http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/sport ... basketball
McHale accepted the change graciously, if unenthusiastically. Now, as unlikely as it seems, he may take up permanent residence in the coach’s office.
Despite a generally dismal season, Taylor has indicated that the job is McHale’s to keep, if he wants it. McHale, who generally disdains talking about himself, will not entertain the discussion publicly. But there is a sense that McHale is much more open to coaching than his curmudgeonly demeanor and curt answers would suggest.
In the past, McHale has bemoaned the hectic schedule required of coaches, particularly the travel. His players said they never hear the complaint, except from inquiring reporters.
“We heard that when he first came in,” point guard Sebastian Telfair said, “but he’s definitely putting the time in. We haven’t had much days off. I thought we’d have more days off for a guy that’s so laid-back,” he added with a chuckle.
The job of teacher and mentor suits McHale, who was a Hall of Fame forward for the Boston Celtics. Even as an executive, he could often be found on the Timberwolves’ practice court, passing on advice to young players and occasionally giving instruction to the big men.
“You feel that he wants you to do good,” Telfair said.
There is some evidence that he may even be a good head coach, the current record notwithstanding. McHale guided the team to a 19-12 record after replacing Saunders in 2005. The youthful Timberwolves had begun to thrive this season before Al Jefferson, their gifted power forward, sustained a season-ending knee injury Feb. 8.
The fans turned on McHale long ago, for failing to win with Garnett and for failing to keep him. But the mood is different in the locker room.
“Guys want him back, especially me,” Telfair said. “I feel when he came in, we started playing basketball the right way.”
