Troy Hudson, The 'Laker Killer,' Is Now a High School Coach and Minnetonka Fans Are Losing Their Minds
Holy smokes, you guys! Remember Troy Hudson? The dude who went off against Kobe and Shaq? Yeah, THAT guy just landed a new gig, and it’s not what you’d expect for a former NBA baller. The Minnetonka Skippers just dropped the news on social media that Hudson, a former Timberwolves point guard, has officially been hired as their new Varsity Basketball Assistant coach. Talk about a wild curveball! The Skippers posted, "Please help us welcome Coach Troy Hudson as our new Skippers Varsity Basketball Assistant! Troy will be a great asset to our boys basketball program and will help us continue to compete at the highest level on and off the court!" If that doesn’t get you hyped for some high school hoops, I don’t know what will!
From NBA Battles to High School Benches: The 'Laker Killer's' Next Chapter
For those who might not remember, Troy Hudson was a serious player. He had an 11-season run in the NBA, including five absolute heaters with the Timberwolves from 2002-03 to 2006-07. He was a key part of those electric Kevin Garnett-era playoff teams in the early 2000s. But the real legend was born in the 2002-03 playoffs when he earned the nickname, the "Laker Killer." No joke! The dude absolutely torched Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal. He averaged 23.5 points in that series, helping the Wolves push the Lakers to six intense games in the first round. We're talking 37 points and 10 assists in Game 2, then following it up with 27 points in Game 3, and another 28 points in Game 4. That kind of performance earned him a sweet six-year, $36 million contract from the Wolves. Man, what a run. Unfortunately, injuries started piling up, limiting his time on the court, and he was eventually bought out before the 2007 season kicked off. Still, that "Laker Killer" legacy? Undeniable.
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So, what does bringing in a guy with that kind of resume mean for Minnetonka? He's joining head coach Bryce Tesdahl, who’s no slouch himself. Tesdahl has been leading the Skippers since 2019, doing double duty as a physical education teacher, and he just coached them to a Class 4A state championship in 2024. That’s serious pedigree! Tesdahl also has experience as a head coach at East Ridge and New Prague high schools, plus a stint as an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2012 to 2015. So, Hudson is stepping into a winning culture with a proven coach. And get this, Hudson's son, Troy Hudson II, just finished his eighth-grade year at nearby Hopkins High School, playing on the junior varsity team. Imagine having your dad, the actual "Laker Killer," coaching in the same high school scene! Keep an eye on Troy Hudson II too, because he could totally develop into a high-profile recruit by the time he graduates in 2030. This is more than just a coaching hire, folks. It's about bringing a proven winner into the fold and possibly shaping the next generation of hoops stars.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.