The Minnesota Timberwolves have named Chris Finch as their new coach after Ryan Saunders was sacked on Sunday.
Saunders was dismissed after the 103-99 defeat against the New York Knicks, the club’s eighth loss in nine games.
The team are bottom of the Western Conference having won only seven matches this season.
Finch, 51, is a former coach of the Sheffield Sharks in England, and led Great Britain’s men at the Olympic basketball tournament at London 2012.
President of basketball operations Gersson Rosas said: “Chris brings a wealth of basketball experience from his time in the NBA, G League and internationally.
“He is one of the most creative basketball minds in the NBA, has success maximizing players and I am excited to see him bring our team to the next level and beyond.”
Finch, an assistant coach under Nick Nurse at the Toronto Raptors this season, said: “I look forward to working hand and hand with Gersson to build and lead a team that Timberwolves fans will be proud of. We have excellent pieces in place and I can’t wait to get to work.”
The Milwaukee Bucks – who the Timberwolves face on Tuesday – beat Sacramento 128-115 on Sunday.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder claimed a second victory in eight games with a 117-101 win against Cleveland – a 10th defeat in a row for the Cavaliers.
The Raptors beat Eastern Conference leaders the Philadelphia 76ers 110-103, while the Atlanta Hawks claimed a 123-115 win against the Denver Nuggets.
The Orlando Magic beat the Detroit Pistons 105-96, while the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 112-108.
