NBA: Timberwolves Coach Flip Saunders Dies of Cancer, NBA World Offer Their Condolonces

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach, president of basketball of operations and minority owner Philip "Flip" Saunders passed away at the age of 60 just months after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, per NBA.com. Flip announced that he had cancer last June, saying that it was "very treatable and curable," as reported by USA Today.

Bleacher Report noted that Saunders was still with the team for two months after his diagnosis as he helped the Timberwolves during the NBA Draft and free agency before undergoing treatment last month. Sam Mitchell was named as the interim coach for the season, and general manager Milt Newton handled the team's basketball operations, per ESPN.

The NBA World, known for its fraternity and closeness, immediately offered their condolences on their social media accounts.

Statement from Timberwolves Owner Glen Taylor on the passing of Phil "Flip" Saunders: https://t.co/DoQrREtGSI pic.twitter.com/su2eN7xBgd

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) Oktubre 25, 2015

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Flip Saunders pic.twitter.com/qsh5usiYmw — NBA (@NBA) Oktubre 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) Oktubre 25, 2015

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 photo posted by @kevinlove on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

 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 photo posted by Ricky Rubio (@ruuufio) on Oct 25, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT

Saunders has an NBA coaching record of 654-594 for the Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards. He is survived by his wife Debbie and four children, including his son Ryan, who is an assistant coach for the Timberwolves, per ESPN.