National Basketball Association Coach Flip Saunders Dies at Age 60, Former Team Players React

At the time of his death, Saunders served as the Timberwolves’ head coach and president of basketball operations, although the team revealed Friday that, following a setback in Saunders’ cancer battle, he would miss the upcoming 2015-16 season, ESPN reports.

“He was offered the job three times”, former Gophers basketball coach Jim Dutcher said.

“It is with tremendous sorrow that the Detroit Pistons organization acknowledges the passing of Flip Saunders”, the team said in a statement.

“He was a shining example of what a true leader should be, defined by his integrity and kindness to all he encountered”, Taylor said in a statement on Sunday. He even waived the no trade clause in his contract to return to his former team, and judging by the tribute he posted to his former coach, Saunders was a major part of that decision.

P.S As for your fantastic Wife Debbie and girls Mindy, Rachel, and Kimberly thank you for sharing your dad with all the people who’s lives your dad touched.

“Philip “Flip” Saunders’ National Basketball Association Career ended in the same city it began 20 years ago when he was hired from the CBA’s Sioux Falls Skyforce to coach a young Timberwolves team”.

At the start of his availability with the media and before answering any questions, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts shared his memories of Saunders and, his sadness. Twice Coach of the Year, he won two championships before becoming the general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Sending prayers to the family of @Timberwolves Flip Saunders”.

“The sting of losing another loved one to cancer doesn’t get any easier”, wrote Wall, the only current Wizard who played under Saunders in Washington, wrote in a caption of a photo of him and Saunders.

“I couldn’t believe it, no one could believe it”, Madsen said by phone.

“He was twice named head coach at the All-Star Game, both in the Eastern and Western Conferences”, according to Forbes and his impeccable record stands at 654-592.

From 2005 to 2012, Saunders spent the sidelines coaching teams such as the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards.

In basketball terms Saunders leaves the Timberwolves in a good place. You had a great impact on my life personally and professionally.

Grizzlies: Memphis forward Matt Barnes took to Instagram to say that his comments on Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers were “twisted” in a story on NBA.com. I lost a beloved friend today, but I can only imagine the heartache his wonderful family is feeling. Under his tutelage, then-high school draftee Kevin Garnett developed into one of the greatest players of the 2000s.