The Minnesota Timberwolves introduced Ryan Saunders as their head coach on Tuesday morning at Target Center in an emotional press conference.
If you’re a Minnesota Timberwolves fan, you’ve seen plenty of Target Center press conference.
The location often varies based on the caliber of the announcement or signing, but some things are almost always the same: an introduction from the incomparable Alan Horton, the legendary Sid Hartman in the front row, softball questions from the local media, and, the inevitable “have you purchased a winter coat yet?”.
But on Tuesday, the presser was different.
Yes, there was Horton and Hartman and many familiar faces. But, in a very un-press-conference sort of way, there was also substance. And heartfelt gratitude. And … it just felt different.
First, there was new president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas’ monologue about the process surrounding the head coach role.
Rosas made it abundantly clear that, despite the assumed narrative, this job was not mandated to Ryan Saunders, the son of the late Flip Saunders and the incumbent interim head coach. Far from it. Owner Glen Taylor gave Rosas the ability to go out and conduct a thorough interview process involving outside candidates. He did just that, and everything just kept coming up “Saunders”.
Rosas discussed his process and the things that were important to him. Namely, the ability and willingness to “challenge the norm” and question the status quo.
The other characteristic that Saunders clearly possesses in spades is the ability to communicate. Primarily with the players, of course, but also with the other coaches, the front office, the media, the corporate side of the business, and even the fans. Karl-Anthony Towns has called Saunders one of the best communicators in the entire NBA, and that sort of endorsement matters.
Here’s the press conference in his entirety.
For his part, Saunders was beyond grateful to everyone that afforded him the opportunity. Of course he thanked the Taylor family, Rosas, and Wolves CEO Ethan Casson. But he also graciously thanked Tom Thibodeau, the man he replaced, for allowing him the opportunity to remain on his staff.
He also became emotional in thanking his grandmother, mother, sisters, and wife. Finally, he thanked his late father, former Wolves head coach and front office executive Flip Saunders.
It was a refreshing twist on an all-too-often rinse-and-repeat event; Rosas was methodical and intentional in his search and was clear in spelling out his desired characteristics in a head coach, and Saunders was truly grateful and thoughtful in his remarks.
Also, several Timberwolves players, including Towns and Andrew Wiggins, were in attendance at the press conference. While not surprising, it underscores how the Wolves young cornerstones feel about their new head coach.
Here’s hoping that the sunshine and roses continues until the fall and well into next season.