Cancer sucks.
On Sunday the NBA world lost Flip Saunders, a genuine human being who was well-liked by almost everyone he came across in the league. Saunders spent most of his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1995-2005 and then again in 2014. He also had brief runs with the Wizards and Pistons, making three consecutive Eastern Conference Finals in Detroit.
Over the summer, Saunders was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was initially given a good prognosis by doctors. Unfortunately bad news soon followed, and the team announced he would have to step away from day-to-day operations of the team, and ultimately wouldn’t return at all this season.
As news of his death spread on social media, players, coaches and several of Flip’s longtime friends paid tribute with touching photos and heartfelt messages on Twitter and Instagram.
The NBA lost one of the good ones Sunday.
R.I.P. Flip Saunders.
Flip you were one of a kind. Great basketball mind and even better human being. You had a great… https://t.co/W84KYPitsx
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) October 25, 2015
My condolences to the Saunders and @Timberwolves family! Lost a great person in our fraternity way to early. So sad #RIPFlip
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 25, 2015
https://instagram.com/p/9RUr0PNfCE/
https://instagram.com/p/9RUWF_yBHY/
Very sad to hear the passing of Flip Saunders.He had a great soul&was always warm&engaging.Condolences to the Saunders family& @Timberwolves
— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) October 25, 2015
Met Flip Saunders when he was a Minnesota JUCO coach and I was 22 year old "wet behind the ears" assistant at URI. Very sad day. RIP, Flip.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) October 25, 2015
Hoiberg on Flip: "I'm [in] a little bit of shock right now, I guess. Flip played a huge part in my life."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) October 25, 2015
Rest peacefully Coach Flip Saunders…
My prayers are with your Family. #ripflip— Chris Webber (@realchriswebber) October 25, 2015
We have all been blessed by your wonderful life, Coach Flip. You will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.
— shabazzmuhammad.eth (@ShabazzMuhammad) October 25, 2015
Last time I spoke w. Flip Saunders re: cancer that wld take his life, struck by his candor. "Asch, you're family." Two-way street, my friend
— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) October 25, 2015
Sad day! Rest easy Flip Saunders…
— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) October 25, 2015
Wow! Just heard that Flip Saunders passed away. RIP to our NBA family member…gone too soon. #prayersUp #RIPFlip
— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) October 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/FunSkipBayless/status/658349055827771392
RIP to @Flip_Saunders … Had the pleasure to play for him and get to know him. Great coach and Person!!! My heart goes out to his family
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) October 25, 2015
Damn!!!! RIP Flip Saunders!!!! Praying for the family!!!
— Jared Sullinger Sr. (@Jared_Sully0) October 25, 2015
Coach Flip didn't coach me personally but only heard nothing but great feedback from his former… https://t.co/qIcXDIGtkv
— TJ Ford (@tj_ford) October 25, 2015
RIP FLIP!!!!!
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) October 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/KyrieIrving/status/658362797064105984
https://twitter.com/KyrieIrving/status/658362919718137856
I can't even believe what I just heard. Flip was one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. … https://t.co/maV7j7wiQV
— Kris Humphries (@KrisHumphries) October 25, 2015
Heartbreaking news about Flip Saunders. Genuine person and had a great basketball mind. Prayers go out! RIP
— chase budinger (@CBudinger) October 25, 2015
https://instagram.com/p/9RazF2nfVw/
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
Life is so short. #FuckCancer #RIPFlipSaunders
— Damien Wilkins (@dwilkins3000) October 25, 2015
#WeMustFindTheCure RIP Coach Saunders! 🙏🏾
— Jordan Hamilton (@J_Goin_HAM) October 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/kevin_seraphin/status/658364219004473344
RIP Coach Flip Saunders and prayers up for his family, friends and the T’Wolves organization. 🙏🏾
— Quentin Richardson (@QRich) October 25, 2015
