Latest news with #ChrisFinch
Yahoo
15 hours ago
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Timberwolves Facing Backlash After Lackluster NBA Draft
Timberwolves Facing Backlash After Lackluster NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The new Minnesota Timberwolves regime isn't off to the best start in cultivating optimism in the fan base. Once filled with unbridled optimism about the future, Wolves fans found themselves entrenched in NBA trade rumors with the prospect that they could land Kevin Durant. Advertisement But after the Durant deal did not materialize, all eyes turned to the draft. And the Timberwolves did not seem to take any significant steps forward to improving their 2025-26 roster, instead drafting a pair of 18-year-old developmental centers in Joan Beringer (first round, 17th overall) and Rocco Zikarsky (second round, 45th overall). Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images That led to some vitriol on X. Wolves Lead, reacting to the discourse on the app, called out the fan base that shared its grievances with the lack of improvement to the roster so far. "Wolves fans continue to be extremely down bad man," the account wrote in a post. "Insufferable fanbase sometimes." Several fans took to the comments to justify their frustration with the franchise. Advertisement "They really screwed the draft, especially the second round," one fan wrote. "Because the team is down really bad. 2 years back to back at the playoffs lost at the same spot," a second fan added. "These new picks ain't gonna help that much." Some fans admitted that they also got lost in the knee-jerk reactions, but took some time for some needed perspective. "First round was amazing. Second round was a bit of a downer. If you are getting mad about the second round, you don't really follow the NBA," one fan wrote. "Agree...I got negative for a second and then had to tell myself 'in TC (Tim Connelly) I trust!'," another fan added. The Timberwolves have a roster that has made back-to-back Western Conference Finals with the help of veteran additions like Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley and Julius Randle -- all players who are 30 or more years old and in the twilight of their careers. Advertisement "[Fans] are impatient., we have talent. We have young players on good contracts which helps when Gobert, Conley and Randle are gone. We have Ant, Jaden, Naz, Tsj, Dillingham, Clark, miller and this draft class+future picks. All we need to do is wait," one fan wrote. Backloading the roster with young talent is imperative to opening up the franchise's window when Anthony Edwards, 24, reaches his prime. "Back to back conference finals! Really no move we could make except trade back needed a 2 way contract to stay under the apron," another fan wrote. We will make another run at this thing folks!" However, the lack of big moves after two disappointing finishes in the conference finals has led fans to want more. Advertisement "I know, right? Free agency has not even started yet," one fan added. Related: Anthony Edwards Reacts to Major Timberwolves News With 2-Word Message Related: Timberwolves Get Major Joan Beringer News After NBA Draft This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks interview Timberwolves coach, but it's not Chris Finch
The post Knicks interview Timberwolves coach, but it's not Chris Finch appeared first on ClutchPoints. The New York Knicks are still searching for Tom Thibodeau's successor on the sidelines. There have been failures along the way in this part of New York's offseason journey, with multiple teams shooting down the Knicks' requests to interview their coaches for the job. Advertisement The Minnesota Timberwolves have one of New York's prospects, but it's not head coach Chris Finch, who has guided Anthony Edwards and company to back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference finals. Instead, it is Finch's assistant, Micah Nori, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. 'The New York Knicks are interviewing Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori for the team's head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. Now three candidates – Nori and two former head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins – have done formal interviews for the Knicks' vacancy,' Charania shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday morning. The Knicks decided it was time to move in a different direction when it comes to the team's coaching following a deep run in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, where they got ousted in the Eastern Conference finals by Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. In five seasons under Thibodeau's watch, New York reached the playoffs four times and reached at least the second round of the postseason thrice. While Nori lacks head coaching experience, he has an extensive NBA resume as part of several staffs in the pros. It also apparently did not discourage the Knicks from interviewing him. Advertisement Nori, who turned 51 years old in April, started his coaching career in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors when the team was still coached by Jay Triano in 2009. He later took his talents to the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons before landing a gig with the Timberwolves in 2021. Nori isn't quite a familiar name yet among basketball fans, but he's earned some attention for his amusing interviews where he uses quotes from Ted Lasso, the character of the hit Apple TV show. 'I always laugh when I would watch, you know, interviews with assistant coaches,' Nori said in 2024 (h/t Amy Hockert of FOX 9). 'And I feel bad because you kind of get the same question. So that's where it kind of came from. Just like in the 30 and 45 seconds, I thought two things. One, tell viewers the truth. You know what's really going on here. And then the other thing is to try to have a little bit of levity or humor, just, again, over the course of seven months and the monotony of the game, it's fun to break that up.' Related: Knicks rumors: Insider says he'd 'bet' on New York making NBA Draft-night deal Related: Former Nets star Kevin Durant responds to Knicks jeer by saying he's 'Net for life'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
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Knicks denied permission to speak to Ime Udoka, Chris Finch for HC vacancy
The post Knicks denied permission to speak to Ime Udoka, Chris Finch for HC vacancy appeared first on ClutchPoints. When the New York Knicks officially decided to move on from Tom Thibodeau after their most successful season this century, fans, doubters, and everyone in between had the same question in mind: Who will coach the Knicks in 2025-26? Advertisement Sitting pretty with one of the best rosters in the Eastern Conference, an All-Star leader in Jalen Brunson, and a few potential trade chips to make some subsequent moves, the head coach who lands in New York will have the pieces in places to win right out of the gates, and win they will be expected to do, as the Thibodeau situation clearly proves. And yet, according to Ian Begley of SNYtv, fans can cross two names off the Knicks list, as they have been denied a chance to talk to two of the top names in the NBA, Ime Udoka and Chris Finch. 'Knicks formally reached out to Rockets for permission to talk to head coach Ime Udoka and Rockets denied permission, per people familiar with Rockets' stance,' Begley wrote. 'Mike Francesa said Knicks reached out to Minnesota and were denied permission to talk to Chris Finch. The Athletic's Kelly Iko reported last week that Rockets had no interest in entertaining any Udoka-to-NY scenario.' Advertisement Now, on paper, the Rockets and Timberwolves have plenty of reasons why they wouldn't indulge the Knicks' request, as they both have young cores who have grown with their head coaches, and likely don't want to blow that up heading into the offseason. Still, considering where the Knicks presently sit, it makes sense that they would at least ask, as the team has to cast the widest net possible to pursue an upgrade over their former head coach. With Finch and Udoka off the list, Leon Rose, James Dolan, and company will have to go back drawing board to identify their next great head coaching candidate. Related: Mavericks' Kyrie Irving passionately defends Karl-Anthony Towns from trolls Related: NBA rumors: Have Knicks requested Jason Kidd interview from Mavericks?
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
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New York Knicks Requested Permission To Speak With Chris Finch And Ime Udoka For Vacant Head Coaching Position
New York Knicks Requested Permission To Speak With Chris Finch And Ime Udoka For Vacant Head Coaching Position originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Amid a critical offseason, the New York Knicks are still in the early stages of a desperate coaching search. After recently firing their coach, Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks are hard at work on his replacement, but it seems they'd rather steal a coach from a rival team over finding one on their own. Advertisement "The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both, sources tell ESPN. Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches, too," wrote Shams on X. The Knicks were denied an interview with Finch and Udoka, which is unsurprising considering both are under contract with their current teams. The same is also true for Jason Kidd, whom the Knicks are reported to have an interest in. Interestingly, the Knicks have yet to inquire about the availability of Jason Kidd. "The Knicks have not requested permission for Mavericks coach Jason Kidd as of Tuesday night, but sources tell ESPN that the Mavericks would reject them." The firing of Thibs happened after years of historic success for the franchise. Under his watch, the Knicks went from a lottery team to contenders with a complete change in identity and culture. Sadly, after back-to-back losses in the playoffs, Thibs lost his job, and the team has been unable to settle on his replacement. Advertisement It's unknown why the Knicks are looking for coaches who are already employed, but it won't be long before they are forced to change their approach by looking for available candidates. One prominent name who was recently fired is Michael Malone, the former Nuggets coach who helped Nikola Jokic win his first championship. While he's proven and widely respected across the league, his leadership style and personality are perhaps too similar to Tom Thibodeau, who was also an old-school, defensive-minded coach. Then, there's Taylor Jenkins, the former Memphis Grizzlies coach who led the Grizzlies to major prosperity in the West. He was a steady force in Memphis for years before he lost the locker room, but there's reason to believe he can bring out the best in the Knicks. The Knicks want someone they feel can take them over the top, and it starts with building a culture that every player can buy into. Chris Finch and Ime Udoka did a great job of that with their respective teams this year, and it's why the Knicks want their influence for their own organization. Advertisement With their competitors unlikely to let them interview their preferred coaches, the Knicks will have to find someone else who meets their standards and, fortunately for them, there are plenty of worthy contenders who fit the bill. More than anything, they need a coach who can bring their current group together and maximize their potential on offense with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. At this point, the Knicks cannot afford to get this wrong, as any misstep here could result in the collapse of all the momentum and goodwill they've built over the years. They know how important the decision is, and they are sparing no expense to find the right guy. Related: 5 Best Coaching Candidates For The New York Knicks After Shocking Tom Thibodeau Firing This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Finch's 2-word mic drop on Julius Randle, Naz Reid's Timberwolves future
The post Chris Finch's 2-word mic drop on Julius Randle, Naz Reid's Timberwolves future appeared first on ClutchPoints. The NBA offseason will bring both expected and surprising changes, but Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch expects both Julius Randle and Naz Reid to remain with the team. Advertisement 'Absolutely, yes,' Finch told KFAN's Paul Allen, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. 'I think both players want to be there. That's first and foremost the most important thing. We certainly want them there. I know Tim Connelly is working hard to make sure that they get some sort of deal done that makes them happy and want to stay, and feel gratitude that the team is taking care of them.' Both Randle and Reid were important parts of the Timberwolves' run to their second straight Western Conference Finals appearance this spring. Randle struggled early in the campaign, but found his footing as the season progressed. The 30-year-old was particularly good for the bulk of the playoffs. Across 15 contests, he averaged 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting around 50 percent from the field. Advertisement The Kentucky product has a $31 million player option, but could also look to test the market and see if another team would be interested. The former New York Knick might also be able to net an extension from Minnesota this offseason, depending on how they view his long-term fit. Reid has become a key part of the Timberwolves bench, but could easily be a starter for another contending team. Across 80 games this past season, the former undrafted free agent averaged 14.2 points and 6 rebounds while shooting roughly 46 percent from the field. He has a player option for a little more than $15 million, but could opt out and attempt to find a new home elsewhere. There would certainly be a number of suitors interested in seeing if the former Sixth Man of the Year could be a full-time starter or simply continue to be a championship-caliber bench presence. While both are in unique situations, they have each expressed a desire to stay in Minnesota alongside both Finch and All-Star, Anthony Edwards. Related: NBA rumors: Shams claims Heat, Rockets 'a piece or 2 away' from Kevin Durant trade Related: Timberwolves rumors: Minnesota's stance amid Kevin Durant's disinterest
