At the worst of the crisis, after four defeats in a row, Anthony Edwards publicly slammed his fist on the table. Among his criticisms, stated calmly in the locker room, he made this observation: “We can’t talk to each other. » However, the Wolves have a dedicated space to communicate. Indeed, they have a group on their phone.
Meetings between players, in the locker room for example, can also serve as a release and important moments to say things to each other. But they have a certain flaw: they are talked about in the press and, each time, they attract attention. Joel Embiid can attest to this…
So, a WhatsApp loop or other is much more secure for players. “It’s our secret garden. We all know that what is said here will stay here”, confirmed Donte DiVincenzo, even if “90% of the time”these are jokes that are sent. This group also establishes a necessary distance because, after a defeat for example, “Sometimes it’s the worst time to say things”underlines the shooter.
“When it’s a group and texting, it’s easier to say things”
Without forgetting that speaking up, to say things that are not necessarily pleasant, in front of everyone in a locker room, is not an easy thing for everyone.
“In a team meeting and in the majority of cases, we don't know how to express the things we are thinking. It’s human nature,” pursues the rear. “There’s this perception that everyone in the NBA is a tough guy who wants to fight. But we remain human beings, with feelings. When it's a group and texting, it's easier to say things. And to receive them too, we are in a corner and we read. There is no reaction problem. »
The group therefore took on new importance for the Wolves following comments from Anthony Edwards at the end of November, after the setback against Sacramento. “We communicated a lot, we motivated each other a lot”says Naz Reid. “It’s a good way to circulate a message that everyone can comment on, to give their opinion”adds Mike Conley.
And also to check that everyone’s analyzes are in line with the vision of the coach – who is not part of the group. “If I say that I need to improve on this and in the team meeting, Chris Finch says the opposite, then we say to ourselves that we are not on the same wavelength”says Donte DiVincenzo.
Secret garden and secure space to indulge, but also to clear the mind with jokes, this group is important for the Wolves. “It makes everyone feel comfortable”summarizes Mike Conley, even if it involves hundreds and hundreds of messages every day, more or less relevant – “Who wants to play Call of Duty? ” For example. “Most of the time I put my phone on airplane mode because there are 1000 messages a day,” concludes the playmaker.
