Minnesota Timberwolves: Players react to passing of Flip Saunders
On Sunday, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that head coach, part-owner and president of basketball operations Flip Saunders had tragically passed away after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Flip’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
On Monday, the Timberwolves held their first practice since the tragic news was announced. It also marked the first time the players were available for questions from the media. The official Minnesota Timberwolves Twitter account tweeted several quotes from members of the team today regarding the loss of their coach.
The overall message from the Wolves players seems clear — they’re playing for Flip.
"“What we have here is a family, and we lost our dad today…he made everybody feel like they were special and that they deserved to be here.”"
"“Thank you for taking a chance on me. Thank you for drafting me. Thank you for making me a Timberwolf.”"
"“Everything we’ve worked for, we’ve got to go out and finish it for him.”"
"“Flip’s family will be on our minds. It will bring us together…the best thing we can do in his memory is go out and compete.”"
"“If a game is played, it’s going to be a time when we come together for Flip’s sake and for his family’s sake as well…he was always a down-to-earth, genuine guy…we’re really doing it all for him now.”"
Kevin Garnett rejected to speak to the media, and I don’t blame him one bit. He did post a gut-wrenching photo on Facebook yesterday after he heard the tragic news. I’ll leave you with some social media posts from a few of the players, and I’ll start with Garnett’s.
Andrew Wiggins via Instagram
Tyus Jones via Twitter
You have done so much for so many people, including myself. Thank you coach! You will be truly missed.
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) October 25, 2015
R.I.P coach Flip
Karl-Anthony Towns via Instagram
Zach LaVine via Instagram
https://instagram.com/p/9RV3z5EDHb/
Ricky Rubio via Instagram
Gorgui Dieng via Instagram
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