Minnesota Timberwolves: Five Potential Replacements for Rick Adelman

By Brad Berreman

Minnesota Timberwolves: Five Possible Replacements For Rick Adelman

Rick Adelman Minnesota Timberwolves — As the Minnesota Timberwolves finish another disappointing season, the future of head coach Rick Adelman has again become a hot topic.

Adelman has one year remaining on his contract, but his wife’s health issues over the last couple years have created uncertainty and a recent report from ESPN’s Marc Stein backs that up.

Assuming Adelman does call it quits at the end of the season, here are my top five candidates to replace him.

5. Lionel Hollins

Lionel Hollins

5. Lionel Hollins

Lionel Hollins — Hollins did not coach this season after leading the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, and the Timberwolves may be one of multiple teams interested in hiring him.

4. Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo Michigan State

4. Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo Michigan State — Izzo obviously has the job at Michigan State for as long as he wants it, but his friendship with Flip Saunders may lead him to giving the NBA a long look after the season.

3. Flip Saunders

Flip Saunders

3. Flip Saunders

Flip Saunders — Saunders came back to the Timberwolves as president of basketball operations prior to this season, and he may simply name himself head coach in an attempt to recapture the success the team had during his previous stint in the job.

2. Sam Mitchell

Sam Mitchell

2. Sam Mitchell

Sam Mitchell — Mitchell had success as a head coach with the Toronto Raptors, and he was a potential candidate for the Timberwolves’ job prior to Adelman being hired. Add in that he was one of the original Timberwolves as a player, and Mitchell may be a popular candidate among media and fans.

1. Fred Hoiberg

Fred Hoiberg Iowa State

1. Fred Hoiberg

Fred Hoiberg — Hoiberg is a popular candidate for the job if Adelman resigns, since he spent part of his playing career with the Timberwolves and worked in their front office before taking the coaching job at Iowa State. It’s unclear if “The Mayor” would leave his alma mater, but I expect the Timberwolves to make a run at Hoiberg.

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Minnesota Timberwolves

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