Welcome back, TBL Nation! Anji and Anna are buzzing with excitement as they dive into the incredible journey of the winningest coach in Timberwolves history—Chris Finch.
We kick things off with a trip down memory lane to Finch's early days. Born on November 6, 1969, in Cambridge, Ohio, Finch's basketball prowess was evident early on. A two-time All-American at Franklin & Marshall College, he left an indelible mark on the court. Despite the NCAA Division III championship loss in 1991, Finch's impact at F&M earned him a spot in the college's Hall of Fame in 2002.
Post-college, Finch took his skills to England, playing professionally for the Sheffield Forgers/Sharks from 1993 to 1997. But Finchy wasn't just a player—he transitioned into a player-coach. His coaching career took off as he led the Sheffield Sharks to multiple titles, earning him the prestigious BBL Coach of the Year award in 1999.
The journey didn't stop there. Finch ventured into coaching in Germany and Belgium, leaving a mark of success wherever he went. His arrival in the NBA's G-League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers saw immediate triumph—a championship and the D-League Coach of the Year award.
Fast forward to the NBA, where Finch's coaching acumen shone. From the Houston Rockets to the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and eventually the Toronto Raptors, he left an impact at every stop. On February 22, 2021, Finch took the helm as the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his first full season, he guided the team to a remarkable 46–36 finish and secured their first playoff berth since 2018.
Finch's coaching brilliance didn't go unnoticed. He received well-deserved recognition in the 2021–22 NBA Coach of the Year voting. And on April 11, 2022, he inked a multi-year extension with the Timberwolves, solidifying his place in the team's storied history.
Join Anji and Anna as they celebrate Chris Finch's journey, from player to the pinnacle of coaching success. It's a tale of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the game. Don't miss this episode, Wolves fans! 🐺🏀