Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns was just trying to enjoy a pie with his father when news first broke that the team had fired head coach Ryan Saunders.
Towns revealed he was eating pizza when he received the news, much in the same fashion as the casual NBA fan learned of Saunders' dismissal:
“I learned when y'all found out,” Towns said Tuesday, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “I was eating pizza with my father and the news came out and we were all shocked.”
The Timberwolves All-Star center also had some thoughts on the team's decision to hire former Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch.
Towns said he was eager to play for Finch, but suggested current Wolves assistant David Vanterpool might have been deserving of the job:
“Very happy for Coach Finch,” Towns said, via Krawczynski. “I'm excited to play for him. But I would not be doing justice … by mentioning David Vanterpool is an amazing coach with an amazing IQ that is going to do amazing things.”
Towns elaborated, saying he believes persons of color deserve more head coaching opportunities. However, he also stated an understanding the organization made the hiring for a reason, adding there is a need to remain professional.
As for Towns' own future in Minnesota? The 25-year-old is hoping to help change the franchise's fortunes:
“I'm a very loyal guy to a fault,” Towns said, via Krawczynski. “I would love to finish my career here in Minnesota. “I want to build something great here. I want to build a legacy in Minnesota.”
Time will tell whether Finch can help spur some improvement with the Timberwolves. Portland Trail Blazers guards Damian Lillard chastised the organization for hiring Finch over Vanterpool, given Vanterpool's past presence as part of a winner in Portland.
For his part, Towns has played well since returning from injury on Feb. 10. But the Timberwolves have lost six of their last seven even with him on the floor, dropping to 7-24 on the season.
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