Around 1 p.m. CT today, the basketball world lost one of the greats. Long-time NBA coach Flip Saunders, who was the current president of basketball operations and head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has died at age 60 from a battle with cancer. It was announced in August that Saunders was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and though it was considered "very treatable and curable," he had a setback in September.
It is with extreme sadness to report that today Phil “Flip” Saunders has passed away at age 60. pic.twitter.com/l8tthTocAt
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) October 25, 2015
Saunders was one of the most respected men in the NBA and the basketball world in general. He had been a coach since 1977 and had an impact on many lives from the college, amateur and professional ranks. He entered the NBA in 1995 and coached three different teams during his time: the Timberwolves (1995-2005 and 2014-15), Detroit Pistons (2005-09) and Washington Wizards (2009-12). During his 18-year career in the Association, Saunders amassed a .524 win percentage (654-594) and made it to the playoffs in all but five seasons.
Many NBA players, front office executives and media members have been saddened by the news.
Very sad to hear the passing of Flip Saunders.He had a great soul&was always warm&engaging.Condolences to the Saunders family& @Timberwolves — Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) October 25, 2015
RIP to @Flip_Saunders ... Had the pleasure to play for him and get to know him. Great coach and Person!!! My heart goes out to his family — Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) October 25, 2015
How well liked and respected was Flip Saunders? The Twitter world of NBA coaches, players, media is showing an outpour of condolences. Sad. — chuck swirsky (@ctsbulls) October 25, 2015
My condolences to the Saunders and @Timberwolves family! Lost a great person in our fraternity way to early. So sad #RIPFlip
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 25, 2015
The news of his passing today was a shock to many. In a way, it did come out of nowhere. Generally, this disease is something that can be fought successfully, and nobody thought that it would escalate to such a tragic outcome so soon.
Perhaps that's the saddest part of this whole tragedy. Up until a couple of days ago, he was still expected to be coaching a team at the highest level of basketball. It was announced that he would not return to coach this 2015-16 NBA season, and then this news broke. It's another reminder that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, and things can change in the blink of an eye.
Ultimately, Saunders touched the lives of many, and will be dearly missed. #RIPFlip
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