- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Tim Lewis has joined the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant coach, becoming the first British-born coach in NBA history. The Saint Asaph, Wales native was added to Chris Finch's staff this summer after the head coach pursued him for over a year to return.
Lewis and Finch share a 25-year friendship dating to their playing days at Crystal Palace and Sheffield Sharks. The pair previously worked together at the London 2012 Olympics as assistants for Team GB alongside Nick Nurse, now head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Lewis brings extensive international experience, having coached in Thailand, Qatar, Germany, Belgium, Canada, the United States and with Panama's national team. He spent over 15 years with England and Great Britain age groups and won the Empress Cup in January as head coach of Japan's Eneos Sunflowers. He also had a prior Minnesota stint with the Iowa Wolves during Covid, followed by a post-game analysis role.
In his new role, Lewis will focus on offensive game planning, player development with young bigs, and assisting Pablo Prigioni. He described Anthony Edwards as very coachable and eager to improve. The Timberwolves open their season against Giannis and the Miami Heat, with Lewis noting the early schedule features bruising power forwards in Miami, Orlando and Toronto. Minnesota aims for 50-plus wins and a 2027 championship.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).