Kevin Love is in the loop in Minnesota Timberwolves’ head coach hunt – NBA Update
Kevin Love has had his input taken regarding the choice for a new head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the forward revealed in a recent interview. Love is the star player at the franchise and the management views him as an integral part of the future.
In a league, where the power is held completely by the management regarding such key decisions, it is refreshing to see that executives are willing to listen to the players as well. Even very recently Kobe Bryant, one of the biggest stars currently playing in the NBA, was snubbed by the management over the decision to hire a new coach.
Kobe had publicly backed assistant coach Brian Shaw to replace the outgoing Phil Jackson. However, the Los Angeles Lakers management (Jim Buss in particular) paid no heed to his advice and instead chose to sign Mike Brown, formerly of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The decision caused controversy in Los Angeles as it was revealed that Kobe wasn’t even informed of Brown’s hiring, and he only found out after the press conference.
Jim Buss later said that the management had made a mistake by not taking the senior player into confidence over the decision, but the damage had already been done.
David Kahn, the General Manager of the Timberwolves, chose not to follow in Jim’s footsteps as he discussed the coaching situation and available options with his most important player.
Love described what went on after Kurt Rambis was shown the door and the search for a new coach began in earnest,
“I have definitely been asked by David Kahn what I thought about the situation, and I gave my two cents. I told them I think we need a coach to help us grow and win in tough situations and learn how to win. A guy who is going to be able to work with young guys and go through the growing pains to help us become a better team. There were a few names thrown out to me prior to the interview process, and they’ve all interviewed so far.”
Those names are likely to be Don Nelson, Bernie Bickerstaff or Rick Adelman, all of whom have been interviewed by Kahn in the last week or so. Terry Porter, who has let go by the Phoenix Suns after a disappointing time at the helm, and Mike Woodson, a long time coach of the Atlanta Hawks, have also given interviews to Kahn.
However there has been no indication as to who will get the job so far, with even Love being in the dark since the NBA lockout began. Since July 1st the NBA has imposed a ban on officials and coaches of the 30 NBA franchises from speaking to their players.
Therefore, Love will find out with the rest of the world when the new coach is finally selected.
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