The Minnesota Timberwolves fired coach Ryan Saunders on Sunday after a disappointing 7-24 start to the NBA season.
We want to thank Ryan for his time and commitment to the Timberwolves organization and wish him the best in the future, Timberwolves president Gersson Rosas said in a statement.
These are difficult decisions to make, however this change is in the best interest of the short and long term goals of the organization.
Saunders was 43-95 as the Timberwolves’ coach in two more seasons. Djokovic triumphs at Wimbledon to secure record 20th major win Nigeria stuns Team USA in Olympic showcase Antetokoumpo, Bucks top Suns in NBA Finals
They’ve won just seven of 31 games and lost eight of their last nine for an NBA-worst record.
Saunders’ sacking comes after Minnesota lost 103-99 against the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Minnesota has been hit hard by injuries and COVID-19 issues this season, with starting guard D’Angelo Russell out for six weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee.
Karl-Anthony Towns contracted the coronavirus and suffered a wrist injury, resulting in him playing just 11 games so far this season.
Toronto Raptors assistant coach Chris Finch is believed to be the frontrunner for the job to replace Saunders.