One day after Timberwolves part-owner, president of basketball operations and coach Flip Saunders died, team owner Glen Taylor said Monday he has already put his team on course for a season without the man who completely rebuilt the team's roster.
When Saunders was hospitalized in early September, Taylor split Saunders' duties, promoting associate head coach Sam Mitchell to interim coach and expanding General Manager Milt Newton's duties.
"I think I've done probably what I need to do at this particular time," he said.
Now, Taylor said both men will have the chance to show they're fit for the jobs permanently. Taylor said Mitchell will retain the title of interim coach.
He likened the situation to a player getting his chance because another player gets injured and the first player never gives up his starting spot again.
"When something sad happens or something you don't want to happen, it does not necessarily project that it's all negative," Taylor said. "Sometimes positives can happen. Let's see what these people can do. Let's see what their leadership is. Going through a difficult time, maybe we'll see people bloom into what they might not have otherwise. I've seen that happen a number of times."
Taylor said the only difference now is he will be more involved than if Saunders were on the jobs.
"If there was a concern, I was really confident Flip would handle it," Taylor said. "I'm not uncomfortable that people can't handle it, but I'll probably be closer, more observant and be willing to step in and give advice or help sooner just to make sure the team knows I'm there and I support them."
