Flip Saunders won’t return to coach Timberwolves in 2015-16

Team owner Glen Taylor confirmed last night that Saunders would be taking the entire season off to recover from treatment.

Doctors treating Saunders called his disease treatable and curable when the Wolves announced his diagnosis in mid-August.

When asked if he expected Saunders to return in a few capacity to the team this season, Taylor said, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Not this year”.

Frightful news on Sunday as Flip Saunders passed away at the age of 60.

However, he was hospitalized following a setback in September, and Minnesota named Sam Mitchell its interim coach and said Milt Newton would expand his responsibilities as general manager.

Saunders first became an National Basketball Association coach in 1996 with the Timberwolves and eventually led the team to eight straight playoff appearances.

“We haven’t put anything on hold”, Taylor said. He’s a great mentor, he’s a great leader. (He’d) talk to you, come back and see how you’re feeling, especially during struggles. “It’s just terrible how this whole thing went down”. “He’ll be greatly missed”.

Kevin Love, former Timberwolves player now with the Cleveland Cavaliers: “Flip you were one of a kind”.

“He’s a great basketball man”, Hoiberg added.

“I don’t care how old you get or how experienced you get, these friendships that are in your lives are so important”, said Taylor, who has employed Saunders two different times and known him since shortly after he bought the team in 1994.

LeBron James: “My condolences to the Saunders and @Timberwolves family!”