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Iowa Wolves
View on WikipediaThe 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
[edit]Formation
[edit]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)
[edit]2007–2010
[edit]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]
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
[edit]Current roster
[edit]| Players | Coaches | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Head coach
Assistant(s)
Legend
Roster |
Awards and honors
[edit]


- Courtney Sims (2009)
- Curtis Stinson (2011)
- Othyus Jeffers (co-) (2014)
- Othyus Jeffers (2009)
- Cartier Martin (2010)
- Courtney Sims (2009)
- Curtis Stinson (2010, 2011)
- Othyus Jeffers (2014)
- Alex Stepheson (2016)
- Othyus Jeffers (2011)
- Earl Barron (2010)
- Cartier Martin (2009)
- Damien Wilkins (2015)
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
[edit]Iowa Energy
[edit]- Chicago Bulls (2007–2014)
- Denver Nuggets (2012–2014)
- Memphis Grizzlies (2014–2017)
- Miami Heat (2007–2008)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (2013–2014)
- New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2011–2014)
- Phoenix Suns (2008–2011)
- Washington Wizards (2011–2014)
Iowa Wolves
[edit]- Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–present)
References
[edit]- ^ "Timberwolves Unveil New Team Name & Identity for NBA Development Affiliate Iowa Wolves". Timberwolves.com (Press release). NBA Media Ventures, LLC. May 30, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ "Iowa Wolves Reproduction Guideline Sheet". NBA Properties, Inc. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "NBA Development League Expands to Des Moines". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 27, 2007. Archived from the original on November 2, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ a b Emmert, Mark (November 28, 2007). "Reitz to be re-evaluated Wednesday". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Energy Surge Over Thunderbirds Keeps Iowa Unbeaten". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. November 26, 2007. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
- ^ a b "Bulls' NBA D-League affiliate Iowa Energy goes for title tonight". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 29, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ a b "Vipers force deciding game in NBA D-League finals". USA Today. April 28, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "D-League Des Moines Team Announces All-Iowa Coaching Staff". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 27, 2007. Archived from the original on November 4, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Help Make Iowa Sports History". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on August 4, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Des Moines NBA D-League Team Becomes Iowa Energy". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 29, 2007. Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "NBA Announces Affiliations For Expanded Development League". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 5, 2007. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Defending Champs Fall Short In Season Opener". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. November 23, 2007. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
- ^ "NBA Announces Affiliates For Expanded Development League". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. June 11, 2008. Archived from the original on October 27, 2012. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Wizards Celebrate First Round Playoff Victory". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 16, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
- ^ "Iowa's Courtney Sims Named 2008–09 NBA D-League MVP". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 6, 2009. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
- ^ "Othyus Jeffers Named NBA D-League Rookie of the Year". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 6, 2009. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
- ^ "NBA D-League Announces GATORADE All-League Selections". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 6, 2009. Archived from the original on February 25, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "CSKA brings Sims for tryout". Euroleague. Euroleague Properties S.A. December 28, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "NBA D-League Announces 2010 Playoff Format". NBA.com/Dleague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. November 11, 2009. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ Brennan, Matthew. "2010 NBA D-League Playoffs 101". NBA.com/Dleague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
- ^ "Energy Advance to 2nd Round with 111–92 Win Over Utah". NBA.com/Dleague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 11, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "66ers Fall Short in Game 1 to Energy". NBA.com/Dleague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 16, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "66ers Force Game 3 with 117–106 Road Win over Energy". NBA.com/Dleague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 18, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "66ers Defeat Energy To Advance To NBA D-League Finals". NBA.com/Dleague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 20, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "2010 NBA D-League Returning, Affiliate, and Open Tryout Players". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. October 30, 2010. Archived from the original on November 4, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ Brown, Rick (April 27, 2010). "Iowa State's McDermott accepts coaching job at Creighton". USA Today. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Haynes and Stinson Lead Iowa Comeback Victory". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 12, 2011. Archived from the original on April 19, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Tulsa Concludes Season with 107–94 Defeat at Iowa". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 18, 2011. Archived from the original on November 22, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Energy take Game 1, 123–106". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 24, 2011. Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Turnabout is Fair Play: Big Third Quarter Leads Vipers Past Energy in Game 2". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 27, 2011. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Energy Explode in Fourth: Beat Vipers for NBA Development League Championship". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 29, 2011. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ Brennan, Matthew (April 30, 2011). "Iowa Energy Use Team Effort To Win 2011 Finals". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "Iowa's Curtis Stinson Named NBA D-League Most Valuable Player". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 18, 2011. Archived from the original on August 14, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "NBA D-League Announces 2010–11 All-League Selections". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 13, 2011. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
- ^ "NBA D-League Announces NBA Affiliates For 2011–12 Season". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 7, 2011. Archived from the original on December 28, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Finch Promoted to Rockets". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. July 15, 2011. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ "Iowa Energy Selects Kevin Young as New Head Coach". NBA.com/DLeague. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. October 5, 2011. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2012.
- ^ Greene, Dana (July 17, 2012). "Reno Bighorns new Jazz D-League affiliate". ABC4.com. KTVX. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2012.
- ^ Iowa Energy to be Minnesota Timberwolves 2013-14 NBA D-League Affiliate
- ^ IOWA ENERGY NAME NATE BJORKGREN HEAD COACH
- ^ "NBA Development League: Ron Howard and Othyus Jeffers Named 2014 NBA D-League Co-MVPS". NBA.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-29. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
- ^ "Memphis Grizzlies and Iowa Energy enter into single-affiliation partnership". NBA. May 6, 2014.
- ^ "Grizzlies News: D-League franchise coming to the Mid-South | FOX Sports". FOX Sports. 2017-01-23. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
- ^ "MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES TO PURCHASE NBA D-LEAGUE'S IOWA ENERGY". NBA. January 23, 2017.
- ^ "Timberwolves finalize purchase of NBA D-League team Iowa Energy". Fox Sports North. May 3, 2017.
External links
[edit]Iowa Wolves
View on GrokipediaFranchise overview
Team background
The Iowa Wolves are a professional basketball team based in Des Moines, Iowa, competing in the NBA G League as the primary developmental affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves.[1] 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.[7] 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 basketball to Des Moines at Wells Fargo Arena.[1] In 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves purchased the franchise, leading to its rebranding as the Iowa Wolves ahead of the 2017–18 season to align with their NBA parent club.[1] Today, the Iowa Wolves are one of 31 teams in the NBA G League, which operates as the NBA's official minor league system for player development.[3] The NBA G League season features a 14-game Tip-Off Tournament starting in early November, 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 Finals in April.[8] 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.[9] A notable attendance milestone occurred during Game 2 of the 2011 Finals, drawing a record 14,036 fans to Wells Fargo Arena.[10]Home arena
The Iowa Wolves have called the Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa, 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 Wells Fargo Arena on July 12, 2005, the multi-purpose venue features a basketball capacity of 16,800 and serves as a central hub for professional sports in the region.[11] The arena's naming rights were held by Wells Fargo until June 30, 2025, after which Casey's General Stores secured a 10-year partnership, renaming it the Casey's 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 basketball enthusiasm across Iowa. 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.[12] 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 naming rights deal underscores a stable long-term commitment to the venue.[13]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 Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor in May 2017.[1] The purchase integrated the franchise directly under Timberwolves control, leading to its rebranding as the Iowa Wolves later that year.[1] Since the acquisition, the Iowa Wolves have been fully owned and operated by the Minnesota Timberwolves organization, with operations closely aligned to support player development for the NBA parent club.[1] In June 2025, the NBA approved the sale of controlling interest in the Timberwolves—and by extension the Wolves—to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who assumed full leadership over the Timberwolves, WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, and Iowa Wolves.[14] The team's front office is embedded within the Timberwolves' structure, sharing resources for scouting, analytics, and training; key executives include General Manager Josh Gershon, appointed in October 2025, and President of Business Operations Drew Van Meeteren, who oversees commercial activities.[15][16] Business operations emphasize revenue generation through ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and arena integrations, with flex packs and season memberships driving fan engagement.[17] Sponsorships include a multi-year naming rights deal with Casey's 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.[18][19][20] Community efforts focus on youth basketball, including a partnership with the YMCA 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.[21][22] Financially, the Wolves adhere to NBA G League 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.[23][24] As a wholly owned affiliate, revenue from tickets, sponsorships, and merchandising is shared with the Timberwolves, supporting integrated budgeting without separate franchise fees.[1] 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.[15][25]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 basketball to Des Moines, Iowa, at Wells Fargo Arena. Founded by a group of local Des Moines investors led by attorney Jerry Crawford, the team aimed to capitalize on the arena's recent opening and foster community engagement in a state without an NBA presence. Nick Nurse was hired as the inaugural head coach, drawing on his extensive experience coaching in Europe to build the roster through the league's expansion draft and training camp selections.[26][27][28][29][30] 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.[31][10][32] 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 Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, 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.[33][34][35][33] The 2009–10 season represented a pinnacle of early success, as the Energy posted a 37–13 record—the best in the league—and claimed the Eastern Conference regular-season title. In the playoffs, they dispatched the Utah Flash in the quarterfinals (2–1) before falling to the Tulsa 66ers in the conference 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 basketball market and aligning with NBA scouting 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.[36][37][1]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 points per game. 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 Energy advanced to the D-League Finals against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 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 Nick Nurse 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 playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Los Angeles 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 Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The Energy 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 Oklahoma City Blue 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, Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor announced a letter of intent 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.[7] 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.[38] 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.[39] From the late 2010s into the early 2020s, the Wolves experienced mixed performance amid league disruptions. The 2019–20 season concluded prematurely at 19–24 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[40] In the shortened 2020–21 bubble format at the Walt Disney World Resort, they posted a 2–13 record in the Disney Wide World of Sports Conference.[41] The 2021–22 campaign improved slightly to 15–17, finishing sixth in the Western Conference but without postseason qualification.[42] Recent seasons have presented ongoing challenges, with the 2022–23 team finishing 9–23 and 13th in the Western Conference.[43] 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.[44][45] 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 Cleveland Charge on November 7 at Casey's Center, followed by a rematch on November 8; the full schedule includes 24 home games at the venue.[46][47] Under new head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah, appointed in September 2025, the team continues to prioritize growth.[48] 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.[49]Season results
All-time records
The Iowa Wolves franchise, encompassing its origins as the Iowa Energy from 2007 to 2017, holds an all-time regular season record of 383 wins and 400 losses, yielding a winning percentage of .489 as of the conclusion of the 2024–25 season.[50] This aggregate reflects 783 regular season 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.[50] In the playoffs, the franchise has compiled a 20–17 record (.541), including a championship series victory in 2011 when the Iowa Energy defeated the Rio Grande Valley Vipers 2–1 to claim the G League title.[50] The team has appeared in the postseason 8 times, advancing to the conference finals twice and the league finals once during the Energy era.[50] The franchise has secured division titles in 2008–09 (Central), 2013–14 (Central), and conference titles in 2009–10 and 2010–11 (Eastern).[1] Notable streaks include the longest winning run of 10 consecutive games during the 2009–10 season and the longest losing streak of 11 games in the 2016–17 season.[50] As of November 20, 2025, the 2025–26 season is in its early stages, so all-time totals remain pending full-season updates.[51]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 NBA G League records and Basketball-Reference.com.[52][50][1]| Year | Head Coach | Regular Season Record | Win % | Finish | Playoffs Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | Norm deSilva | 22–28 | .440 | 3rd Central | Lost Conference Semifinals to Dakota Wizards, 1–3 |
| 2008–09 | Gene Cross | 28–22 | .560 | 1st Central | Lost Conference Finals to Tulsa 66ers, 1–3 |
| 2009–10 | Gene Cross | 37–13 | .740 | 1st Eastern | Lost Conference Semifinals to Tulsa 66ers, 1–2 |
| 2010–11 | Nick Nurse | 37–13 | .740 | 1st Eastern | Won Championship over Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 2–1 |
| 2011–12 | Kevin Young | 25–25 | .500 | 4th Eastern | Lost Conference Semifinals to Austin Toros, 1–2 |
| 2012–13 | Kevin Young | 14–36 | .280 | 6th Central | Did not qualify |
| 2013–14 | Nate Bjorkgren | 31–19 | .620 | 1st Central | Lost Conference Semifinals to Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 1–2 |
| 2014–15 | Bob Donewald Jr. | 26–24 | .520 | 3rd Central | Lost Conference Semifinals to Fort Wayne Mad Ants, 1–2 |
| 2015–16 | Bob Donewald Jr. | 26–24 | .520 | 3rd Central | Lost Conference Semifinals to Grand Rapids Drive, 0–2 |
| 2016–17 | Matt Woodley | 12–38 | .240 | 6th Southwest | Did not qualify |
| 2017–18 | Scott Roth | 26–24 | .520 | 4th Midwest | Lost Conference Semifinals to Memphis Hustle, 0–2 |
| 2018–19 | Scott Roth | 36–14 | .720 | 2nd Midwest | Lost Conference Finals to Memphis Hustle, 1–2 |
| 2019–20 | Scott Roth | 16–13 | .552 | 5th Western | Season suspended; did not qualify |
| 2020–21 | David Adelman | 9–13 | .409 | 8th Western | Did not qualify (COVID-impacted season) |
| 2021–22 | David Adelman | 15–17 | .469 | 6th Western | Lost Conference Semifinals to Memphis Hustle, 0–2 |
| 2022–23 | David Adelman | 9–23 | .281 | 13th Western | Did not qualify |
| 2023–24 | Jeff Newton | 7–27 | .206 | 14th Western | Lost Conference Quarterfinals to Memphis Hustle, 0–1 |
| 2024–25 | Ernest Scott | 7–27 | .206 | 15th Western | Did not qualify |
| 2025–26 | Mahmoud Abdelfattah | 3–1 | .750 | N/A (partial season) | N/A (as of November 20, 2025) |
Players and personnel
Current roster
The Iowa Wolves opened the 2025–26 NBA G League 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.[53] Three players hold two-way contracts with the NBA-affiliated Minnesota Timberwolves: forward Enrique Freeman, guard Johnny Juzang, and center Rocco Zikarsky.[53] 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.[54] The current active players, categorized by primary position, are listed below with their jersey numbers and heights:Guards
| No. | Player | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Jules Bernard | 6'6" |
| 20 | Nojel Eastern | 6'5" |
| 7 | C.J. Fulton | 6'2" |
| 9 | Johnny Juzang (two-way) | 6'7" |
| 13 | Tristen Newton | 6'5" |
| 5 | Zyon Pullin | 6'4" |
Forwards
| No. | Player | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Martez Brown | 6'8" |
| 25 | Enrique Freeman (two-way) | 6'9" |
| 3 | Donte Ingram | 6'6" |
| 24 | Alizé Johnson | 6'9" |
| 1 | Nate Santos | 6'7" |
| 23 | Caleb Stone-Carrawell | 6'7" |
Centers
| No. | Player | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | Rocco Zikarsky (two-way) | 7'3" |
Notable former players
Othyus Jeffers was a key contributor to the Iowa Energy's 2011 NBA G League championship, earning the 2009 D-League Rookie of the Year award during his initial stint with the team after going undrafted out of Norfolk State University.[55] 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 Washington Wizards where he appeared in 18 games.[56][57] Curtis Stinson anchored the Iowa Energy's backcourt during their championship run, capturing the 2011 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 Iowa where he retired as the team's leader in points, assists, and steals.[58] Stinson earned brief NBA stints with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks following his G League dominance.[59] Pierre Jackson emerged as a scoring standout for the Iowa 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.[60] Over multiple seasons with Iowa, 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 Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks.[61][62] Jarrett Culver developed his versatile wing skills with the Iowa Wolves during the 2019-20 season as a Minnesota Timberwolves assignee, following his selection as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.[63] Culver's G League tenure honed his scoring and rebounding, leading to 82 games across four NBA seasons with the Timberwolves and Atlanta Hawks 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 Minnesota Timberwolves.[64] 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.[65][66]Individual awards and honors
The Iowa Energy, predecessor to the Iowa Wolves, won the NBA Development League championship in 2011, defeating the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the Finals series two games to one.[1] 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 rebranding through the 2024–25 season.[1] Several players from the franchise have earned individual awards in the NBA G League. Othyus Jeffers was named Rookie of the Year in 2008–09 after averaging 17.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.[67] Curtis Stinson received Most Valuable Player 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.[67][68] Pierre Jackson captured the scoring title in 2013–14, topping the league at 29.1 points per game during his stint with the Energy. Five players have represented the franchise in the NBA G League All-Star Game, including Othyus Jeffers in 2010 and Curtis Stinson in 2011.[69] Additional selections include Jarvis Varnado and Jeffers in 2014, Diante Garrett and Damien Wilkins in 2015, and Alex Stepheson in 2016.[70][71] 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 Patrick Christopher received All-NBA G League Second Team recognition that year.[68] Stinson was also selected to the All-NBA G League First Team in 2010–11.[68] All-Rookie Team members include Jeffers in 2008–09 as the league's top rookie.[67] 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.[68] 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.[53]Coaching history
Head coaches
The Iowa Wolves, formerly known as the Iowa Energy, 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.[72]| Coach Name | Tenure | Regular Season Record | Playoff Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Nurse | 2007–2011 | 124–76 (.620) | 6–4 | Led the team to the 2010–11 NBA G League championship, defeating the [Rio Grande Valley Vipers](/page/Rio Grande_Valley_Vipers) 2–1 in the finals; earned the 2010–11 Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year Award for guiding Iowa to a league-best 37–13 regular season mark; later became head coach of the Toronto Raptors, winning the 2019 NBA championship.[73][74] |
| Kevin Young | 2011–2012 | 25–25 (.500) | 0–2 | Oversaw a balanced regular season but exited in the quarterfinals with a sweep by the Los Angeles D-Fenders.[75] |
| Bruce Wilson (interim) | 2012–2013 | 14–36 (.280) | — | Took over mid-season after Kevin Young's departure; team did not qualify for playoffs amid a rebuilding phase.[76] |
| Nate Bjorkgren | 2013–2014 | 31–19 (.620) | 1–2 | Delivered a strong regular season finish (2nd in Eastern Conference); advanced to quarterfinals but lost to Rio Grande Valley Vipers.[77] |
| Bob Donewald Jr. | 2014–2016 | 52–48 (.520) | — | Compiled consecutive .500-ish seasons but missed playoffs both years; focused on player development for NBA affiliates.[78][79] |
| Matt Woodley | 2016–2017 | 12–38 (.240) | — | Struggled in final Energy season with worst record in franchise history at the time; no playoff berth.[80] |
| Scott Roth | 2017–2019 | 44–56 (.440) | — | Guided the rebranded Wolves through transition post-Timberwolves affiliation; emphasized defensive schemes from his NBA assistant experience but missed playoffs both seasons.[81][82][83] |
| Sam Newman-Beck | 2019–2021 | 22–36 (.380) | — | Managed abbreviated 2020–21 COVID-impacted season (2–13); no playoffs; later transitioned to other G League roles.[84][85] |
| Jeff Newton | 2021–2023 | 24–40 (.375) | — | Built on offensive development; team showed improvement in scoring but missed playoffs; promoted internally from assistant role.[86][87][88] |
| Ernest Scott | 2023–2025 | 14–54 (.206) | — | Oversaw back-to-back challenging seasons (7–27 each); focused on young Timberwolves prospects; departed after 2024–25.[89] |
| Mahmoud Abdelfattah | 2025–present | 2–1 (.667) | — | Hired in September 2025 from Sydney Kings; 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.[48][90][91] |
