Rambis out in Minnesota...Nelson in?

[Andrew]

Sources: Timberwolves to fire Rambis

Minnesota Timberwolves general manager David Kahn has decided to fire coach Kurt Rambis, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Kahn isn’t expected to announce the decision until after Thursday’s NBA draft, but he’s already begun collecting information on prospective replacements for Rambis, including University of Washington coach Lorenzo Romar, sources said. The Timberwolves have gathered background on Romar for several weeks, and are expected to make him a candidate to replace Rambis.

Kahn met with Rambis last week and believes he has reached an impasse with the coach. The relationship between Kahn and Rambis deteriorated over the course of the past season, to the point where there’s been little communication between them.

Not altogether surprising, though as I said in an earlier thread I figured they'd go with the classic route of letting him stay on through training camp, struggling through the first couple of weeks of the season then canning him in favour of Reggie Theus or Bill Laimbeer, so I was definitely off the mark.

[Andrew]

And it's official.

Top candidates to replace him apparently include Bernie Bickerstaff and University of Washington coach Lorenzo Romar.

[Andrew]

And apparently, Don Nelson has shown interest as well.

But a potential Wolves candidate with even more experience unexpectedly surfaced Tuesday when NBA coaching sources said that Don Nelson -- the winningest coach in league history -- is open to a return to the bench and intrigued by the talent on Minnesota's roster.

Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn said at a Tuesday press conference to formally announce Kurt Rambis' dismissal that he wants an up-tempo coach to take over, particularly with Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio -- drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2009 -- scheduled to finally join the team when the lockout ends. Nelson is certainly well-acquainted with up-tempo basketball.

Nothing more to it than that at the moment it seems, but I wouldn't be surprised if Nelson has at least one more stint on the sidelines.

[shadowgrin]

Bring back Nellieball!
If Don Nelson can make a bunch of D-Leaguers look like NBA players, he can make Rubio look like an all-star.
Kevin Love shoots threes, he's perfect for Don Nelson!

[Dan's Brain]

I hate Nellieball with the passion of a thousand James Blunts, but I've gotta say, I don't hate this.

The team that's already assembled is fairly well equipped for Nelson's style. Zero defence, a good amount of athleticism and big guys who can shoot.

At the very least, it's a ticket mover.

[rise]

If this happens, the Wolves should keep all of their small forwards (Derrick Williams, Beasley, and Wesley Johnson) , start them all, and put Kevin Love at center. And they would still have Webster chucking threes from off the bench. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but the Wolves, with the right moves, could be close to a playoff spot in a couple years.

I want me some MinnyNellieball!

[shadowgrin]

I hate Nellieball

You probably never have touched a basketball in your entire life. Hater.

[Axel The Great]

Odd. Nellie is T-Wolves coach in my Rockets association. He helped them reach a seven-game win streak at one point.

Wolves are a perfect team for Don Nelson to coach. If anything, another stint would help him pad his all-time coaching wins record, but it's not like he'll be getting very many wins to begin with.

[_Steve_]

"Rambis out in Minnesota...Nelson in?"
Probably not: Seems as if Rick Adelmann will take a seat on the Wolves' bench next season.

[Andrew]

Indeed, I created a thread on the news here.

[_Steve_]

Indeed, I created a thread on the news here.

Meh! Next time I'll take a closer look before posting anything. I promise!