Coaches Association disappointed over T-Wolves' coaching search

Feb 23, 2021; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches Association disappointed Timberwolves did not conduct thorough head-coaching search

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 2/24/21

The Minnesota Timberwolves fired Ryan Saunders on Sunday and hired new head coach Chris Finch on Monday, which caused many around the NBA to criticize the franchise.

On Wednesday, the National Basketball Coaches Association released a statement on the Timberwolves' hiring of Finch, revealing their displeasure that the franchise did not conduct a "thorough and transparent" head-coaching search including candidates from diverse backgrounds.

The National Basketball Coaches Association issues statement on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ process in hiring new coach Chris Finch: pic.twitter.com/vYZZb2kmQW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 24, 2021

The Timberwolves were fixated on hiring Finch, failing even to consider anyone else for the position. There are currently six Black head coaches in the NBA, so it's no surprise the Coaches Association is disappointed that Minnesota did not conduct a diverse coaching search.

In Finch's debut on Tuesday night, the Timberwolves fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 139-112.

Before joining Minnesota, the 51-year-old was an assistant with the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans and the Raptors. He won a G League title with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in 2010.

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