Chris Finch the new head coach

[Monster]

While Towns expressed a hope that more "Black and minority coaches" - including Wolves assistant David Vanterpool - will get head coaching opportunities going forward, he pledged to support Finch and once again reiterated his commitment to the franchise, as Hine writes in a separate story for The Star Tribune. "I'm a very loyal guy, to a fault. I've said it before, I would love to finish my career here in Minnesota," Towns told reporters. "I want to build something great here. I want to build a legacy in Minnesota."

The bit about minority coaches aside, these are the kinds of comments you'd like from your franchise player. Loyalty. Who knows if he sticks to that or not but it sounds great.

A thought occurred to me that maybe it's Towns genuinely saying really good stuff about Vanterpool (I actually think he is likely a good assistant coach) but Towns could also be pumping the guy up a bit. I'm sure Vanterpool had some level of disappointment in not getting an opportunity. It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff shakes out in a few months. This may be a little mix of both Towns saying nice things and saying the right things.

[FNG]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

[kekgeek]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

This was the stupidest story over the last few days. I usual agree with the systematic racism we see in most businesses. This one is dumb, Rosas is Columbian, our 2nd in command is Indian, 3rd in command is Italian. The Wolves have an African American and Argintine on the wolves coaching staff.

I agree there should be more African Americans in higher NBA power but to do after the Wolves when they might have the most diverse power structure in sports not just the NBA!

[AbeVigodaLive]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

Personally, I think the statement they issued would have gone quietly into the night... until the outrage about the statement overwhelmed any original outrage.

In the end, the NBCA drew attention to an important larger issue for the organization... which was its goal all along. Justified in this specific hiring or not...

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

This may end up belonging in the Off Topic thread in the General Discussion.....

I agree with your points here FNG. Unfortunately, the norm these days tends to be piling on and more of a mob mentality with these sorts of things versus thoroughly studying the facts and nuances of these types of decisions on a case by case basis. It seems like Carlisle was simply putting something out there as a form of appeasement versus taking a more intellectually honest stance based on doing proper diligence.

Since it's the Wolves, I don't think most people care all that much or are paying attention. But if this happened in LA or Brooklyn, you better believe there would be more of a piling-on effect from the glitterati.

[Monster]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

Personally, I think the statement they issued would have gone quietly into the night... until the outrage about the statement overwhelmed any original outrage.

In the end, the NBCA drew attention to an important larger issue for the organization... which was its goal all along. Justified in this specific hiring or not...

I agree with you Abe especially the 2nd point you made.

Hell let's be honest the most qualified person for this job that's theoretically available (isn't a head coach) is Kenny Atkinson and I believe he even has some ties to Rosas. Like you said they made their point.

It's interesting the new structure the NFL has taken to incentivize hiring of black GMs. Idk if it will be effective or not but it's creative.

[TheFuture]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

This was the stupidest story over the last few days. I usual agree with the systematic racism we see in most businesses. This one is dumb, Rosas is Columbian, our 2nd in command is Indian, 3rd in command is Italian. The Wolves have an African American and Argintine on the wolves coaching staff.

I agree there should be more African Americans in higher NBA power but to do after the Wolves when they might have the most diverse power structure in sports not just the NBA!

I hate this loaded race argument. Give me the best person for the job irregardless of race or gender. At what point does it become a racist persecution of white people? It makes sense that there have been more white coaches than minorities, as white people have held the majority population for a long time. That will change. Just let it happen organically, otherwise it will become more divided.

You do not fight for rights only to turn around for retribution.

[Monster]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

This was the stupidest story over the last few days. I usual agree with the systematic racism we see in most businesses. This one is dumb, Rosas is Columbian, our 2nd in command is Indian, 3rd in command is Italian. The Wolves have an African American and Argintine on the wolves coaching staff.

I agree there should be more African Americans in higher NBA power but to do after the Wolves when they might have the most diverse power structure in sports not just the NBA!

I hate this loaded race argument. Give me the best person for the job irregardless of race or gender. At what point does it become a racist persecution of white people? It makes sense that there have been more white coaches than minorities, as white people have held the majority population for a long time. That will change. Just let it happen organically, otherwise it will become more divided.

You do not fight for rights only to turn around for retribution.

Well the majority in the NBA has been black for quite a while now and yet there is still a minority in terms of coaching so I think that's a fair issue to consider. What other issues are you willing to let work themselves out organically?

[AbeVigodaLive]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

This was the stupidest story over the last few days. I usual agree with the systematic racism we see in most businesses. This one is dumb, Rosas is Columbian, our 2nd in command is Indian, 3rd in command is Italian. The Wolves have an African American and Argintine on the wolves coaching staff.

I agree there should be more African Americans in higher NBA power but to do after the Wolves when they might have the most diverse power structure in sports not just the NBA!

I hate this loaded race argument. Give me the best person for the job irregardless of race or gender. At what point does it become a racist persecution of white people? It makes sense that there have been more white coaches than minorities, as white people have held the majority population for a long time. That will change. Just let it happen organically, otherwise it will become more divided.

You do not fight for rights only to turn around for retribution.

Occasionally, there is undue criticism from the random talking head when a white coach is hired (see Steve Nash).

But in this case... nobody is saying the Timberwolves had to hire a black coach. That's a strawman. And just as disingenuous as when a guy like Steven A Smith whines about Nash while ignoring Derek Fisher, Jason Kidd and others.

The modest uproar is about process. The NBA has followed the NFL's lead on other issues... so they seem to be piggybacking that league's push for minority coaches. Even if the exclusion of black NBA coaches pales significantly to the NFL's history of exclusion.

- Could the Wolves do the proper transparent search process midseason? No.
- Does the statement from the NBCA seem tone deaf to that context? Yes.
- Do most of us wish to live in a world where this stuff isn't an issue anymore? Yes.
- Has the exclusion of blacks from positions of power been a problem? Depends who you ask. For example, Glen Taylor is about to turn 80. He was alive when blacks couldn't go to schools with whites. He was an adult on his way to his first million when Bill Russell couldn't eat at restaurants with his white teammates. He was 26 before the first college basketball head coach at a major university or NBA team (Bill Russell) was hired in 1967. I think younger generations are a bit more likely to wash that history away. We live in different times. But it wasn't that long ago when pretty blatant racism was rampant in this country. And do we really think all those former racists cool with segregation of schools, restaurants and water fountains changed their views for life?

I get the frustration of cries of racism when we don't see any. Or when contextual elements are being conveniently ignored from those yelling loudest. It can even seem overwhelming at times. And it's fine to be frustrated. But it's a fine line. Because racism does exist. The country has experienced documented cases of systemic racism for many decades. It's much better. But it's disingenuous to dismiss it as cavalierly as many do.

[Wolvesfan21]

I would describe myself as a political moderate...leaning more left on most social issues. In my business career I have worked to ensure some level of diversity in my office, because I think it is the right thing to do for many reasons. I offer this as a preamble to stating my outrage at the National Basketball Coaches Association, led by Rick Carlyle and David Vogel, criticizing the process by which the Wolves hired David Finch. They said in a statement "it would be remiss not to acknowledge a deeper concern and level of disappointment with the Minnesota head coach hiring process". They went on to criticize the fact that minority candidates were not considered properly in the process.

Did the NBCA take the time to consider that the guy who made the hire is himself a minority, and that minorities are strongly represented in the coaching staff and throughout the organization? Perhaps Carlyle should be taking a shot at his own owner for hiring lily white Donn Nelson as their POBO.

I will say that at least Carlyle practices what he preaches, because he has one of the most diverse coaching staffs in the league. But to criticize a POBO who is a minority for not properly considering minorities in his search (if he indeed didn't...we don't really know who he talked with besides Finch), is an absurdity beyond measure. I'm not disputing the validity of Carlyle's mission...I'm just saying it doesn't apply in this instance.

This was the stupidest story over the last few days. I usual agree with the systematic racism we see in most businesses. This one is dumb, Rosas is Columbian, our 2nd in command is Indian, 3rd in command is Italian. The Wolves have an African American and Argintine on the wolves coaching staff.

I agree there should be more African Americans in higher NBA power but to do after the Wolves when they might have the most diverse power structure in sports not just the NBA!

I hate this loaded race argument. Give me the best person for the job irregardless of race or gender. At what point does it become a racist persecution of white people? It makes sense that there have been more white coaches than minorities, as white people have held the majority population for a long time. That will change. Just let it happen organically, otherwise it will become more divided.

You do not fight for rights only to turn around for retribution.

Well the majority in the NBA has been black for quite a while now and yet there is still a minority in terms of coaching so I think that's a fair issue to consider. What other issues are you willing to let work themselves out organically?

I think intervention is a bad thing in most forms. Not to get off topic but GOV intervenes in everything it can and all we do is get worse results for humanity.

The free market is the best solution.

I think it is also offensive to say all the owners and POB's and GM's in sports are racist at least subconsciously. That they cannot distinguish between coaching ability and the color of someones skin. The other offense is that the fans may want a white coach, we just want a winner.

Not to say that their is a very small portion of people who may actually want a white coach or black coach for that matter, which is exactly what these talking heads are asking for!