The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the hiring of Milt Newton as the team’s General Manager.
“We are pleased to add Milt Newton to our organization.” said Flip Saunders, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. “I have followed Milt closely during his career and have always been impressed with his basketball knowledge, work ethic and professionalism. His front office experience in the NBA, as well as his ability to combine analytics evaluation with his basketball playing and scouting background will greatly benefit our organization.”
Newton brings a lengthy and varied list of basketball credentials to his General Manager position. He will assist Saunders in the evaluation and acquisition of players and in the overall management of all Basketball Operations for the Wolves. He spent the last 10 seasons with the Washington Wizards, most recently as the team’s Vice President of Player Personnel.
Prior to joining the Wizards organization, Newton was instrumental in spearheading the creation of the NBA Developmental League. In that role, he worked closely with NBA Commissioner David Stern and served as the NBADL Director of Player Personnel for three years. Newton previously spent one year as a Scout with the Philadelphia 76ers and was also the Assistant Director for the USA Basketball Men’s National Team programs from 1995-99. His duties with USA Basketball included coordinating the team trials, training camps, exhibition games and team competitions for the various level National Teams, and acting as liaison for the Men’s National Teams at international competitions.
In college, Newton was a starter for the 1988 University of Kansas NCAA National Championship team. He was named in 1988 to the NCAA Midwest Regional and Final Four All-Tournament teams. After serving as Team Captain and being selected as the Kansas MVP in 1989, Newton played professionally in the Continental Basketball Association for the Rockford Lightning and Grand Rapids Hoops.
Newton is well thought of by members of the basketball community:
“Milt possesses an extraordinary skill set that is a great fit for the Timberwolves organization,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “His exceptional work ethic and basketball acumen played a large role in the launch and success of the NBA Development League. I am extremely pleased for Milt and the Timberwolves who will no doubt benefit from the tremendous experience he brings to their front office.”
“Milt is like family to me, he’s a special person and I’m thrilled that he is getting this long-overdue opportunity,” said former NBA coach Larry Brown. “I admire Flip Saunders and Glen Taylor and think the Timberwolves are a phenomenal organization that is getting better on the court. Milt is a hard-working, loyal guy who will help them succeed.”
“I have great respect for Milt as a person,” said long-time NBA executive Wayne Embry Sr. “I have great respect for his basketball knowledge and his philosophy as how to build an organization and team. Milt will be successful because of his hard work, his dedication and tremendous people skill. The Timberwolves have made a good choice.”
“This is a well-deserved opportunity for Milt to further his career,” said Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “We wish him and his family the best and thank him for his contributions to the Wizards organization over the last 10 years.”
“Congratulations to Flip Saunders and the Minnesota Timberwolves on a terrific hire with Milt Newton,” said USA Basketball CEO/Executive Director Jim Tooley. “Milt was a tremendously valuable member of USA Basketball’s staff for over four years in the mid 1990’s and he is truly a team player. He was a highly recruited high school player, played at the University of Kansas and was a valuable member of their famed 1988 NCAA Championship team. He also went on to play professionally. Milt has a wealth of basketball experience, but what makes him so special is that he’s a person of character. He’s the consummate professional, a class act and he will be an incredible asset to the Timberwolves.”
