Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has overseen a second trip to the Conference Finals in successive years.
After trading away former number one pick Karl-Anthony Towns, nobody gave the Minnesota Timberwolves a shot of reaching the Western Conference Finals again.
This was reflective of a lack of faith in Julius Randle, the centerpiece of the trade, who was coming off a disappointing playoffs individually with New York.
In the playoffs this year, Randle has been performing at a historic rate, resetting the narrative to show that both teams may actually have won the trade, with the Knicks reaching the finals in the East.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesChris Finch praises Julius Randle
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch is working with Julius Randle for the second time in his career.
Finch was an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans at the time Randle was on the team in the 2018-19 season.
Speaking at a team shootaround, Finch commented on how he has seen a real growth from Randle since with his defensive game.
He attributes Randle’s improved defensive intelligence and effort to helping him become the player we see today.
Finch said: “It’s probably for me the most impressive growth for him. He can execute a variety of coverages but really it’s his on ball competitiveness, and his game is super high level right now.
“He feels really comfortable. When I had him in New Orleans he certainly didn’t feel as comfortable in the things we were asking him to do.
“The care factor has gone up. I see him as an impactful defensive player, a plus defender.”
Julius Randle is earning respect
Julius Randle has stepped up as Minnesota’s second star, supporting young superstar Anthony Edwards, and taking a lot of pressure off him.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Randle as ‘incredible’, speaking after their 4-1 series defeat.
Randle averaged 25.2 points per game in the series with the Warriors, along with 6.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
Finch now considers Randle to be a full two-way player, conceding that this previously was not the case.
It is a key reason why he played Randle for 37.6 minutes per game in the series, giving him the platform to exert his dominance.