Now that the official word is out, it is time to bid farewell to Kurt Rambis.
News broke today that Rambis agreed to become the newest head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sum of $8 million to be paid over the next four years.
We here at Lake Show Life would like to thank Rambis for his years of service in the Laker organization as a player, front office member and most recently as an assistant to Phil Jackson. On behalf of Dwane Casey, Kevin McHale, Randy Wittman, the late Bill Musselman, Flip Saunders and Sidney Lowe, we’d also like to simultaneously welcome Kurt to the list of former T-Wolves head coaches.
Seriously, has Rambis seen his new roster?
It is very easy to confuse the Timberwolves with their D-league counterpart the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Aside from Al Jefferson, there’s little to work with. Maybe Rambis thought that he was getting Pau Gasol to come with him when the T-Wolves said they had a Spanish international on their roster. Of course, Ricky Rubio is on the roster by default only as of now. The Wolves have traded both Brandon Roy and O.J. Mayo only moments after drafting them yet still hold hopes that Corey Brewer will be more Scottie Pippen than Scotty Thurman. Jonny Flynn looks like he could become a real asset to Rambis, however should Rubio actually make his way to the Target Center then you can bet that management will require more minutes for their Spanish Jonas brother turned point guard. Plus there is the on going saga of “where in the world is Quentin Richardson”.
Nobody wants to be a life long assistant and there were no assurances that Rambis would have ascended to the helm of the Laker ship once Jackson departed. On the plus side, expectations should be low for Rambis. However, with the way that NBA franchises have been dismissing coaches lately, you can’t help but wonder what the buyout clause states in Kurt’s new deal.
Phil Jackson had some nice words for the departing Rambis.
"Kurt has been the workhorse of my staff the past few years. He’s worked with the youth of our team, coming in early and staying late, to help players develop. Last season he took on the responsibility as the defensive coordinator, a valuable part of our championship run. We will miss him, but know this is his time to do what he’s destined to do."
Good luck in Minnesota, Kurt. Brian Shaw thanks you for helping his chances at becoming the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.