The NBA expanded to 23 teams with the addition of the Dallas Mavericks for the 1980-81 season and there were indications that decade the league wanted more.
Marv Wolfenson had felt the void when the Minneapolis Lakers left here in 1960, and he convinced business partner Harvey Ratner to pursue a team.
Marv and Harv made an appointment with Don Fraser, the Minneapolis mayor, with this happy news.
"The mayor's comment after a 45-minute meeting was, 'Good luck in bringing back the NBA to Minneapolis, but there's nothing we can do to help you,' " said Bob Stein on Thursday, with a small laugh.