Timberwolves Reflect On Death Of Flip Saunders
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- People are remembering the man who meant so much to the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise: Flip Saunders.
The President of Basketball Operations for the team lost his battle with cancer on Sunday at the age of 60. When Saunders was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in June, doctors initially called it "a very treatable and curable form of cancer."
But he had to step away from the team in September, when he was hospitalized due to complications from his chemotherapy.
WCCO's Bill Hudson was at Monday's team practice, preparing for Wednesday's season opener.
You can only imagine how the Timberwolves family is dealing with the sadness over Flip Saunders' death. It was during practice Sunday when they were told the man who brought them all together as a team was suddenly gone.
In the digital world of social media came swarms of tributes from the heart. Players, fans and friends of Saunders speaking of their love and admiration.
"Coach Saunders was the nicest human being I ever met, genuine and passionate," rookie Karl-Anthony Towns said.
A number of players made time with reporters following Monday's workout, to share their grief at the passing of a man who meant so much. Ricky Rubio compared it to a family that just lost their dad.
"Every single player helping get better, the way I'm going to remember him. It is tough," Rubio said.
Saunders was the winningest coach in team history and four months ago, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As players gathered for practice on Sunday, they learned of his passing from complications after his aggressive chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm not going to tell the guys how to deal with it or not to be emotional. If you feel like crying, it's OK," interim coach Sam Mitchell said.
The team travels to Los Angles for Wednesday's NBA opener. Rubio said it will be an emotional and difficult night.
"In honor of him we'll be playing hard, giving it everything we have out there and honoring him," Rubio said.
Wednesday's game will be extremely emotional for these players, who will have Saunders on their minds. But they say the best way to honor him is to go out and play hard, just as he would want them to do.
