Culture of Hoops

Rick Adelman will not return as Wolves’ head coach

Image courtesy of Joe Biewala I Flickr

Image courtesy of Joe Biewala I Flickr

Baller Mind Frame’s No Layups brings you the hottest NBA stories on the web mixed with personal opinion from our very own Aaron Lanton

There is no chance — zero — of Rick Adelman returning as Timberwolves head coach next season, according to one of the team’s decision-makers. Look for an announcement to that effect soon.

Two college coaches mentioned as candidates to replace Adelman, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Iowa State’s Fred Hoiberg, aren’t likely to take the job because of their popularity and security at their respective schools. The Wolves could be a playoff contender next season with the personnel additions they made this year, but Izzo or Hoiberg probably won’t move unless offered a fantastic contract with big money.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor talked recently about Adelman and the coaching situation. Adelman’s wife, Mary Kay, has been dealing with seizures during his three years with the Wolves.

“I think that a lot of it has to do with [Adelman’s] family and what he thinks is best for his family,” Taylor said. “I know he loves coaching, so that’s not the issue. I just think he has to determine what’s in the best interest for his family right now.”

Adelman has a contract that allows him to opt out of the fourth year of his contract in the next two weeks instead of coaching next season for $6 million; Taylor and the Wolves have a similar option. Star Tribune

The Timberwolves have underachieved for the third consecutive season despite reasonable expectations of a playoff berth. It is the curse of being in the Western Conference, but pundits have expected them to become fringe contenders, not draft lottery dwellers. Kevin Love’s contract ends at the end of next year which puts pressure on the organization to find a new head coach that can entice Love to re-sign. Jeff Van Gundy is also receiving strong consideration for the vacancy at head coach. This move will likely determine their future for the next decade.

Choose wisely. – AL

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