The Minnesota Timberwolves have officially named Ryan Saunders as the full-time head coach.

New Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas explained the move in a statement:

“I’m pleased to announce Ryan Saunders as our head coach,” Gersson Rosas said, via NBA.com. “Ryan is an excellent communicator and has developed open and trusting relationships with our players. I’ve known Ryan for many years and have always respected his approach to the game, work ethic, basketball knowledge and passion.

“His coaching style and philosophies are ideal for the modern NBA and I am confident that as a partner he will get the most out of our players as we build an identity and a sustainable winning model.”

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Ryan is the son of the late flip Flip Saunders. The Timberwolves went 17-25 under Ryan this season after he took over for Tom Thibodeau in January. Ryan has a very close relationship with Timberwolves star big man Karl-Anthony Towns.

Minnesota missed the playoffs this season after making it in 2017-18. The Jimmy Butler trade drama was too much for the franchise to overcome. The players on the Timberwolves really liked the way Ryan connected and coached the team. Towns' usage rate and numbers took a huge spike under Ryan. Now, we'll see if Ryan can lead Minnesota to more wins in 2019-20.