The realm of the National Basketball Association (NBA) is not only home to legendary players but also serves as a platform where some transition into significant roles like management or even team ownership. Among these individuals is Chris Finch, a distinguished former player who now leads as the head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Starting his career without being drafted in the 1992 NBA Draft, Finch made his mark playing for the Sheffield Sharks in the British Basketball League. Despite the shift to coaching, his collegiate records in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals still stand out. This article delves into various aspects of his life and career, including:
- Chris Finch’s All-Time Record: Examining his coaching achievements and milestones.
- Net Worth and Salary: Insights into his financial earnings from his extensive basketball career.
- Personal Life: Details on his marital status, showcasing a slice of his life off the court.
- Physical Profile: A look at Finch’s stature with his age and height.
- Profile Summary:
- Full Name: Chris Finch
- Date of Birth: 6 November 1969
- Age: 54 years as of February 2024
- Birthplace: Cambridge, Ohio, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White
- Parents: Federal and Ellen Finch
- Siblings: Kevin Finch
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Profession: Former NBA player and current head coach
- Years Active: 1993 to present
- Current Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
- Salary: $4 million to $5 million annually
- Net Worth: Estimated between $1.5 million to $5 million
Family Background and Early Life
Chris Finch was born and raised in Cambridge, Ohio, alongside his brother Kevin. He attended Wilson High School in West Lawn before pursuing higher education at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Professional Journey
Finch’s professional journey began in England with the Sheffield Forgers in the NBL, before moving up to the first-tier British Basketball League with the Sheffield Sharks. His coaching career later commenced with the same team, leading them to numerous successes and establishing them as one of the most victorious franchises in the league’s history. His career then took him to Germany, where he coached the Gießen 46ers, further honing his leadership and tactical skills.
This overview provides a glimpse into Chris Finch’s life, highlighting his transition from player to one of the strategic minds in basketball coaching today.
Challenges and Triumphs: The Coaching Journey of Chris Finch
Chris Finch’s career in Germany faced its share of challenges, including a dismissal from his coaching position. Nevertheless, his resilience led him to Belgium where he became the head coach of Euphony Bree. Under his leadership, the team clinched their first and only Belgian Basketball League championship in 2005. Finch’s coaching trajectory continued to ascend as he moved on to coach several prominent teams:
- Dexia Mons-Hainaut from 2007 to 2009
- Rio Grande Valley Vipers from 2009 to 2011
- Houston Rockets from 2011 to 2016
- Denver Nuggets from 2016 to 2017
- New Orleans Pelicans from 2017 to 2020
- Toronto Raptors from 2020 to 2021
- Minnesota Timberwolves from 2021 to the present
Chris Finch’s Coaching Record
Throughout his career, spanning 222 games, Finch has secured a regular season head coaching record of 117-105, translating to a win percentage of 52.7% as of 2023. These statistics place him 137th all-time in wins and 89th all-time in win percentage.
Partnership with Anthony Edwards
The bond between Chris Finch and star player Anthony Edwards extends beyond the court. Anthony Edwards, along with Karl-Anthony Towns, has credited Finch with playing a pivotal role in their successful careers. Finch has expressed admiration for Edwards, particularly noting his humility and team spirit, characteristics he shared during a conversation on KFXN FM.
“He’s genuinely caring about everyone around him—not just me, but his teammates as well. It’s rare to find someone with such a superstar demeanor who is so dedicated to his teammates’ success and who consistently attributes success to others, even after game-changing performances,” Finch remarked.
Recent Achievements
Recently, the NBA recognized Finch’s outstanding leadership by selecting him to coach the Western Conference All-Stars in the upcoming game in Indianapolis on February 18.
Financial Insights into Chris Finch
While high-profile individuals often maintain privacy about their finances, estimates from sources like Basketball Insiders suggest Chris Finch’s net worth is between $1.5 million and $5 million. His annual salary ranges from $4 million to $5 million, nearing the highest coaching salary in the NBA of $7.25 million.
Contractual Commitments
Chris Finch was initially hired by the Minnesota Timberwolves mid-season in 2020/21. After leading the team to their first playoff appearance in 14 years, Finch signed a four-year contract extension and is currently in the second year of this agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two years into his tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Finch has made significant impacts. Here are some commonly asked questions about his role and achievements that shed light on his ongoing contributions to the team.
Personal Insights and Professional Milestones of Chris Finch
Chris Finch’s Family Life
Chris Finch, the distinguished head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, is married, though he prefers to keep the details of his personal life, including his spouse and children, private.
Physical Stature of Chris Finch
Chris Finch, a former professional basketball player, stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters). He is recognized for his brown hair and eyes, contributing to his distinctive presence on and off the court.
Educational Background
Chris Finch attended Wilson High School in West Lawn, Pennsylvania. After high school, he pursued higher education at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he further honed his basketball skills.
Final Thoughts
Having spent over a decade coaching basketball across various countries, Chris Finch has made a significant impact since taking over as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Within just two years of his leadership, he has already demonstrated remarkable improvements in team performance, fostering optimism among fans and sports commentators alike.