Over the past eight seasons eight different clubs have claimed the NBA crown, leaving forecasts for this year's Larry O'Brien Trophy wide open.

Should a ninth distinct winner emerge, the San Antonio Spurs stand out after Victor Wembanyama guided them to last season's Finals before they fell to the New York Knicks.

The Philadelphia 76ers' additions of Jaylen Brown and all-time scorer LeBron James also draw interest, as do the Cleveland Cavaliers.

As the new campaign begins, Tim Lewis, the first British-born coach in NBA history, hopes to help Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves secure their maiden championship.

Lewis has traveled an extensive path in the sport.

Born in Saint Asaph, Wales, he represented the nation in the 1990s and built a coaching resume that stretches across continents.

He has led the national teams of Thailand and Qatar, worked in Germany, Belgium, Canada, the United States and Panama, and most recently guided Eneos Sunflowers in Japan to the Empress Cup in January.

That experience sits alongside more than fifteen years coaching England and Great Britain youth sides, where he assisted current Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch at the London 2012 Olympics.

Lewis served as one of Team GB's assistants alongside Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse.

Yet his connection with American Finch dates back further.

"We competed against each other when I played for Palace and Chris was at Sheffield," he recalled.

"I worked with Chris in Belgium and spent six months in Houston with him before the Olympics. Our bond is like brothers after twenty-five years."

Following an earlier short stint with Minnesota, Lewis returned to head-coaching duties in Japan for three years, yet Finch kept reaching out.

"Chris has been asking me to come back for the last year and a half," Lewis said. "I finally agreed this summer to a bigger role with greater input, and I am excited."

Lewis had served as interim coach for Minnesota's G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, during the pandemic before joining the parent club the next season to handle post-game analysis.

"I reviewed every game plan," he told BBC Sport Wales. "I also handled some player development, though the post-game work was new and time-intensive. Teams plan before games but rarely review afterward. My critiques stayed in place."

Upon his return to Minnesota, Lewis's duties have grown.

"Pablo Prigioni will lead the offense while I help build offensive game plans," he explained. "It is a full assistant role focused on offensive preparation. I study opposing defenses and find ways to exploit them. I also work on player development with a few young bigs."

In July, Minnesota added Josh Green and LaMelo Ball via a four-team deal. Ball drained 272 three-pointers in the 2025-26 season, second-most in the league.

His backcourt pairing with Anthony Edwards offers an offensive coach an ideal platform.

"Anthony and LaMelo will be thrilling to watch," Lewis noted. "LaMelo can throw lobs to Rudy, creating a rim threat we lacked and easing pressure on Anthony. Defenses will struggle to double-team him with LaMelo alongside."

Lewis describes Edwards as highly coachable.

"I am unsure if Anthony seeks to become the next face of the league," he said. "He is a tremendous talent, responsive, a fine person and eager to improve."

The Timberwolves face a stern opening schedule against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat, yet Lewis believes the group is prepared.

"We start with Miami, Orlando and Toronto," he said. "They feature strong power forwards where we are thin, but Chris will adjust. Minnesota can play in varied styles and the team will entertain."

The franchise goal remains clear: an NBA title by 2027.

"We aim for the playoffs and championship rounds," Lewis stated. "Fifty-plus wins would position us well for a top seed. Everyone sees potential for a deep run, though we must adapt to new personnel."

Regarding league-wide predictions, Lewis stressed the sport's unpredictability.

"Teams that excel in the regular season may falter in the playoffs," he observed. "San Antonio or Minnesota could surprise. We have owned Denver for years except their 2023 title run. Philadelphia's new pieces add intrigue."

An NBA crown would resonate deeply in Minneapolis, Lewis added. The franchise, founded in 1989, has yet to reach the Finals, though the earlier Minneapolis Lakers won titles.

"Minnesota fans are passionate," he said. "Winning in a smaller market against larger-market clubs would be a major achievement for the city."