Wittman's Gone, and Kevin McHale Might Join Him in a Few Months

As rumored this morning, Minnesota put the axe to coach Randy Wittman after dude led his team to 4-15 start one year removed from a 22-60 record. The Wolves have lost 75 percent of their games under Wittman. Worse, Minnesota has looked like a group of sedated slugs on the court, lacking any sort of pride or hope in recent games.

But the more important news is that Kevin McHale will take over the team ... and step down from his front office duties. As I wrote this morning, it seems team owner Glen Taylor refuses to blame the personnel boss for the franchise's woes, instead canning coach after coach.

If becoming a coach is the only way McHale scrams out of Minneapolis, then it's what must be done. Really, this is a victory for Wolves fans who'd like to see McHale go. Unless you think the guy can whip these kids into shape and finish strong, McHale looks to be gone at season's end.

Here's Taylor's quote on McHale's charge:

"Kevin has assembled the players on this team, and believes in their talent and skill level," Taylor said. "It is my expectation that Kevin will be able to get the most out of our team and our players in his new role as head coach. He has been involved in the NBA game for almost 30 years, is a tremendous teacher and has a wealth of basketball knowledge. I am confident that our players will respond to the new voice and perspective that Kevin will provide."

How many wins does McHale need to win to keep his job? Fourteen in the remaining 63 games, which would beat Wittman's record this season? If McHale does well from the bench, will Taylor ask him to stay on the sideline and leave the front office work to GM Jim Stack and franchise golden boy Fred Hoiberg? Does McHale want to coach permanently? (I think we know the answer to that last one.)