Elston Turner Reflects on Coaching Journey with Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS – Elston Turner, the longtime assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, shared insights about his extensive coaching career as his team prepares to face elimination in the Western Conference finals.

Standing near the court before Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Turner reminisced about his time coaching players like Isaiah Hartenstein, whom he coached during his tenure in Houston. “I’ve coached everybody. Some of the staff I coached with now, I coached them when they were players,” he said after the Timberwolves’ narrow 128-126 loss.

Turner, who began his coaching career with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1996, has been in the game for nearly three decades, working with teams including the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies. He has served under Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch since 2021.

As a player, Turner averaged 4.7 points and 2.2 rebounds over eight seasons in the NBA, playing with teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls. Despite numerous interviews for head coaching positions, Turner has never held an NBA head coach role, a fact he finds perplexing yet accepts. “I’ve come to peace with it. My blessing is just being there teaching players,” he reflected.

The Timberwolves, trailing 3-1 in the series, hope to stave off elimination tonight, relying on Turner’s experience and the guidance he provides to younger players, including rising star Anthony Edwards. Finch praised Turner’s contributions, citing his calm demeanor as a key asset. “He’s really good with the guys. Teaches. Very patient,” Finch stated.

Turner emphasized the evolution of the game over his career, noting changes in coaching approaches and player engagement. “You got to have a polished approach to get them to move,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of connecting with younger athletes.

As he reflected on his journey, Turner mentioned the importance of building relationships within the league and shared his desire to continue coaching for as long as he can maintain his health and passion for the game. “I take pride in staying in shape. I’m able to stand up to these dudes if they try me,” he joked.

Despite not achieving the head coaching position he has long sought, Turner remains focused on inspiring the next generation of players. “I won’t let anything that’s out of my control put some salt into that,” he said.