The Timberwolves finished the season with 29 wins, stretching their playoff drought to 12 seasons. That was a 13-win improvement over the 2014/15 season, but owner Glen Taylor dismissed interim coach Sam Mitchell and apparently wants to lure a big-name coach to Minnesota.
Jeff Van Gundy and Tom Thibodeau appear to be the co-favorites for the Timberwolves’ job. Thibodeau was interviewed over the weekend, while Van Gundy met with them on Monday, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst. The Rockets are also keenly interested in hiring Van Gundy.
Among the other names that have been floated around are ex-Thunder coach Scott Brooks and current Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger.
The Timberwolves are reportedly willing to sweeten the pot for these candidates by also offering them the title of president of basketball operations, similar to the setup that that Pistons agreed to when they hired Jeff’s brother Stan Van Gundy.
What makes the Minnesota job enticing, despite its recent history, is its stash of young talent. Big man Karl-Anthony Towns is the surefire Rookie of the Year after living up to his billing as the top pick in last year’s draft. The 2014 No. 1 overall selection, small forward Andrew Wiggins, established himself as a consistent 20-point scorer in his second season.
Gorgui Dieng also developed his game while pairing up with Towns in the frontcourt, and dunk champion Zach LaVine made strides during his second year in the league while playing both guard positions. Shabazz Muhammad had some big games off the bench, including his 35-point outburst in an April victory over the Warriors.
Now, Taylor must decide which high-profile coach will be the right choice to nurture this young core.
This leads us to our question of the day: Which coach should the Timberwolves hire to turn them into a perennial contender?
Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
Tom Thibodeau is my choice. He already has a relationship with Kevin Garnett, who can help the young players adjust to his demanding style & serious demeanor.
No doubt, Thibs would instill a defensive mindset into that young unit.
Agreed. Strong coach who will get the best potential out of his players, which is what u need with a team with this much potential.
Thibs would be the best choice. The Wolves problem this year was defense and Thibs is an amazing defensive coach.
Thibs! JVG has been out too long.
It’s interesting to note that JVG has the coaching itch again. He had a cushy job as a TV analyst, surprising he’s willing to give it up.
Van Gundy is a relaxed, funny and engaging TV personality, but he was a basket case in his last coaching job. For his health, I hope he stays at ABC.
Van Gundy would be better suited for this young core of great players.
I would like to Van Gundy back in the league, if only to watch him coach against his brother again.
Winner Wolves. Be so happy with either of them. Thibs for D. JVG for wit and satire. Both would be great coaches for Puppies and both are light years away from the Rambis-Kahn-Taylor three ring circus that set the franchise back a decade.
KAHNNNNNN!!!!!
Totally disagree. JVG has more experience with a more complex offense under the tutelage of Riley. He was a friend to Saunders and his announcing background has allowed him to hear unbiased opinions about players in the league. I do not think anyone is as qualified as JVG despite the buzz about Thibs.
Does anyone think Scott Brooks’ experience with Westbrook/Durant would make him a good choice to continue the development of Wiggins/Towns?
I think Brooks is going to wind up with the Wizards. They are going after him according to reports. It makes sense since they plan on trying to lure Durant back home.
I would not hire Thibodeau. He is too focused on defensive play and I am not sure that he can adapt to a free wheeling offense that players like Wiggins, Muhammed, and LaVine will need to flourish. The Wolves can play better defense to be sure, but Thibodeau wants and needs players for his system who have a defense oriented mindset and only Towns and Rubio really fit his system. Van Gundy, or Brooks would be better choices in my opinion.
Why isn’t anyone mentioning top college coaches? I’d shoot for the stars and ask Calipiri or Coach K. We have the players to entice them and are giving them team control with POBO, but I’d settle for Walton or an assistant from the Spurs.
I wish we could have Thibs’ results with JVG’s personality. It seems Thibs works his players hard. If I had to choose, though, it’d be Thibs. How he improved Noah into a 1st Team All-NBAer makes me salivate at the thought of him working with Towns. The mopping up of our team on the defensive end would make us an instant playoff team. I like Thibs.
Jim Boylan……
The Mark Jackson situation adds even more intrigue into this coaching hire.
Blatt would be a perfect fit. A talented coach who knows how to get the most out of his players.
Luke Walton