Following a stellar season where the Minnesota Timberwolves secured 56 victories and reached the Western Conference finals, coach Chris Finch has been rewarded with a four-year contract extension, as initially reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Specific terms of the contract have not been disclosed.
The Timberwolves’ 56-win season stands as the second-highest in franchise history, surpassed only by the 2003-04 season when the team won 58 games and also advanced to the conference finals. Despite this success, the Timberwolves have yet to make an NBA Finals appearance. The organization is confident that Finch is the coach who can guide them to that milestone.
Since his hiring in the 2020-21 season, Finch, in his first NBA head coaching role, has led the Timberwolves to rank in the top 10 in net rating, defensive rating, and total wins. Last season, the team showcased one of the league’s top defenses.
A significant part of this defensive success can be attributed to General Manager Tim Connelly, who orchestrated the trade for Rudy Gobert. Gobert’s presence bolstered the Timberwolves’ defense, especially in preparing the team to face and eventually eliminate the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, in the second round of the playoffs. Additionally, the acquisition of Mike Conley proved to be a strategic move that benefited the team’s performance.
Coach Finch’s leadership has been crucial, particularly during challenging times. Gobert’s initial season did not go as smoothly as planned, and the franchise has faced ownership uncertainties. Despite these obstacles, the team’s on-court performance remained unaffected. Finch has effectively utilized Anthony Edwards’ talents, allowing him to flourish into a superstar, while guiding Karl-Anthony Towns into a supportive secondary role.
The extension of Finch’s contract reflects a common trend in the NBA. For instance, the Atlanta Hawks extended Nate McMillan’s contract after their 2021 conference finals appearance, although they did not progress beyond the first round in the subsequent seasons.
However, Minnesota’s future appears promising due to Edwards’ development and their strong defensive capabilities, unlike the Atlanta Hawks. The Western Conference remains highly competitive, and the true test will be whether the Timberwolves and Finch can maintain their success under the weight of new expectations and Finch’s extended contract.
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