NBA rumors: Timberwolves coaching wishlist includes Tom Izzo
By Josh Sanchez
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman is almost certainly on his way out the door with the franchise and could be packing as this is being typed, which means the Timberwolves will need to begin searching for a replacement.
When the team finds their new coach, they will also have to make an attempt to land someone who could build a strong relationship with star forward Kevin Love, who could be leaving the team by the end of next season. Without a coach that Love appreciates, it is hard to imagine there is anyway he would return to the team, so they need to swing for the fences and look for a big hire.
According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, the team’s wishlist includes Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg, who was previously was previously Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Timberwlves, and longtime NBA coach Stan Van Gundy, who has been out of work since leaving the Orlando Magic in 2012.
Izzo would obviously be the biggest catch for the Timberwolves, but he has yet to be swayed by the NBA and it is most likely that he will return to Michigan State.
The Timberwolves connection makes Hoiberg an interesting candidate and his energy could provide a spark for the franchise, while Van Gundy may be the worst fit for the team considering the past he has had with some of his players.
Regardless of what happens, the Timberwolves will be undergoing plenty of changes and they need to do what they can to make sure the franchise doesn’t plummet.