Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns spoke to the media for the first time since the team’s coaching change on Tuesday, signaling he’s “extremely happy” to play under Chris Finch and is committed to “building a legacy” in Minnesota.
“I’m a very loyal guy to a fault,” Towns said. “I would love to finish my career here in Minnesota…I want to build something great here. I want to build a legacy in Minnesota.”
Towns’ comments come two days after the Timberwolves fired Ryan Saunders. In a process that took less than 24 hours, the Wolves tabbed Finch to replace Saunders in a move that caught everyone off guard.
That included Towns, who didn’t learn of the change until he was eating pizza with his father after Sunday’s loss to the New York Knicks.
“It’s just a business,” Towns said of the change. “I’m extremely happy to call Coach Finch my coach. I’m extremely accepting of him. I’ve been excited all day to finally get to hear what he wants to say and try to learn the little offensive schemes he’s putting in and defensive stuff. But you know, it’s a business.”
While Towns was excited to get to work with Finch, he also voiced concerns about the lack of an opportunity for a minority candidate, specifically Timberwolves assistant David Vanterpool.
Vanterpool, who is Black, had the endorsement of Portland Trail Blazers stars Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, but didn’t get the chance to interview in the expedited process to hire Finch from the Toronto Raptors.
“There’s a lot of amazing men of color out there that deserve the opportunity to lead a team and to run an organization and have a chance to make their mark in this league, not with a jersey on but with a suit on, and I say that with meaning,” Towns said.
“As a man who looks like me, I can’t wait to see [Vanterpool] get a job where he can flourish, be a head coach, and run a team, and we’re so honored and blessed to have him here on this coaching staff.”
With Finch getting the call, it should mean good things for Towns. Finch said during his introductory press conference on Monday that he plans on making Towns the center point of the Timberwolves offense beginning with Tuesday night’s game with the Milwaukee Bucks.
But Towns’ comments also carry a shelf life.
At 7-24, the Timberwolves hold the worst record in the NBA. With more stars forcing themselves out of bad situations, the Wolves’ new regime needs to find success quickly or risk having Towns be the latest to look for a new home.
