After leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a remarkable 56-win season and a berth in the Western Conference Finals, coach Chris Finch is being rewarded with a four-year contract extension that will run through 2028.
Historic Achievements and Renewed Optimism
Finch's leadership has brought the Timberwolves to new heights. The 56 wins rank as the second-best regular-season mark in franchise history, a feat that has injected an air of optimism around the organization. Despite these advancements, the Minnesota Timberwolves have yet to make it to the NBA Finals, but they seem well-poised to break that barrier soon.
Turnaround Since Finch's Arrival
Finch, who was hired in the 2020-21 season, has transformed the Timberwolves into one of the league’s most formidable teams. Under his watch, Minnesota has consistently ranked in the top 10 league-wide in net rating, defensive rating, and victories. Just last season, the Timberwolves showcased one of the best defensive units in the NBA.
The Finch and Connelly Duo
Much of the credit for the Timberwolves' recent success also goes to General Manager Tim Connelly. His strategic moves, particularly trading for Rudy Gobert, were instrumental in anchoring the team’s top-tier defense. Gobert's impact was immediately felt, as Minnesota prepared to face and eliminate the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs.
Another noteworthy addition was Mike Conley, whose acquisition proved to be a masterstroke. Finch has maximized the potential of Minnesota's elite perimeter defenders, and while Gobert's first season with the team did not go as smoothly as planned, the adjustments and development under Finch’s guidance were undeniable.
Leadership Amidst Turmoil
It's also worth noting that Finch has managed to keep the team focused amidst ongoing turmoil surrounding the franchise's ownership situation. His ability to steer the team through such distractions has not gone unnoticed, cementing his reputation as a stabilizing force within the organization.
Player Development Under Finch
One of Finch’s most remarkable contributions has been the development of Anthony Edwards into a bona fide superstar. Additionally, Finch successfully convinced Karl-Anthony Towns to embrace a secondary role, which has significantly improved team dynamics and performance.
Cautionary Tale from Atlanta
While the Timberwolves and their fans are riding high on recent successes, there is a note of caution. The Atlanta Hawks 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. This serves as a reminder that maintaining success in the NBA is an ongoing challenge, especially in the incredibly competitive Western Conference.
Looking Forward
The Timberwolves' faithful remain hopeful that Finch can guide the team to new heights. There's a growing belief that Finch is steering Minnesota’s ship in the right direction, and the recent contract extension is a testament to the organization's confidence in his leadership.
As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, "After leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 56-win season and a berth in the Western Conference Finals, coach Chris Finch is being rewarded with a four-year contract extension that will run through 2028." Whether the Timberwolves can sustain their upward trajectory and finally make an NBA Finals appearance remains to be seen, but the foundation laid by Finch and Connelly offers plenty of reasons for optimism.