The Chirp: Flip Saunders (1955-2015)

The Players' Tribune

The Voice of the Game

Oct 26, 2015

On Sunday the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that Flip Saunders, the team’s head coach, has died. Saunders, 60, had been receiving treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Members of the NBA family took to social media to share their condolences, and to remember Saunders — the coach and the person:

View this post on Instagram

It is with extreme sadness to report that today Phil “Flip” Saunders has passed away at age 60. 1955-2015 #RIPFlip

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

?? RIP Flip ??
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) October 25, 2015

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Flip you were one of a kind. Great basketball mind and even better human being. You had a great impact on my life personally and professionally. RIP my friend. Prayers are with the Saunders family during this time.

A post shared by Kevin Love (@kevinlove) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

I wanna send my condolences 2 #TheSaundersFamily! Flip was 1 of my favorites 2 play 4! R.I.P. Coach! You'll b missed! #Yessiirr... ?
— Joe Smith (@JoeBeast95) October 25, 2015

You have done so much for so many people, including myself. Thank you coach! You will be truly missed.
R.I.P coach Flip
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) October 25, 2015

@Tyusjones06 coach Flip made my dream a reality. He believed in me. I'm forever thankful to him for that. We all love you and will miss you
— Tyus Jones (@1Tyus) October 25, 2015

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Today, the guy who believed in me since day 1 passed away. He was all smiles passionate and really loved this game. He gave everything to the Timberwolves and did amazing things for us. He was our leader. Really gonna miss you coach. RestInPeace Flip.

A post shared by Ricky Rubio (@ruuufio) on Oct 25, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT

Sending my prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Flip Saunders. A great coach and better person. Gone too soon. #RIPFLIP
— Garrett Temple (@GTemp17) October 25, 2015

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Pat Riley has released the following statement on the passing of Flip Saunders.

A post shared by Miami HEAT (@miamiheat) on Oct 25, 2015 at 3:34pm PDT

Truly saddened to hear that Flip Saunders has passed away. My heart and prayers go to the Saunders family and the T-Wolves organization..
— Anthony Bennett (@AnthonyBennett) October 25, 2015

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Thank you for everything you have done for me coach! U will Truly be missed. I know God will take good care of you and keep your family safe! #TwolvesFamily love ya Flip??

A post shared by Zach LaVine (@zachlavine8) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:40am PDT

RIP FLIP
— Marcus Camby (@MarcusCamby23) October 25, 2015

Very sad to hear the news of Coach Flip Saunders. Prayers for his family and @Timberwolves organization. The league lost a great man. — Sam Dekker (@dekker) October 25, 2015

So sadden to hear about the loss of Coach Flip... Thoughts and prayers to his family and the @Timberwolves organization..
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph82) October 25, 2015

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To lose someone that meant so much to me and my is a life altering moment. The pain I'm feeling right now is very deep but I am sure you ll continue to look after us as always. Thank you Flip for believing in me and giving me a chance. I am forever grateful. RIP coach. G.

A post shared by Gorgui Dieng (@gorguidieng) on Oct 25, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT

A very sad day. Rest in peace Coach Flip.
— Damjan Rudež (@Damjan_Rudez) October 25, 2015

My support goes out to the Saunders family. I had the honor to have Flip as my coach for 1 day in 09' with the #Wizards.
— Drew Gooden (@DrewGooden) October 25, 2015

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This hit home, Rest in peace coach Flip Saunders a Great Men praying for the Saunders Family #FCancer

A post shared by Nick Young (@swaggyp1) on Oct 25, 2015 at 2:54pm PDT

Flip Saunders was truly one of the good guys in bball. A great coach but an even better person. Life is just absolutely not fair. RIP Flip
— Robbie Hummel (@RobbieHummel) October 25, 2015

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We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Flip Saunders. Rest in peace, Flip.

A post shared by minnesotalynx (@minnesotalynx) on Oct 25, 2015 at 12:11pm PDT

R.i.P flip Saunders!
— Brandon Bass (@bestbetbass) October 25, 2015

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Our thoughts are with the Minnesota Timberwolves today. Rest in peace, Flip.

A post shared by Sacramento Kings (@sacramentokings) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:24am PDT

RIP Flip. Prayers up to the Saunders family. #RIPFlip
— Roger Mason Jr (@MoneyMase) October 25, 2015

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Pacers President Larry Bird, on the passing of Flip Saunders.

A post shared by Indiana Pacers (@pacers) on Oct 25, 2015 at 2:12pm PDT

Rest in peace to Coach Flip Saunders! Great human being, and gave a lot of people chances including me. Prayers out to Ryan and the family
— Jordan Crawford (@jcraw55) October 26, 2015

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Basketball and this world is way worse off without you!!! You taught me so much about LIFE and basketball, you will be forever remembered but we will see you again my friend #prayerstotheSAUNDERSFAMILY #oneofmyfavorites #alreadymissed

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mikemiller) on Oct 25, 2015 at 3:44pm PDT

We have all been blessed by your wonderful life, Coach Flip. You will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
— shabazz muhammad (@ShabazzMuhammad) October 25, 2015

Forever in my heart....
Posted by Kevin Garnett on Sunday, 25 October 2015

The Chirp: Flip Saunders (1955-2015)

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