What is behind flip saunders ear

Athletes often use sport to escape turmoil. The last thing anyone wanted was to spoil their sanctuary. But the Wolves are an extraordinarily young team, with four regulars under 23, and they needed the commissioner in that room as soon as possible.

Coaches and club officials saw no reason to wait. According to several Timberwolves, Silver reflected on his own relationship with Saunders, which spanned 20 years. He emphasized the strength of the NBA community, which stands behind the Timberwolves, and is ready with support. But he really connected with the young Wolves when he acknowledged how difficult it can be to talk about death, how difficult it once was for him. He encouraged players and staffers to share their feelings, memories, questions, rather than insulate themselves in basketball.

LaVine wanted the meat well done. Saunders wanted it medium rare. Karl-Anthony Towns will forever be grateful to the man who made him a first overall pick. Towns still remembers the advice Saunders gave him during the draft process. I just carry that with myself, and I'm very blessed that he had the confidence and ability and belief in me to be that team player that we needed.

The Timberwolves are in an interesting place right now, attempting to balance the development of their young superheroes with success on the court.

Minnesota has a somewhat unconventional look, but its future is promising. And it's an absolute shame that Saunders—basketball savant, magician, all-around wonderful human being—didn't get to watch it all come together. He saw a vision in each and every person. It's just, you've got to keep on that legacy, and what happened is so tragic, but we've got to keep going for him. All quotes in this article were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. And while there is no timetable for Flip's return, we believe it will be measured in months, and not weeks.

To attempt to place a timeline on things at this time would be unfair to the due process of recovery. Saunders coached the Pistons from , leading the team to three consecutive Eastern Conference finals berths, but failing to reach the NBA Finals each time.

LaVine was dazzled. He saw a vision in each and every person. What happened is tragic but you have to keep going for him.