NBA Rumors: Tom Izzo, Fred Hoiberg candidates for Minnesota Timberwolves’ job?

Although the Minnesota Timberwolves are 35-35 and would easily be a playoff time in the Eastern Conference, they are instead going to be left out of the postseason again. Current head coach Rick Adelman has now coached the team for three seasons without a playoff berth.

Although Adelman is under contract next year, Charlie Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press says the chances of Adelman returning to coach the Timberwolves next season are “remote.”

The Timberwolves will likely spend this offseason trying to find help for Kevin Love in order to persuade the star power forward to remain in Minnesota beyond next season.

The hiring of a big-time coach could go a long way towards helping Love make a decision about his future.

Walters believes team president Flip Saunders could go after a couple of college coaches he is close with, Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans and Fred Hoiberg of the Iowa State Cyclones, both of whom are currently competing in the Sweet 16.

Izzo’s name recently came up in connection with the Detroit Pistons and he immediately shot down the rumors.

Hoiberg could be another story. The school is aware he likely has NBA aspirations and he had his most efficient NBA seasons with the Timberwolves.

Hoiberg has also coached with the Timberwolves and has worked in their front office.