Timberwolves Distracted by Assistant Coach's Son Starring in World Baseball Classic

Micah Nori's son Dante has emerged as a breakout player for Italy in the international tournament, capturing the attention of the Minnesota organization.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Minnesota Timberwolves have an important NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, but the team's attention will briefly turn to a baseball diamond in Houston where Italy is facing the United States in the World Baseball Classic. The reason? Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori's son, Dante Nori, has emerged as a breakout star for Italy in the tournament, capturing the interest of players, coaches and executives across the Timberwolves organization.

Why it matters

The situation reflects the rare intersection of two professional sports worlds that rarely overlap so directly. While basketball remains the focus inside the Timberwolves organization, Dante Nori's rapid rise in international baseball has drawn enthusiastic support from many around the team, providing a refreshing break from the relentless grind of the NBA season.

The details

Dante Nori has quickly become a player to watch during the early stages of the World Baseball Classic, going 5-for-7 at the plate through his first two games, including a standout performance against Brazil in which he launched two home runs. Micah Nori acknowledged that his primary responsibility remains with the Timberwolves and their playoff push, but he admitted that once the baseball game begins, his attention will inevitably drift toward the tournament.

  • The World Baseball Classic game between Italy and the United States is scheduled to begin a few hours before the Timberwolves tip off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

The players

Micah Nori

A Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach whose son, Dante Nori, is starring for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Dante Nori

Micah Nori's son, who has emerged as a breakout player for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, going 5-for-7 at the plate through his first two games.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has followed Dante Nori's performances in the World Baseball Classic closely.

Alex Rodriguez

A co-owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and a former 14-time MLB All-Star, three-time MVP and World Series champion who has provided advice and encouragement to Dante Nori over the years.

Fred Nori

Dante Nori's grandfather, who played college baseball at Indiana University and spent several seasons in professional baseball.

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What they’re saying

“I'll be watching the Timberwolves. But when six o'clock Pacific time rolls around, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the game between Italy and the United States.”

— Micah Nori, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach (yournews.com)

“My family is obviously locked in on it. But our organization is paying attention too. It sounds crazy, but a lot of guys are really into it. Coach Finch is a big fan of what Dante's doing, and I've had so many people sending videos or pictures of them watching his games. It means a lot.”

— Micah Nori, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach (yournews.com)

“I figured out pretty quickly that I probably wasn't going to grow past about five-foot-nine. So it was a pretty easy decision. I just kept the cleats on and stuck with baseball.”

— Dante Nori (yournews.com)

“Wearing 'Italia' across your chest means a lot. You're representing your ancestors and your family. My grandfather Fred gets to watch it, and that's really special. Everything coming together like this is just amazing.”

— Dante Nori (yournews.com)

“Alex has been incredible whenever they've met. Even when Dante was younger, Alex always made time to talk with him and give him some advice. That's meant a lot to us.”

— Micah Nori, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach (yournews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.