Ryan Saunders is set to become head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, removing the interim tag that will make the 33-year-old the NBA’s youngest bench boss.
Saunders took over on Jan. 6 after owner Glen Taylor fired Tom Thibodeau.
President of basketball operations Gersson Rosas replaced Thibodeau in his front office job — Thibodeau was team president in addition to coaching duties — but Taylor said there was no mandate to retain Saunders.
Taylor said the union between Saunders, son of late coach and executive Flip Saunders, and the Wolves would move forward in some capacity. There was some sentiment Saunders would be on the bench even if another head coach was hired.
But with the endorsement of young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, Rosas stuck with Ryan Saunders following a series of interviews last week.
The Wolves missed the playoffs and had a 17-25 record under Saunders last season.
–Field Level Media
