Timberwolves Coaching Search: What? Not Who

Rick Adelman did what everyone was expecting today, he retired from the NBA. The Minnesota Timberwolves are now in a tough spot in finding a new head coach. What should they do? Go after a big name? Or go after the right style of coach? Would any big name even be interested in the job?

Per USA Today Sports, reports are out there that big names such as Fred Hoiberg, Tom Izzo, Billy Donovan and George Karl are “targets” for Flip Saunders, president of Basketball operations for Minnesota. Does hiring a big name really fix anything? Would getting Hoiberg, Izzo or Donovan be a tactic to keep Kevin Love interested in staying in Minnesota? The bigger question comes down to logic. For example, why would Tom Izzo go to the Timberwolves when he could easily get any available NBA job he wants?

So many questions, yet not many logical solutions. Hoiberg seems to make sense, but Saunders would have to pay up for him (and probably will offer plenty). If you’re Hoiberg, why go now? The Cyclones are getting better, he’s worshiped in Ames and he can leave for the NBA when ever he wants. Hoiberg seems to be a perfect fit for the NBA based on his love for statistics and his connectivity to the players. Unfortunately, for Timberwolves fans, this is more wishful thinking. Check back in a few years.

Tom Izzo leaving Michigan State for Minnesota makes as much sense as LeBron James leaving Miami to join the Timberwolves. Not going to happen. Ever. Izzo didn’t take the bait when the Cleveland Cavaliers dangled their head coaching job in front of him and LeBron was still with the Cavaliers! There’s a better chance  Izzo coaches the Minnesota Vikings than the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Billy Donovan? Please. The reports are that the Timberwolves are interested in Donovan, not the other way around (Next.)

George Karl does make a little bit of sense. He’s currently without a job and eager to get back to coaching in the NBA. However, what does Karl bring that Adelman didn’t? Karl wouldn’t keep Love in Minnesota (we’re not sure anyone can). He has experience, but is that enough? This would be a “name hire” and that is way too common in the NBA.

So what else is there? Not “who” else, but “what” else. Perhaps what the Timberwolves need is a coach that can get through to the players. The players appeared to be pleased with Adelman at the helm, but they never seemed to fully come together and play to their potential. Could a coach that relates to the players have gotten more? Perhaps a coach who is younger and more eager to try a system that fits the players, rather than fit the players to a system like Adelman was doing.

The difficult task for Saunders is to figure out what type of coach they need. He has to prepare for life without Love, rather than worrying about keeping him. Remember that Love isn’t Saunders’ “guy,” and a new coach will no doubt have an opinion on whether they push hard to keep Love or trade him away this Summer if the right deal comes along.

Saunders should take a long, hard look at available coaching candidates. Maybe there’s a coach in college that wouldn’t cost as much as an Izzo or Hoiberg. Is there there an assistant on an NBA staff looking for his first head coaching gig? Would that excite the players and the fans? It almost seems as if fans are more excited by a college name coach with no NBA experience than hiring from the constant NBA carousel. Then again, Dwayne Casey is in the playoffs. So is Kevin McHale. And so is Randy Wittman. All are former Timberwolves coaches. So maybe the carousel does work?

You see? It’s not as simple as plugging in some big-name coach. The Timberwolves are not a job everyone wants. They could use a new style, a new brand, that brings new results. Who knows, maybe Flip Saunders takes over as head coach for a year or two until Hoiberg is ready or the potential Kevin Love divorce has been settled. Keep in mind, the New York Knicks need a new head coach too after firing Mike Woodsen today. Where would you rather coach?

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Photo: Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi