Coach Chris Finch Receives Four-Year Extension After Historic Season
After leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a remarkable 56-win season and a berth in the Western Conference Finals, coach Chris Finch has been rewarded with a four-year contract extension that will run through 2028. The extension, reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, comes on the heels of one of the most successful seasons in the franchise’s history. The 56 wins rank as the second-best regular-season mark in team history, an impressive feat for a team that has seen its share of ups and downs.
Turning the Tide
When Finch was hired during the 2020-21 season, the Timberwolves were struggling to find their footing. However, under his leadership, the Wolves have consistently ranked in the top 10 league-wide in net rating, defensive rating, and victories. Last season, Minnesota showcased one of the best defensive units in the league, a testament to Finch's ability to extract the maximum potential from his players.
The General Manager Tim Connelly also deserves considerable credit for this transformation. Trading for Rudy Gobert was instrumental in anchoring the top-tier defense that prepared the Wolves to face and eliminate the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs. Bringing in Mike Conley proved to be a masterstroke as well, adding another layer of depth and experience to the squad.
Navigating Challenges
Despite Gobert's first season with the team not going as smoothly as planned and ongoing turmoil surrounding the franchise's ownership situation, Finch has managed to keep the team focused and unaffected on the court. His ability to develop young talents, such as turning Anthony Edwards into a bona fide superstar, and successfully convincing Karl-Anthony Towns to embrace a secondary role, has had a monumental impact on the team's success.
There is an air of optimism around the organization, and the Timberwolves' faithful are hopeful Finch can guide the team to new heights. There’s widespread belief that Finch is steering Minnesota's ship in the right direction amidst a highly competitive Western Conference.
Optimism Amidst Caution
In comparison to other teams, the Timberwolves' situation reflects cautious optimism. The Atlanta Hawks, for instance, made the conference finals in 2021 and rewarded Nate McMillan with a four-year contract. However, the Hawks failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs in the subsequent three seasons. The Timberwolves' strong defense and recent success under Finch provide a solid foundation, but it remains to be seen if the team can maintain its momentum in the tough Western Conference.
A Bright Future
Finch's contract extension is a clear sign of confidence from the Timberwolves' front office. The team’s owners and management believe that Finch is the right man to lead Minnesota into a new era. While the franchise has never made it to the NBA Finals, Finch's leadership has instilled new hope that this might change in the near future.
The Timberwolves' faithful are hopeful Finch can guide the team to new heights. There's a belief that Finch is steering Minnesota's ship in the right direction and that the team’s recent success is just the beginning. With Finch at the helm, the Timberwolves have the potential to surprise many and perhaps finally achieve the ultimate goal of an NBA Finals appearance.