Minnesota Timberwolves: 7 Potential Coaches to Lead Derrick Williams and Co.

Kurt Rambis must feel like an ex-boyfriend that has been invited to an engagement party of a former girlfriend. Things are looking up for the Timberwolves, but Rambis knows that he will probably not be the team's best suitor.

This Minnesota Timberwolves team is more talented and has more buzz surrounding it than the fishing opener on Lake Mille Lacs. Kurt Rambis and his 32-win record does not jive with the hope emanating from Timberwolves fans.

This team is no stranger to rumors, secrets and hearsay. The coaching position is no exception. Here is an examination of rumored and "pie in the sky" candidates.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The former Minnesota Gophers guard and current Timberwolves assistant coach is in contention to be promoted to head coach. His father, Bernie, has also had his name thrown around as being brought in as an assistant and mentor for his son.

While the idea of bringing in a former Gopher is a good public relations ploy, I am skeptical of Bickerstaff's ability to coach such a young and inexperienced team

Kelvin Sampson

The former Indiana Hoosiers coach is a possible candidate for the Wolves. A major plus for Sampson is that he he has experience working with young players. He developed the Clippers' star guard, Eric Gordon, and coached the US under-21 team to a gold medal at the under-21 games in 2004.

Even though Sampson has a good amount of experience at the pro level as an assistant, a college coach transitioning to the pro level could make the already weary fan base in Minnesota nervous (think Rick Pitino in Boston).

Sam Mitchell

Sam Mitchel, the former Timberwolves forward, would be a popular pick amongst fans.

Mitchell is one of the most well liked former Timberwolves players. He was also a fairly successful coach for the Toronto Raptors, winning coach of the year in 2007. He transformed the Raptors from cellar dwellers to making the playoffs.

There are rumors Mitchell and the Wolves brass spoke after the season ended.

Lorenzo Romar

University of Washington coach Lorenzo Romar has a style similar to what the Wolves are looking to create, up-tempo and solid defensive play. He also is a popular and well-liked coach, something that Wolves fans have not experienced since Flip Saunders. Romar has publicly stated he is happy in Washington and plans to stay there for a long time.

With respect to Romar, coaches and politicians have said those words before and are quick to rescind them if something better comes along. Hopefully the chance to coach Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams could sweeten the deal for Romar or any potential coach.

Mike Krzyzewski

This is probably the only man where the previous statement regarding coaches and politicians does not work. The Coach K rumors to the Timberwolves were the butt of the sports media world's jokes for the past few days.

The media was probably shocked at the amount of good decisions David Kahn made at the draft and just needed a quick laugh.

While a nice dream, Coach K should not and will not leave Duke for Minnesota.

Larry Brown

It is surprising that this rumor has not gained more traction. Even stranger, rumors stated that Larry Brown called the Wolves to say he wanted the job. Brown is 70, so he probably will not be a long-term answer for the team. More importantly though, Brown is a winner, with one championship and multitudes of playoff appearances under his belt. He could get this team off the ground and groom a young assistant.

Brown gives the Wolves' youngsters a mentor. He also has the type of experience the team has never had: the kind that has won a championship.

David Kahn should call him up right away.

Jerry Sloan

This is a completely unsubstantiated rumor. Jerry Sloan is my "pie in the sky" pick. He is the definition of stability and a class act. It is highly unlikely that he will come out of retirement after dealing with the head cases on Utah this past year.

This Minnesota team does not seem to have many character issues and has a lot of potential. Hopefully this combination could lure a solid veteran like Sloan.

The Dirty Little Secret

The dirty little secret about the Timberwolves organization is that management has always been content with mediocrity. The coaches (post-Flip Saunders), most of the draft picks, and free agents the management brings in year after year do not scream "championship caliber." It's been extremely frustrating for this lifelong Timberwolves fan. 

Who is the last player or coach that we have had on this team that has won multiple championships? Sadly, the first player that comes to mind is Mark Madsen.

This year needs to be different.

Kahn has done a decent job of assembling a respectable and exciting team for the upcoming year. Let's hope he does the same with a head coach.