NBCA Comments on Timberwolves’ Coaching Decision

The Timberwolves decision to quickly hire coach Chris Finch to replace Ryan Saunders caught the attention of the National Basketball Coaches Association. On Wednesday, the NBCA delivered a statement that encouraged all organizations to strive for hiring process that are transparent and include a diverse pool of candidates.

It’s always bittersweet when one coach is fired and another is hired. But this is not about individual coaches. We would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process.

The NBCA understands and respects each organization’s right to hire and fire whomever and whenever it chooses. But it is also our responsibility to point out when an organization fails to conduct a thorough and transparent search of candidates from a wide range of diverse backgrounds.

During this past off-season, we saw many NBA head coaching vacancies where teams led searches that were both diverse and transparent. This must be the standard. We must establish a level playing field and equal access to opportunity for all coaching candidates.

The NBCA has been working closely with the League Office on a wide range of initiatives that will improve future coaching searches. In partnership with the NBA, we look forward to sharing details in the weeks to come.

Shortly after the news of Finch’s hiring surfaced, both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum raised concerns on social media that were directly tied to the Timberwolves’ decision to bypass former Trail Blazers assistant coach David Vanterpool in the process (Vanterpool is currently on the Wolves’ staff).

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