Canis Pulsus - Vol. 5 Results

So continues the rollercoaster ride that is the Minnesota Timberwolves season. Well, maybe a ride that just goes downhill a lot, but isn’t that good?

Let’s take a look at at how the Canis hivemind felt during the coaching hire week!

(Note: Canis Pulsus Vol. 5 data was collected during the the initial 0-2 stretch)

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After the announcement of Ryan Saunders’ dismissal, who did you initially want hired for the job?

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David Vanterpool (26%)

Much like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, Canis Hoopus also felt David Vanterpool should’ve been the hire. Although Chris Finch was the runner-up, it is ultimately the Wolves fate for Vanterpool to get a head coach position elsewhere as we get to watch him lead them to a deep playoff run. It’s good to know that the equal amount of CH members who wanted Finch at the helm, also didn’t really form an opinion in time. Ha!

Full voting results:

What grade would you give the hiring of Chris Finch?

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A (31%)

Average: B+

Despite being CH’s second choice, the Wolves still earned a solid A to B+ grade for this move. It’s likely this grade had a lot more to do with giving Ryan Saunders the axe, but regardless it earned a 100% passing grade (C- or above). Addition by subtraction.

Full voting results:

What do you hope Rosas does with the remaining assistant coaches?

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Keep some of them (68%)

Gersson Rosas was quick to stealth diss the entire coaching staff during the opening Chris Finch Zoom presser. However it appears that Finch is willing to give Vanterpool, Pablo Prigioni, et al. at least until the rest of the season before really making any changes. Also as Lillard mentioned, the poor defense under Vanterpool’s guidance is less a reflection of him, but more on Saunders. Whether or not they’ll stick around next season will be up for debate.

Full voting results:

What do you hope the new coaching staff addresses/implements most?

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Revamp offense (49%)

There was a wide variety of answers here (Which you can view here) for this question, but the overwhelming majority had to do with “uninstalling” Saunders’ unimpressive offensive “system.” According to Finch, it appears we may see just that after the mid-season break.

Full voting results:

How do you feel the coaching staff will impact the ‘20-’21 on-court product?

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Moderately positive (79%)

Well, the Wolves were either 0-1 or 0-2 when CH voted on this poll, and we’re now 0-5. Again, the initial positive reaction could’ve been correct. We got rid of the least experienced coach in the NBA and were already near rock bottom. How could it get worse? Right?

Full voting results:

Which player will benefit the MOST with the new coaching staff?

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Karl-Anthony Towns (52%)

KAT has already been getting more touches in the right places. Unfortunately he’s struggled to get out of his own way, thanks to all the fouls that he’s racked up. Coach Finch was very vocal about his intention to have the offense revolve around KAT more. It wasn’t surprising to see the most of the roster get votes here, as a capable head coach would (in theory) be a bonus for everyone.

Full voting results:

Which player will benefit the LEAST with the new coaching staff?

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Josh Okogie (27%)

Subsequently, a good coach should (in theory) be able to weed out players who aren’t deserving of minutes. Josh Okogie unsurprisingly tops this list, followed by the unspectacular point guard duo of D’Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio. I will say, I was surprised to see “No one” tied all the way up there with Juancho!

Full voting results:

Will the Timberwolves make the playoffs?

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No (98%)

Who’s that CH member who voted yes? I’m so proud of you!

Full voting results:

With the new head coach hired, my feelings on the direction of the Timberwolves are...

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Slightly optimistic (59%)

I’m excited to chart the trend for this answer from at the end of the season. As a collective, we jumped from 66.2% pessimistic in the last Canis Pulsus to 73.9% optimistic now. Looks like things are shaping up all Timberwolves, baby!

Full voting results:

Link to the full results: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/159o0NI41E0QnmIaSsx8BhEcceqPGEZMviu6abH3aUII/edit?usp=sharing

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During the mid-season break, we’ll be launching our next edition - 1st Semester Grades. I have a sneaky hunch that the feeling on the Timberwolves might be slightly different...