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Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 candidates to replace Tom Thibodeau as head coach

By Adam Tayabali

Tom Thibodeau (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tom Thibodeau (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images.
Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images. /

3. Ryan Saunders

With Thibodeau out, Ryan Saunders takes over as interim coach. Saunders is the son of the late Flip Saunders, who was the coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1996-04 and for the 2014-15 season.

Saunders, 32, is now the youngest coach in the NBA. Per Tim Reynolds, there are 43 players in the NBA this season who are older than Saunders. This includes the Timberwolves’ own Taj Gibson, Luol Deng and Anthony Tolliver, all of whom are 33.

The Minnesotan native joined the team in 2014, and has been the Timberwolves NBA Summer League coach. Having worked with young players and being young himself might make it easier to connect with KAT and Wiggins. The fact they both played for Flip Saunders might make it easier for them to buy in to their late coach’s son.

Although Glen Taylor already has individuals in mind to take over at coach and in the front office, he might opt to stick with Saunders until the end of the season. If Saunders is able get the most of the current  roster and helps them to make a run for the playoffs, he should be highly considered. Saunders should be given a chance to work through some of the Timberwolves’ issues for at least the remainder of the season.

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