Flip Saunders Is Dead At 60 (UPDATES)

Flip Saunders has died today of Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 60. He was diagnosed in August and initially planned to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, where he was the coach and GM. Yesterday, it was announced that he would not return this season.

The Timberwolves released a statement, which is below:

We will update this post as more information becomes available.

Update (4:00 p.m.): Adam Silver released the following statement

“The NBA family is mourning today over the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Flip Saunders. With more than 40 years around the game, 20 of them in the NBA, Flip’s untimely passing has left a gaping hole in the fabric of our league. Flip was a beloved figure around the NBA, nowhere more so than in Minnesota, demonstrating a genuine and consistent passion for his players, his team and the game. On behalf of the NBA, we offer our most sincere condolences to Flip’s wife, Debbie, their four children and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization.”

Update (4:28 p.m.): Here’s Wolves owner Glen Taylor’s statement:

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