single-team hybrid partnership with the , effective for the 2014–15 season. This agreement granted the Grizzlies primary control over basketball operations while keeping the team in Des Moines, rejecting relocation offers from other NBA suitors. The partnership lasted through the 2016–17 season, during which the Energy supported Grizzlies prospects like those assigned for development. The franchise had previously achieved a Central Division title in the 2013–14 season. This marked the franchise's transition to a more direct NBA feeder role, setting the stage for its full ownership and exclusive affiliation with the Timberwolves in 2017.

References

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