Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum made the case for David Vanterpool on social media after the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t hire the 47-year-old as the new head coach of the team. The T-Wolves parted ways with Ryan Saunders and the Portland Trail Blazers stars were hopeful to see assistant coach getting the job but none of that happened.
The team appointed Chris Finch as the new head coach and that didn’t sit well with Lillard and McCollum. The five-time All-Star took to Twitter to voice his frustration with his former coach being overlooked, blasting the Timberwolves for their decision.
“How the hell do you not hire David Vanterpool and he’s right there on the bench…” Lillard wrote on Twitter. “And has been in front office SUCCESSFULLY and on the front of a bench of a winning team SUCCESSFULLY (7 years) … and also has played a major role in the development of a dominant backcourt smdh!”
How the hell do you not hire David Vanterpool and he’s right there on the bench… and has been in front office SUCCESSFULLY and on the front of a bench of a winning team SUCCESSFULLY (7 years) … and also has played a major role in the development of a dominant backcourt smdh!
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) February 22, 2021
McCollum quoted that tweet and agreed with Dame, but not everybody felt the same.
Make it make sense. Respectfully. https://t.co/4crtNzWV0W
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 22, 2021
When one fan asked Lillard what he had against Finch, he made it clear he didn’t know the man but knew Vanterpool and what he’s capable of doing for a team.
I don’t know him to have nothin against him. Congrats to him… but I’m sorry Vanterpool is a coach that I know for sure is needed in these locker rooms. I speak the real …not favorites… respectfully https://t.co/vtvsYfK1d2
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) February 22, 2021
Also Vanterpool is a former player. Great career at st bona… NBA and overseas … https://t.co/1YDRODlLDD
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) February 22, 2021
David spent seven seasons in Portland before leaving in 2019 to join the Timberwolves. One would have imagined he was getting at least the chance to compete for the job but Minnesota has different plans. His former players aren’t happy with this situation but it is what it is. They’ll have to wait until one team gives Vanterpool a chance to be their head coach.
