Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has hired Arnie Kander as Vice President of Sports Performance.

Kander comes to the Wolves after 23 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, where he most recently held the title of physical therapist. He began with the Pistons in the spring of 1992 as the team’s first strength and conditioning coach. His primary duties with Detroit included the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Kander’s duties also included the design and implementation of specific programs aimed at enhancing players’ flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning.

An innovator in the fields of injury prevention, sports rehab and physical conditioning, Kander is renowned in the professional sports world for his unique methods of application. He has designed recovery and workout programs that have proven to be successful.

A 1987 graduate in physical therapy from Wayne State University, Kander began his career as the sports coordinator at Crittenton Fitness Institute. From there he went to Rochester Knee and Sports Therapy where he worked as a staff therapist. Kander began his association with the Pistons while working at Rochester Knee and Sports.

Kander’s interest in strength and conditioning began during his career as a professional dancer with the Virginia Ballet Company from 1983-86. He has since submitted several research projects on isokinetic strength testing, jump training and developing a jump platform system. While working for the Pistons, Kander consulted and developed conditioning programs for some of the Detroit area’s finest professional and amateur athletes.

Kander’s work is well-known throughout the NBA community and he is highly regarded for having the players’ best interests in mind. Here’s what several player agents had to say about Kander:

Mark Bartelstein, Priority Sports: “Arnie Kander is someone that I have the utmost respect for. I have watched firsthand his incredible care for the players. He is so unique in his innovative ways to not only treat the injuries the players encounter on a daily basis, but also in the training and injury prevention work that is something he takes ownership of on a 24/7 basis. He will be a tremendous addition to the Timberwolves organization.”

David Falk, FAME: “Arnie is one of the most competent and thoroughly professional people I have worked with in the NBA over the last 40 years. He will be an asset to both the players and to management.”

Andy Miller, ASM Sports: “In my opinion Arnie Kander is in a class by himself as an athletic trainer. He has been a major contributor to the physical and mental well-being of all the players he has worked with. During our long-standing relationship I have been most impressed with his dedication and the level of care he has provided my clients.”

Jeff Schwartz, Excel Management: “For years, Arnie has done a great job keeping Excel clients healthy and on the court. Arnie cares about his athletes, and will be a great asset for the Timberwolves.”