Mark Madsen never hesitated last week when asked direct questions by Sports Headliners about Kurt Rambis, reportedly the next Timberwolves head coach. Madsen has known the 51-year-old Rambis, the Lakers’ assistant coach, since Madsen was in college at Stanford.
“When it comes to professional experience and knowledge of the game, it’s very difficult to find anyone better,” said Madsen, the former Timberwolf traded to the Clippers earlier this summer. “His offensive philosophy is influenced by Jackson and Riley. He knows how to relate to guys. …”
Rambis, of course, played on NBA championship teams as Pat Riley’s “do the dirty work” starting power forward. He’s been an assistant to Phil Jackson on title clubs for part of this decade.
Madsen said Rambis was his coach at an NBA scouting combine after he finished playing at Stanford. Then Madsen played three seasons in Los Angeles where Rambis was beginning his now 10 season duty as a Lakers’ assistant.
While the Lakers environment includes four world titles since 2000, the Wolves have floundered at times during this decade including the last two seasons when they’ve won 46 of 164 games. Under new president of basketball operations David Kahn, the Wolves find themselves starting over (again).
“I think he could be an unbelievable fit as Minnesota’s coach,” Madsen said.
The Wolves’ roster has 10 players with three years or less of NBA experience. Madsen said Rambis’ attributes include teaching and player development.
No franchise becomes successful without the ability of its players to execute defensively. Last season Jackson put Rambis in charge of the team’s defense and the Lakers went on to win a 15th world title.
Madsen said Rambis, who long ago became a fan favorite because of his hustling playing style and Clark Kent type glasses, will excel in community relations, too, with his personality. “Kurt Rambis is beloved in Los Angeles and the Laker organization,” Madsen said.
The announcement of who the next Wolves coach will be is expected this week. If a guy jumps out of a phone booth at the press conference, we’ll know it’s Rambis.