The Minnesota Timberwolves have hired Portland Trail Blazers assistant David Vanterpool, who will become the associate head coach on Ryan Saunders' staff, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Vanterpool is expected to act as the defensive coordinator and play a key role in support of a young Ryan Saunders, who recently welcomed another addition with his newborn son on Thursday:

Vanterpool spent seven years with the Blazers, playing a prominent part in the growth of the star backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. He was one of those interviewed by new president Gersson Rosas during the coaching search, leaving a strong impression within the organization, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

The Timberwolves had been recruiting him thoroughly, and Saunders played a key role in this process after the front office decided to clean out his former coaching staff upon removing the interim tag and making him the full-time head coach.

This franchise has been aggressive in its rebuild after moving on from Jimmy Butler and Tom Thibodeau, putting Saunders at the helm, which was a popular play within the organization and the locker room, now surrounding him with a staff that can help guide him through his first full season at the helm of these young Wolves.

Vanterpool's experience with a prominent playoff team, one that is coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance, should prove a massive learning experience for the 33-year-old coach, the youngest active helmsman in the league.