MINNEAPOLIS — After years spent playing under Pat Riley and coaching under Phil Jackson, Kurt Rambis is finally getting a chance to run his own team. Rambis has been hired as coach of the Timberwolves in hopes of transforming a struggling franchise into a contender.
Rambis received a four- year, $8 million-plus contract, according to the Star Tribune.
Rambis has been an assistant with the Lakers for most of the past seven seasons. He won four titles as a player with the Lakers in the 1980s and two more as an assistant coach, including last season, when he served as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Rambis was one of three finalists, along with TV commentator and former NBA star Mark Jackson and Houston assistant Elston Turner. Rambis takes over for Kevin McHale, the man who famously clotheslined him while playing for the Celtics in the 1984 Finals.
Footnotes.
The Celtics and forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs last season, agreed to a two-year deal worth about $6 million. The Celtics also signed forward Shelden Williams.
• The 76ers re-signed guard Royal Ivey, who averaged three points and 1.1 rebounds in 71 games off the bench last season.
Denver Post wire services
