The Minnesota Timberwolves have enjoyed a strong run under Chris Finch as their head coach. Over the past two seasons, they were one of the final four teams left in the NBA Playoffs due to their two consecutive Western Conference Finals berths.
That would look good on any coach's resume, which would likely generate some interest around the league. The New York Knicks are one of those teams that may want to poach Finch because of their recent firing of Tom Thibodeau.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is greeted by Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch before the game at Madison Square Garden.
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It would be an exciting appointment for the Knicks because Finch has taken the Timberwolves to unprecedented heights. During the Kevin Garnett era in the 2000s, the Timberwolves made a lone Western Conference Finals appearance. Now, they have two in a row.
They are building towards the future with a foundation of Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Finch as the coach. However, some people believe the Knicks could snatch Finch away from Minnesota. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst believes if that does happen, Finch's relationship with people within the Knicks organization will be integral to the move.
Finch Has Connections With People Within The Knicks Organization
The architect of Finch's initial Timberwolves hiring was Gersson Rosas. He was the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations during that time, but he has since moved on to the New York Knicks.
"Do keep in mind that, Chris Finch was hired in Minnesota at the middle of the season by Gersson Rosas, who is one of Leon Rose’s top lieutenants," Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective.
Rosas is now the senior vice president of basketball operations, who works directly with Leon Rose. Finch's relationships with Rosas and former star player Karl-Anthony Towns are the primary reasons why people see this as a good job for him to take.
Unfortunately for the Knicks fans who hope Finch will join the team, he has long-term contract with Minnesota to uphold. The Timberwolves have one of the most promising projects, headlined by superstar Anthony Edwards.
Finch Would Work Better If He Stays In Minnesota
After two successful Western Conference Finals runs, Finch and the Timberwolves have some work to do. They know the team is close to reaching the NBA Finals as they must work on the team making big improvements.
They already have a strong foundation with Edwards, McDaniels, and the rest of the roster. The Timberwolves need that extra edge, which will come from president of basketball operations Tim Connelly doing his job at making smart roster moves.
The Timberwolves have all the potential to win the Western Conference. It will be tough due to their competition like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
With Finch at the helm, the Timberwolves have a great tactician in charge. He also needs to improve his rotations and schemes, but that can be analyzed during the offseason. The future is bright in Minnesota, and they should not worry about the Knicks poaching their coach.