Timberwolves HC Chris Finch Delivers High Praise of LaMelo Ball

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a blockbuster move earlier this offseason, acquiring LaMelo Ball in a league-altering trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

Ball’s arrival in Minnesota gives the Timberwolves one of the most electrifying backcourt duos in the league, pairing him alongside All-Star guard Anthony Edwards.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch believes Ball is a perfect fit for his team.

"He's almost ideal in the sense that he's got such a high IQ and so much connectivity, and you just have to look at the numbers when he's on the floor, how much better people shoot," Finch said during a recent interview with Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune. "Yet he can still score for himself if need be. I've really, I've always had a soft spot for players who could pass. I just think it's the soul of the game, really, and he's going to fit with everybody in that regard."

Since entering the league as the Hornets’ No. 3 overall pick in 2020, Ball has developed the reputation of having a carefree and sometimes reckless style of play.

Finch believes the Timberwolves can control Ball’s play style without hampering his talent.

"We do see him a little differently," Finch added. "We see what people see in those critiques. There's no doubt we're going to ask him to clean up the shot selection a little bit. There's no doubt that in the West where we are, every minute of basketball is going to be meaningful, and I think he's looking forward to that."

Through his six seasons with the Hornets, Ball averaged 20.8 points and 7.3 assists per game.

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:45 AM.