37 Points and 10 Assists Against Shaq? Troy Hudson Made a Move That Nobody in the League Saw Coming

Alright, you remember those early 2000s NBA playoffs, right? The energy, the drama, the absolute legends on the court? Well, one of those legends, a guy who actually went toe-to-toe with Kobe and Shaq, just made a move that’s got the hoops world buzzing. Troy Hudson, the former Timberwolves point guard, has officially been hired as an assistant coach at Minnetonka High School. Yeah, you heard that right. From battling the Lakers in epic playoff series to the high school sidelines. It’s a wild pivot, but man, what an asset for those kids! The Minnetonka Skippers themselves posted on social media, welcoming Coach Hudson, saying he’ll be a "great asset" and help them "continue to compete at the highest level on and off the court!" Talk about bringing some serious NBA cred to the program!

The "Laker Killer" Era: When Hudson Went OFF

Look, if you followed the NBA back in the day, you know Troy Hudson wasn't just some guy. He played eleven seasons in the league, including five with the Timberwolves during that super exciting Kevin Garnett era from 2002-03 to 2006-07. But he earned his legendary status, and the nickname "Laker Killer," during the 2002-03 playoffs. The Wolves faced off against Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and the Lakers in the first round, and Hudson absolutely exploded. He averaged a ridiculous 23.5 points in that series, helping push those Lakers to six grueling games. We’re talking about a guy who dropped 37 points and dished out 10 assists in a Game 2 win. Then he followed that up with 27 points in Game 3 and 28 points in Game 4. That kind of performance against two of the greatest to ever play? Unforgettable. It even earned him a huge six-year, $36 million contract, though injuries unfortunately limited his production later on, leading to a buyout before the 2007 season.

A New Chapter and Passing the Torch

Now, almost two decades later, Hudson is bringing that high-level experience to the high school game. This isn’t just about a former pro, though. It’s also a bit of a family affair. His son, Troy Hudson II, just wrapped up his eighth-grade year and played on the junior varsity team at nearby Hopkins High School. Imagine having your dad, the "Laker Killer," guiding you through the high school ranks! Troy Hudson II is already looking like a potential high-profile recruit, set to graduate in 2030. At Minnetonka, Hudson will be working under head coach Bryce Tesdahl. Tesdahl has been the main man for the Skippers since 2019, and he’s not just a coach, he’s also a physical education teacher. He even led the Skippers to the Class 4A state championship in 2024. Tesdahl’s got a solid resume, too, previously coaching at East Ridge and New Prague high schools and even spending time as an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2012 to 2015. This move is huge for Minnetonka. Bringing in a player with Troy Hudson’s NBA pedigree, a guy who stared down legends and delivered in the clutch, is an incredible opportunity for those young players. They’re not just getting a coach, they’re getting a mentor who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. That’s something you just can’t put a price on.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.