The Minnesota Timberwolves named David Vanterpool as their new associate head coach on June 19.

Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders loves the hire, per a press release on the team's official website.

David is someone I have a great amount of respect for throughout his time in Portland. His ability to connect with players and create lasting relationships is something that will be critical for us.

Also, his basketball knowledge and attention to detail will be invaluable. We're excited for David to implement his schemes and philosophies on the defensive side of the ball and maximize our players' strengths.

David is an important addition to our team as we look to build the best coaching staff possible. We welcome him and his family to our Timberwolves family.

For his part, Vanterpool told the Timberwolves' official website he's excited about the opportunity. He also said he's looking forward “to working with Ryan and the rest of our staff to put our players in the best possible position to succeed.”

Vanterpool spent the previous seven seasons as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers. He also served as the Oklahoma City Thunder's director of player personnel from 2010 to 2012.

During Vanterpool's playing days, he helped the defunct Continental Basketball Association's (CBA) Yakima Sun Kings win the league title in 2000. He suited up in 22 games for the Washington Wizards in the 2000-01 NBA season.

Vanterpool then played overseas in Italy and Moscow. He helped CSKA Moscow win the EuroLeague championship in 2006.

Saunders and Vanterpool have a dauting task ahead of them. Minnesota finished with a 36-46 (.439) win-loss record in the 2018-19 NBA season. The Timberwolves also missed the playoffs for the 14th time in the last 15 years. Hopefully, Minnesota can turn things around in the 2019-20 NBA season.