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, as first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Historic Achievement for Finch
The 56 wins rank as the second-best regular-season mark in franchise history, trailing only the 2003-04 Timberwolves team that won 58 games and also made it to the conference finals. Despite their successes, the Timberwolves have never made it to the NBA Finals. However, there seems to be an air of optimism around the organization as they believe Finch is the man who can get them there.
A Transformation Under Finch
Since Finch was hired in the 2020-21 season, the Wolves have consistently ranked in the top 10 league-wide in net rating, defensive rating, and, most importantly, victories. Last season, Minnesota showcased one of the best defensive units we've ever seen on the court. General Manager Tim Connelly deserves considerable credit for this transformation. His decision to trade for Rudy Gobert was instrumental in anchoring that top-tier defense. This acquisition, alongside the strategic use of a trio of big men, prepared the Wolves to face and eventually eliminate the Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, in the second round of the playoffs.
Bringing in Mike Conley proved to be another masterstroke for this team. Any coach would relish the opportunity to work with Minnesota's elite perimeter defenders, and Finch has certainly made the most out of this advantage.
Challenges and Adaptations
However, Finch's journey hasn't been without challenges. Things didn't go as smoothly as planned in Gobert's first season with the team, and there has been ongoing turmoil surrounding the franchise's ownership situation. Despite these obstacles, Finch has managed to keep the team focused and unaffected on the court.
One of Finch's standout achievements has been the development of Anthony Edwards into a bona fide superstar. Finch has entrusted Edwards with the offense while successfully convincing Karl-Anthony Towns to embrace a secondary role. This balance has been pivotal to Minnesota's success and bodes well for their future.
Comparisons and Expectations
It's worth noting that the NBA landscape often sees coaches rewarded for short-term successes. For instance, when the Atlanta Hawks made the conference finals in 2021, they quickly signed Nate McMillan to a four-year contract that summer. Unfortunately, the Hawks failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs in the subsequent three seasons.
Despite the cautionary tale from Atlanta, there's more reason for optimism in Minnesota. The Timberwolves have a strong defense, something that Atlanta couldn't rely on, and the blossoming talent of Edwards adds another layer of promise. However, it's important to remember that the Western Conference remains incredibly competitive.
The Road Ahead
As the Timberwolves and Finch move forward with the weight of expectations and a new four-year contract, it remains to be seen if their success will continue. While their defensive prowess and the rise of Edwards are encouraging signs, the challenges of the Western Conference shouldn't be underestimated.
The Timberwolves' faithful are hopeful that Finch can guide the team to new heights and perhaps, in the near future, lead them to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. For now, Finch's contract extension is a testament to the belief that he is the right man for the job, steering Minnesota's ship in the right direction.
"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," reported ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.