A New Chapter for the French Powerhouse
Paris Basketball confirmed on Tuesday that Max Lefevre has agreed to become its new head coach, a move first reported by the club’s official Twitter account. The French franchise, known for its ambitious EuroLeague aspirations, announced the appointment with a brief video that highlighted Lefevre’s recent work with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lefevre, who spent the past three seasons as an assistant under head coach Chris Finch, brings a blend of analytical rigor and player development expertise to the French capital. His promotion follows a series of negotiations that had been ongoing throughout the summer, and it leaves the Timberwolves with another vacancy to fill on their bench staff.
The timing of the hire could not be more critical. In the 2025/26 domestic campaign, Paris Basketball finished second in the LNB Élite with a 15‑23 record, a result that still reflects the club’s struggle to translate regular‑season stability into playoff success. The team’s campaign ended in the French championship final, where they fell to AS Monaco, a side that has dominated the league in recent years.
Despite the modest finish, club officials remain optimistic that Lefevre’s arrival will spark a turnaround. In a statement, the organization emphasized its commitment to “building on the solid foundation laid by the players and staff” while aiming to “compete more aggressively in the EuroLeague next season.” The management believes that Lefevre’s experience in the NBA could help bridge the gap between domestic dominance and European competition.
The appointment also underscores a broader trend of NBA assistants seeking head‑coaching opportunities abroad. With a growing number of former NBA staff taking the reins of European clubs, the exchange of ideas is expected to raise the tactical level of the continent’s top leagues.