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Law Murray: The last six times a team changed coaches after a Conference Finals appearance - 2022 Celtics (Ime Udoka*) - 2014 Grizzlies (Lionel Hollins) - 2008 Pistons (Flip Saunders) - 2005 Pistons (Larry Brown) - 2004 Lakers (Phil Jackson) - 2003 Pistons (Rick Carlisle) *unplanned lol
Chad Hartman: Yesterday on what would have been Flip’s 70th birthday, Ryan and Hayley Saunders welcome their daughter Grace Leigh, somewhere Grandpa is immensely happy to share his birthday with his Granddaughter!! Love this!
THE MOST UNLIKELY tradition of the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League began in 2009 inside a dingy third-floor ballroom of the Imperial Palace -- a mid-strip casino that has since been renamed. About eight members of the Washington Wizards' staff -- including Flip Saunders, just starting his tenure as Washington's head coach -- were at dinner nearby when someone mentioned the Imperial Palace had a cheap karaoke bar. Jerry Walter, the team's legendary -- and legendarily quirky -- equipment manager over three decades, let it slip that he enjoyed karaoke.
They entered and found a smattering of about 20 people. "I guarantee you Flip Saunders is the only NBA head coach to ever set foot in the third floor of the Imperial Palace," Connelly jokes. Walter signed up to sing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." Ryan Saunders, Flip's son and then an assistant coach with the Wizards, recalls Walter scribbling down lyrics. The Wizards' staff riled up a dead crowd. They split into two groups, stood across from each other, touched their hands above their heads, and formed an aisle for Walter to run through on his way to the stage.
Harrison Wind: Michael Malone and his top-2 assistants are all sons of former NBA head coaches with Ryan Saunders now on staff. - Michael Malone (Brendan Malone) - David Adelman (Rick Adelman) - Ryan Saunders (Flip Saunders)
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"My dad was out of coaching for the first time since 1977," Ryan said. "We would go on some long runs. We did a lot of biking. He would call me up at the U and we would meet halfway for lunch. "Losing my dad six years ago, I cherish those extra few months of full family time. Those memories remind me that sitting out from coaching for a year isn't a bad thing."
Kevin Love on fans not believing Ben Simmons about mental health issues: “It’s hard to argue feelings, first and foremost. I think a lot of people like to throw shade at a safe distance. I learned from the late, great Flip Saunders that everybody has a part to play, everybody gets to contribute a verse. I understand a scorned fan. I understand Philly fans — they’re a blue-collar type of place. You go there, it doesn’t matter who you are — even if you’re on their team and you don’t play well, they’re gonna let you know.
Saunders was known as a players’ coach, but there were times he had to let the kids have it as well. The most famous in Wolves lore came during a film session when Saunders was not happy with the effort level from his young team, particularly Wiggins. He called told them they needed to change the Timberwolves logo to an ice cream cone with the players’ faces on it. “I’ve never heard somebody get cussed out so gently before,” LaVine said with a laugh. “You guys are soft-serve ice cream. Dairy Queen.”
His No. 5 jersey will be retired in Boston later this season, a legacy-cementing achievement for one of the greatest power forwards to ever do it. Wolves fans won’t ever let him go. There was bad blood with Wolves owner Glen Taylor and tragedy when Flip Saunders passed away, but through all of the struggles that this franchise has endured, Garnett remains a shining beacon to their long-suffering fans. He could be demanding and biting behind the scenes, but that was the way for him to turn an unserious franchise into a team that commanded respect. And while so many players and coaches and executives came and went without paying this team, or this city, much mind, Garnett would never allow Minnesotans to feel inferior. “I left my spirit and my soul in there,” Garnett said then. “You can’t ever replace that. You feel me? That will always be, forever, as long as they have the Timberwolves in Minnesota.”
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Christopher Hine: Chris Finch at shootaround today made a point to honor the anniversary of the death of Flip Saunders. Said this is a tough day for the organization and while he never got to know Flip he admired the legacy of success he left.
What was it like being in the room with Glen Taylor and making your presentation? Arron Afflalo: I’ll tell you one thing: Mr. Taylor is really sharp. For 80 years old, he’s really sharp. He’s had over 80 businesses throughout his career. And he understands people. … As a person, I learned a lot from him. I was most thankful because he continuously gave me an opportunity when I came with failed investors, or failed opportunities. He literally worked with me hand in hand for nine months. He was as accessible as I needed him to be. And so, he was a normal guy. I didn’t feel pressure that I was speaking to the owner of a team. The first time we spoke, he said, ‘look, Arron – I don’t know you. I know of you. Your fighting spirit is unbelievable. And if you need anything from me when speaking to investors, please call me.’ He was very accommodating.
Why did you make a run at the Timberwolves? Arron Afflalo: That answer’s pretty easy. If this were any other team, I don’t think I would have had the equal fighting spirit. Knowing Ryan Saunders and knowing Flip Saunders very well, along with the George Floyd situation. … And then when you combine that with the space I was in with the hotel stuff, dealing with billionaire companies and billionaire people, it just created a natural synergy for Minnesota. I just felt that I could help, and be inspirational at the same time. I want to give a lot of credit to Ryan Saunders and Flip Saunders, and all that that city has been through, and Mr. Taylor, for that matter, recognizing that.
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