NBA Rumors: Dave Joerger leaving Timberwolves meeting “in driver’s seat”
By Jacob Rude
With the implosion taking place among the Memphis staff, Dave Joerger has been a hot commodity as head coach around the league. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the most active suitor, meeting with Joerger about taking over as the ‘Wolves head coach.
After meeting with the ‘Woves staff, including owner Glen Taylor, Joerger is headed home to Memphis to “take it all in.”
After meeting with #TWolves, including owner Glen Taylor, Dave Joerger is heading back to Memphis to take it all in. He's in driver's seat
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) May 25, 2014
Joerger is in just his first as a head coach in the NBA, where he led a Memphis Grizzlies team that was riddled with injuries to the playoffs.
After a suspension to star big man Zach Randolph kept him out of the game, the Grizzlies lost in Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs. Still, Joerger led the Grizzlies to a 50-32 record, all with Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, and Mike Conley missing time due to injuries.
For Minnesota, the ‘Wolves are looking to convince Kevin Love, a free-agent-to-be, that the team is committed to winning.
As is, Minnesota has not been to the playoffs since 2003-04, when they lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. Only once in that time frame have they sported a winning record, and that came in 2004-05.
With Love in the middle of trade rumors and set to test free agency, the ‘Wolves coach hire this summer will be vital in their future attempts to retain Love and form a competitive team around him.
Joerger is certainly a risky hire, but his one season in the league has been successful and the ‘Wolves are in desperate need of a solid coach.