Former Iowa State standout Fred Hoiberg is joining the front office of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves. Hoiberg’s playing career was interrupted a year ago by open heart surgery and the 33-year-old native of Ames decided against returning to the court.
Hoiberg says if he was a 22-year-old rookie, he would be out on the floor playing again. Hoiberg says though he can’t put his family through the anxiety of seeing him out on the floor and worrying what might happen.
Hoiberg led Ames high school to the class 4A state championship in 1991 and after a standout career at ISU spent ten years in the NBA. Hoiberg thanked I-S-U and the people of Iowa for supporting him throughout his career. He also thanked the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves for supporting him in his pro career.
Hoiberg has served as a special assistant to the Timberwolves this season. Hoiberg says even though he won’t be on the basketball floor, he’ll continue working with the team. He says he wants to work to get the team back competing for a championship.