Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach Flip Saunders passes away

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced on Sunday that Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Flip Saunders had passed away after a battle with cancer.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor released this statement:

"“It is with tremendous difficulty and deep sadness that the Timberwolves acknowledge the passing of our President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach, Flip Saunders. Flip was a symbol of strength, compassion, and dignity for our organization. He was a shining example of what a true leader should be, defined by his integrity and kindness to all he encountered. Today is not a day to reflect on Flip’s accomplishments in basketball or what he brought to us as an organization on the court, but rather to indicate what he meant to us as a co-worker, friend, member of the community and the basketball world at large. We as an organization are devastated by his passing, and our hearts and prayers go out to Debbie and the entire Saunders family as they endure this extraordinary loss.”"

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement:

"“The NBA family is mourning today over the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Flip Saunders. With more than 40 years around the game, 20 of them in the NBA, Flip’s untimely passing has left a gaping hole in the fabric of our league. Flip was a beloved figure around the NBA, nowhere more so than in Minnesota, demonstrating a genuine and consistent passion for his players, his team and the game. On behalf of the NBA, we offer our most sincere condolences to Flip’s wife, Debbie, their four children and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization.”"

Phil ‘Flip’ Saunders was unquestionably the best and most successful head coach in the history of the Timberwolves. Saunders lead the franchise to eight straight playoff appearances and a Conference Finals appearance. Saunders’ had an overall record of 411-326 in two stints as the head coach of Minnesota. Saunders’ had a career record of 654-594 in the NBA in 17 seasons as a head coach. Saunders also coached the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards for three seasons a piece.

Saunders first made his name known in Minnesota as a member of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball team. Saunders started 101 of 103 career games at the U. His senior season, he helped the Gophers achieve a school-best record of 24-3.

On August 11, 2015 the Timberwolves announced that Saunders had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was undergoing treatment. Complications in September arose and Wolves Owner Glen Taylor told the Star Tribune on Friday, October 23, 2015 that Saunders would not return in the 2015-16 season. Saunders passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2015.

Saunders was 60-years-old.

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