Flip Saunders passed away at the age of 60. Saunders was best known for his achievements with his first stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Saunders, coached a young Stephon Marbury and Kevin Garnett, and eventually led the T’Wolves to eight straight playoff appearances. During those eight years, Saunders helped resurrect the career of Chauncey Billups and helped turn Kevin Garnett into one of the best players to ever play the game. After his days with the T’Wolves, Saunders took the Detroit Pistons to three straight Eastern Conference Finals.
Saunders made a pit stop coaching the Washington Wizards as he had the luxury of grooming a young John Wall. Saunders’ last coaching stop– ironically was his first coaching stop as well. Saunders came back to the twin cities in an attempt to resurrect the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise. Saunders traded for Andrew Wiggins, Kevin Garnett, and recently drafted Karl Anthony-Towns in the 2015 NBA Draft. Things were on the up in Minnesota, until Saunders was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Despite being diagnosed with Cancer, Saunders was still active with the T’Wolves while not being able to coach. The death of Flip Saunders hit the NBA fraternity pretty hard. The NBA lost a great person, friend, and basketball mind.
R.I.P. Coach Saunders, you’ll be missed dearly.
