In a sad development, the NBA lost another great man today with news about the death of Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders. He was 60-years-old.
Just a couple of days ago, the Timberwolves had announced that Philip Daniel 'Flip' Saunders is unlikely to be seen at the bench for the 2015-16 NBA season, with setbacks tied up with the veteran head coach’s chemotherapy session.
Saunders revealed back in August that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma but was receiving treatment for the disease which doctors say is curable and beatable. Immediate treatment was made back then at the Mayo Clinic until recent news that the whole process reportedly endured some complications.
The news couldn’t have come at a worse time with the Timberwolves drawing a lot of attention mainly because of its promising young frontline – sophomore Andrew Wiggins and rookie Karl-Anthony Towns.
Sam Mitchell was filling in for Saunders on an interim basis which ultimately headed to a full-time gig for the 2015-16 season when news of Saunders ruled out. However and based on initial reports, no one expected the winningest coach in T-Wolves history to pass away and this soon.
"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."
For the benefit of the readers who are not entirely familiar with coach Flip Saunders, he entered the NBA scene back in 1996 with the T-Wolves. He was responsible for the team making eight straight playoff appearances.
Aside from his long tenure in Minnesota, Saunders also coached the Detroit Pistons (2005-08) and the Washington Wizards (2009-12) before returning to the Timberwolves last year.
He is also known to be one of the main influencers of forward Kevin Garnett, someone who rose to stardom in the league which included winning the Most Valuable Player award back in the 2004 season.
Garnett was expectedly the person who was affected by Saunder’s passing the most and he paid tribute to his fallen coach via his Facebook page.
Aside from Garnett, other players likewise aired their grief on the untimely passing, something that casts a dark cloud on the Minnesota Timberwolves campaign.
The T-Wolves will officially open their season this coming October 29 against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center.