Chris Finch met with reporters Thursday to discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves’ season-ending loss to the Thunder and addressed key questions about offseason priorities, player roles, and areas needing improvement.
Finch acknowledged uncertainty around the futures of Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, but emphasized the team’s intent to retain them.
“It’s our intention to keep everybody here,” Finch said, noting that the front office will handle communication with players and staff about contract decisions.
Reid sees himself as a starter, according to Finch, though that opportunity may not exist if both Randle and Rudy Gobert return.
Finch praised Reid’s professionalism and steady development, saying, “He’s grown his role every season,” while reiterating the team’s depth with “eight starter-quality players.”
When asked about Anthony Edwards’ growth, Finch highlighted the 23-year-old’s leadership and all-around progress after another Western Conference Finals appearance.
“He’s about the right things,” Finch said. “His habits supporting his game keep getting better and better… there’s a lot to be encouraged by.”
However, Finch added that Edwards must continue refining his late-game decision-making and improve foul-drawing techniques: “We have to help him… what shots and places on the floor he can repeatedly get to.”
Minnesota allowed 124 points in Game 5 against Oklahoma City, and Finch didn’t shy away from critiquing his team’s defensive slippage.
“We had a little bit of regression defensively this year,” he said. “Our on-ball containment was inconsistent all year… that’s got to be better.”
He pointed to the need for adapting schemes around Gobert, stating, “We’ve got to do different things… which helps protect him too.”
Finch was also candid about game plan execution, admitting, “Changing coverages isn’t the issue. We have to examine our defensive philosophy overall.”
He said improvement must come from both players and staff, emphasizing, “We can get better with habits, and that’s on me. I’m the gatekeeper of that.”
Regarding young guard Rob Dillingham, Finch said opportunity is ahead given Mike Conley’s age and reduced workload, but Dillingham must simplify his game and become a more consistent shooter.
“He’s got the ability to get to the heart of the defense,” Finch said. “But he’s got to round out his shot… every shot is a little different right now.”
Asked whether execution and focus can be trained like physical skills, Finch said concentration is “an acquired skill” and must be prioritized.
As for the big-picture takeaway from the season, Finch urged balance: “We had a great season. We didn’t play well at the most important time. But it doesn’t define everything.”
He believes Minnesota can follow the lead of other contending teams by identifying flaws without overreacting.
“I think some of them are player-driven. Some are staff-driven. Some are philosophy-driven,” Finch said. “We’ve got a lot of stuff to get into.”
