The Timberwolves plan to have Chris Finch in Denver for Game 1

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Coyote is planning to have coach Chris Finch with them in Denver for the start of their Western Conference semifinal series following his knee surgery — and considering seating arrangements to allow him to sit safely on the bench during matches.

Wednesday’s procedure to repair the torn patellar tendon in Finch’s right knee went well, according to assistant coach Micah Nori, who has been at the helm on an interim basis during Finch’s absence. Finch directed starting strategy for the Nuggets this week before undergoing surgery.

The team will fly Thursday night to Denver before Game 1 on Saturday, Nori said. Provided his recovery is on schedule, Finch will likely travel separately to allow more time to heal.

In the NBA, the benches are crowded with reserve players and the coaching staff is crowded with high-priced floor chairs surrounding them so they can start playing. It will be a challenge to create enough space for Finch to stretch his legs and stay out of danger in the event of another loose ball chase or collision with a player coming too close for comfort. The Timberwolves have discussed relocating head athletic trainer Gregg Farnam to make room for Finch.

If they can’t make that setup, Finch will likely join the group in the locker room for pre-game and halftime meetings and watch the action from above in a suite.

“In typical Finchy fashion, he said, ‘I don’t want to sit there and send a text to someone behind the bench,’” Nori said.

With much of the same rotation as last year and a coaching staff that is in good shape through its third season, the Timberwolves are confident they can weather the disruption caused by Finch’s injury without missing a any rhythm on the field.

“I’m not saying Finchy isn’t funny and stuff like that, but Finchy seems a little more serious than Micah, and it’s good to have that balance,” the point guard said. Mike Conley, who won the NBA’s Teammate of the Year award on Wednesday. “Everybody really respects Micah and what he brings to our team.”

Finch finished third in voting for the NBA Coach of the Year award. Oklahoma Cityby Mark Daigneault.

“He doesn’t want to be the center of attention. He trusts all of us. He trusts the players. He says, ‘You guys do it yourself. You’ve done enough,'” Nori speak. “In the end, the players will be the ones who decide this series.”

Finch was hurt when Conley collided with him late in the Game 4 win at Phoenix that gave the Timberwolves their first series win in franchise history.

“He made us all feel better seeing him in good spirits the next day and able to come back with us,” center Rudy Gobert speak. “Obviously it’s unfortunate, but we’re here to support him and we’ll try to make him proud from afar.”