By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Paris officially announced the appointment of Max Lefevre as their new head coach on Wednesday ahead of the 2026–27 EuroLeague season.
The former head coach of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Pierric Poupet, joined his coaching staff, alongside Bienvenu Kindoki and Giovanni Spessotto.
Per the press release: “Between the NBA and Paris, the inspiration is now mutual.
This is the story we have written. And the one we continue to write together.
Today, this momentum continues with a major new step that forms part of the project’s development.
So, having seen Tuomas Iisalo (Grizzlies) and then Tiago Splitter (Bulls) continue their careers on the other side of the Atlantic, the Club is proud to announce, on Wednesday 22 July, the appointment of Maxime Lefèvre as Head Coach.
Maxime Lefèvre est notre nouveau head coach 🇫🇷
Après 7 ans passés en NBA dans le staff des Minnesota Timberwolves, le Paris Basketball est fier d’enregistrer l’arrivée de Maxime Lefèvre à la tête de son équipe première !
Welcome to Paris Coach 🙌 pic.twitter.com/jgkypKoxMj
— Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) July 22, 2026
At just 39 years of age, the man who spent seven seasons with the Minneapolis franchise is set to embark on his first role as head coach. It is a challenge that matches his career trajectory and potential.
Regarded as one of the brains behind the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lorraine-born coach has established himself as one of the most promising young coaches in world basketball. “Coach Lefèvre” has also worked closely with Rudy Gobert on a daily basis, having served as his personal coach.
Inter – Pierric Poupet as assistant coach
The French runners-up are thus continuing to uphold their core philosophy: identifying and nurturing the best coaches before they become international figures. Following in the footsteps of Julius Thomas, who became the youngest coach in EuroLeague history, Paris Basketball is once again opting for youth, innovation and excellence.
At Paris Basketball, too, age is not a factor. For us, experience has never been an end in itself. What counts is talent, vision, leadership and an impeccable work ethic. These are values that are unanimously shared when discussing Lefèvre’s profile:
“Max is one of the most promising young basketball coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” says Chris Finch, head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves. “He has an excellent ability to build strong, trusting relationships, both with players and with members of the coaching staff. A true enthusiast of the game, he is constantly on the lookout for new trends whilst understanding the importance of the fundamentals. We are delighted for him and for this fantastic opportunity, and we are convinced that Paris Basketball has found its next great success in terms of coaching.”
Bienvenue à Paris Pierric Poupet 🖤❤💙
Entraîneur principal de l’ASVEL lors des 2 dernières saisons et demie, Pierric Poupet rejoint le staff du Paris Basketball en tant qu’assistant coach ! pic.twitter.com/NXGYLQVE3j
— Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) July 22, 2026
In his new role, Maxime Lefèvre will be supported in particular by Pierric Poupet (aged 42), whose experience and in-depth knowledge of the French league and the EuroLeague will be a valuable asset in taking this sporting project to the next level. Bienvenu Kindoki and Giovanni Spessotto complete the coaching staff.
These appointments once again demonstrate Paris Basketball’s ambition: to build a forward-looking team capable of attracting the best international talent and making Paris a leading name in international basketball.
Maxime Lefèvre, new head coach
“Joining Paris Basketball was an obvious decision. From my very first conversation with the club, I felt that we shared the same vision, both on and off the court. There are very few opportunities for which I would have left the NBA, and Paris Basketball was right at the top of that list.
In a very short space of time, the club has established itself as one of the most exciting, innovative and ambitious projects in European basketball. I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on the solid foundations that have already been laid.
As soon as this opportunity arose, Pierric’s name immediately sprang to mind. He is unanimously recognised as one of the best coaches in Europe. He knows the game inside out: as a player, a highly respected assistant coach, and then as a head coach. He also brings valuable knowledge of the Betclic ELITE and the EuroLeague.
But above all, everyone I spoke to told me the same thing: he is a remarkable man. I immediately thought he would be the ideal addition to our team, and I’m delighted that we were able to persuade him to join us.”
Pierric Poupet, Associate Head Coach
“Paris Basketball is an ambitious club with a track record that is now widely recognised. Being part of this organisation and contributing to its success at the highest level in Europe are exciting and rewarding challenges that I have decided to take on alongside Max and the whole coaching staff.”
David Kahn, President of Paris Basketball
“Following a long and thorough search, I am convinced that we have found the ideal candidate in Maxime Lefèvre. He is a Frenchman of the new generation who has experienced every facet of basketball, both in the NCAA system and in the NBA, with the exception of the role of head coach.
I feel the same conviction as I did when we signed Tiago Splitter: Max is ready to become head coach thanks to his intelligence, his humility and his ability to build relationships with both players and coaching staff. I have complete confidence that he is ready to take on this challenge.”
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google