Patrick Beverley Loves Chris Finch; Wants Extension

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Photo: David Berding - Getty Images

Chris Finch was hired as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2020 season, in rather dramatic and controversial fashion. Nobody’s arguing anymore, however. And that’s because the Wolves have gotten better since the moment he walked into Mayo Clinic Square. And this year, following an entire offseason together, the improvement has been noticeable, especially on defense.

In just year, Chris Finch or “Finchy” as his players call him, has turned the Timberwolves into a defense-first team. Their new found effort and commitment on that side of the floor has them floating around .500 and vying for a playoff spot in the wide open Western Conference. But if you don’t believe “Finchy” is the source of the Wolves’ turnaround, or if you aren’t sure such a turnaround is even underway, then ask Patrick Beverley, a 33-year-old veteran who’s played all over the NBA and reportedly wants a contract extension to stick around a bit longer (more on that later).

Thank You, Gersson Rosas

Gersson Rosas did a few good things during his time as Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. It was a reign that, eventually, crashed even faster and much harder than it rose to power. But hiring Chris Finch looks like his most important move as PoBO.

It was clear from the moment Finch first talked x’s and o’s in his opening press conference that he was a sharp dude who knew coaching and the game of basketball. But would he know how to press buttons and lead a player-driven NBA basketball team?

Rosas seemed confident Finch could succeed and, so far, he’s been correct. Throughout the history of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball, smart and well-respected head coaches have been hard to come by. Flip Saunders is the obvious exception. Others like Rick Adelman, Tom Thibodeau and (early) Dwane Casey have taken the job on for short, mostly unsuccessful stints.

So if Chris Finch can really be a coach who moves the needle, players around the league will take notice. A well thought of head coach could be an absolute game-changer for this franchise. Something that could reverberate into better free agent signings and other coaching or front office hires in the future.

Pat Bev Wants to Extend His Minnesota Stay

Patrick Beverley’s contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves ends after the 2021-22 season. According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North), he wants to change that. Beverley and his agent have engaged the Wolves front office in possible extension talks. Here’s what Wolfson on his “The Scoop” podcast, which released Wednesday evening.

It’s pretty much been [Patrick Beverley], his agent driving this extension bus. Now, I can see a scenario where the Wolves eventually come to a happy medium, where they do extend Patrick Beverley; that he will be here beyond this season. He’s an unrestricted free agent after this season.

But it’s been driven by [Beverley’s] side. It’s not like the Wolves have initiated these talks. It’s not like the Wolves are being uber-aggressive finding a solution to extending Patrick Beverley. He likes it here, he’d like to be here, he’d like to have some long-term security, at least a couple years out.

Darren Wolfson – The Scoop Podcast

Players Returning

It’s been a nice run for Jaylen Nowell, Nathan Knight and, most recently, Greg Monroe. But their bloated minute counts are about to be popped with most of the roster trickling back from the COVID reserve list. It’s likely Monroe will see another 10-day contract extension before the Wolves have to sign him or move on.

Patrick Beverley and Naz Reid returned on Tuesday. Anthony Edwards and Taurean Prince have also cleared protocols and are expected to play on Friday against the Utah Jazz.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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