Last August, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Cancer, a type of cancer that affects the immune system.
Saunders declared that he will remain the head coach and the head of basketball operations for the Timberwolves for the future while doctors said that his cancer was very treatable and curable. News slowly became worse very recently, though.
Just recently, we learned that Saunders would miss the 2015-2016 season due to a setback in his recovery, and now we have to deal with one of the saddest days in recent NBA history due to Saunders passing away at the age of 60 with his battle with cancer.
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 coached 17 seasons in the NBA between the Pistons, Wizards, and the Timberwolves, finishing with an all-time record of 654-592. Saunders had the most successful years of his career in Detroit when he replaced Larry Brown, leading the Pistons to some of the best years in franchise history and the Eastern Conference Finals each year.
Saunders was one of the nicer guys around the NBA and was a well respected figure by everyone that met him and everyone who knew him around the league. He is survived by his wife and three daughters along with his song Ryan, an assistant coach for the Timberwolves.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Saunders’ family and friends right now.
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