When you think about the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise, Kevin Garnett’s name may be the first to resonate. He was a generational player, and it was his leadership that sent the team to their last Western Conference Final, 20 years ago to the date, on his birthday. If it’s not KG though, then it’s a man recognized by just four letters, Flip.

Flip Saunders and KG were Minnesota Timberwolves basketball for much of two decades, and his presence still floats over the franchise, even a decade after his passing. A winning Timberwolves franchise was Flip Saunders’ dream.

Fulfilling Flip Saunders’ Minnesota Timberwolves dream

Right before he tragically passed away, Flip laid the foundation for what the Wolves have become. And nine years later, you have to believe he’s beaming down on his favorite pro basketball team.

Thinking about this man today… pic.twitter.com/01WSWv7FpL

— Dan Barreiro (@DanBarreiroKFAN) May 20, 2024

On June 25, 2015, the recently rehired Saunders made Karl Anthony Towns the number one overall pick in that year’s NBA Draft. Back then, not only was Flip back running basketball operations in Minnesota, he had recently replaced Rick Adelman on the bench as ‘interim’ head coach (an additional job nobody was sure he would give up).

Saunders then traded for Kevin Garnett and paired a 19-year-old Towns with a now 39-year-old KG. It was time to pass the baton. Of course, the winning didn’t come right away and Saunders died not even one year after he drafted KAT, thanks to non-Hodgkins Lymphoma that took his life just months after diagnosis.

After Flip left, the Timberwolves franchise struggled to carry out his vision, and it nearly all went up in flames when Tom Thibodeau brought traded for Jimmy Butler, who tried to set Saunders dreams on fire. KAT made it through that debacle, though. Then, Gersson Rosas took over, drafted Anthony Edwards, and the roster started to improve. Finally, Tim Connelly found his way to town, traded for Rudy Gobert, and the rest is history.

Related: Karl-Anthony Towns Rose Up When Timberwolves Needed Him Most

Individual accolades are something Towns is accustomed to. He’s been to All-Star Games, won three point contests, and generally been regarded as a transformational offensive big man. Winning as a team isn’t something he’s experienced though, and looking to avoid the same fate Kevin Love experienced in Minnesota, he persisted. Given time to gel with a roster capable of playing both sides of the ball, this is the Towns that Saunders envisioned.

Anthony Edwards is the young guard with swagger and confidence that Flip would have pushed. Rudy Gobert is the battle tested veteran that Saunders could have built a defense around. Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Mike Conley, yep them two, Saunders had to be excited about this roster from his prime viewing spot above.

Now as Minnesota sets their sights on Dallas and a trip to the NBA Finals, they can do something for the first time in franchise history. Towns is coming off two of the best games he has played in his career. He stepped up when the place he has been the longest needed him most. That’s what Saunders hoped he was getting. Now we’re seeing it come to fruition. But there’s still work left to do. So, let’s finish for Flip.

Ryan Saunders took over last night as head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, after Tom Thibodeau got fired over the weekend. Saunders now walks the sidelines as the youngest coach in the NBA (one of the youngest in history), at age 32, but he isn’t new or unknown around the league.

He grew up in the NBA. It’s really all he knows. And it seems he knows everyone who is involved with the league… because he does… because his dad, the late-great Flip Saunders, knew everybody. And it shows here in the interview I’m supposed to be setting up, but have done a terrible job of, so you’ll have to wait another paragraph (or, if you watched game last night and know what happened you can just take a quick scroll right to the video).

In storymode fashion vs a division rival, the OKC Thunder, Ryan won his head coaching debut in dramatic fashion, defeating the Thunder 119-117. Nobody’s ever seen Wiggins play as hard as he did … because he likely never has played with the type of edge he had last night. And, the boxscore showed it, with Wiggins racking up 40 points and 10 rebounds.

That 0 behind the 1 in the rebound column is NOT a typo.

Now to the video(s). Ryan wasted no time in making a tribute to his father. Flip’s favorite play was called a “52-Twist” which can be run for different positions, depending on the situation. Last night, as Ryan points out to Chris Webber and Isaiah Thomas below, they ran a “5-52 Twist” which I believe was supposed to get KAT open. It clearly doesn’t work but all’s well that ends well because it allowed Wiggins to catch fire immediately.

Here is the play and then Ryan’s interview after the game:

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Wolves first play under Ryan Saunders was a Flip favorite, 5-52 Twist (per @JonKrawczynski) pic.twitter.com/Nm8OaHSryV

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) January 9, 2019

Great stuff from Ryan Saunders postgame. Tough not to like this guy. pic.twitter.com/Al7WwUjI0e

— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) January 9, 2019

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If you are a regular listener to KFAN and especially a long-time listener of 3-6 PM while Dan Barreiro is on the air, then you remember the “Friday Funkadelic” with Flip Saunders, while he was still alive and well. He would come on every Friday and give some of the best radio ever heard over airwaves to the Twin Cities listeners.

Well today, a new era of funkadelic begins. It’s appointment radio. You don’t say that too often anymore.

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Today at 3:55 with the musical accompaniment you are clamoring for and he is requesting: Ryan Saunders. It’s a son’s prerogative. #newfunkadelic

— Dan Barreiro (@DanBarreiroKFAN) January 9, 2019

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Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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With the All Star Game looming, Minnesota will ride their 119-111 win over the Lakers until February 25th. Appropriately, the break from Timberwolves action gives us ample time to digest everything that came with Thursday’s Flip Saunders Night.

From a fan’s point of view, the commemorative evening appeared to be a massive success. I’ll even go as far as saying it was damn near perfect. However, in order for Flip Saunders Night to have been considered a 10 of 10, Kevin Garnett needed to be at Target Center.

Despite viewing his appearance as a necessity for Flip Saunders Night to reach perfection, the fact KG was a no-show didn’t bother me. As you saw by the above poll results, that stance is in the slight minority. Damnit! Apparently, I chose the wrong answer.

Before we dive into the feud between the future Hall of Famer and the Glen Taylor owned organization, I want to convey that Thursday was the Timberwolves way of dedicating an evening to Flip. In no way do I feel that KG not being present was disrespectful to his former coach. The 9x NBA All-Star has honored Saunders in his own ways.

A couple of months ago we posted an article that discussing Big Ticket’s unwillingness to accept the Wolves’ invitation to retire his number 21. That piece broke down the two main sources of Garnett’s animosity towards the Wolves. 

First of all, rumors from 2015 and 2016 that suggested, upon KG’s retirement, he would slide into some sort of ownership and/or front office role with the club never came to fruition. We don’t exactly know why. As unfortunate as Flip’s death was, from Minnesota’s perspective, the show had to go on. We were forced to move in a different direction. Our team handed Tom Thibodeau the keys to the car and the rest is history.

On the other side of the fence, if I was KG, I’d be pissed, too. His emotions are what we call human nature. Have you ever felt like an employer or potential employer screwed you over? How’d it make you feel?

Okay. Geeze. I was just trying to help.

The banner that was hoisted on Thursday night directly relates to what our November article described as Garnett’s second source of frustration. With the below quote coming from the spring of 2017, KG probably wasn’t doing backflips over the Flip banners February, 2018 hoisting:

Don’t get me wrong. The hostility between the two sides is like watching a couple you’re with get into an absolute meltdown of an argument. It’s awkward and you want it to end, but you rode with them and you just hope it ends amicably before it’s too late. With that said, I fully understand KG’s convictions. On top of that, I appreciate how firm he stands in them. The greatest player in franchise history hasn’t lost his passion from his days in a NBA uniform.

……… but it’d sure be nice to see his jersey up in the Target Center rafters VERY soon. Unfortunately, I’m guessing Boston sees a 5 looking over them before we see a 21…

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

On Thursday night, the Timberwolves organization honored the late Flip Saunders. As for how the franchise acknowledged their beloved coach and executive, that was accomplished in a plethora of ways.

Despite Taj Gibson’s career high 28 points during Minnesota’s come from behind victory, the game itself took a back seat to all of the events surrounding the highly anticipated Flip Saunders Night.

Rest in power, Flip Saunders #ForFlip pic.twitter.com/ZRVwI1q0k8

— The Ringer (@ringer) February 16, 2018

The franchise worked closely with Flip’s family to ensure the evening had a focus on increasing awareness and raising funds for the “Flip Saunders Legacy Fund.” The fund, which was created within weeks of Flip’s passing, is “solely devoted to aiding and supporting deserving individuals or groups and continue the positive impact of the life of coach Flip Saunders.“

I’m sure the team and Saunders family drummed up a lot of cash for the Wolves’ former coach and Maroon and Gold Alum (also was assistant coach at the U from 1981-86). My personal favorite fundraiser was an easy choice. Like Michael Jordan and Spike Lee taught us, it’s gotta be the shoes:

? Custom #ForFlip kicks are up for auction tonight in Section 118 to benefit the Flip Saunders Legacy Fund! ❤ #AllEyesNorth pic.twitter.com/AmOlrCbtST

— Target Center (@TargetCenterMN) February 15, 2018

In regards to my favorite aspect of the evening itself, I’d have to go with the banner. However, if I was at the game itself, my opinion might be different. Despite not being a big art person, the painting halftime show seemed electric. On top of that, the commemorative coins that everyone in attendance received are the classiest (just like Flip):

With the above toast to Saunders in their possession prior to tip, the Target Center crowd witnessed, among other things, the raising of the banner and some speeches from family and organization members.

But it was Flip’s wife, Debbie, that moistened everyone’s eyes: With her son Ryan (Wolves assistant coach) and others by her side, the widow of the basketball legend, addressed the crowd:

Debbie Saunders: “Flip was a good man, a good father and a good husband. I know Flip would want me to tell all of you that he was very touched by this moment and how fortunate he felt to have known you. Keep up your kindness, the Minnesota humble and kind.” #Twolves

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) February 16, 2018

Another person who spoke was Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT, who helped spearhead the previously mentioned custom shoes, spoke about Flip’s impact on not only the Wolves, but the entire state of Minnesota.

#KarlAnthonyTowns on Flip’s tremendous impact on the @Timberwolves organization and state of Minnesota as a whole. #ForFlippic.twitter.com/IbdQhL4NjC

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2018

Naturally, with most of the Flip-related events happening during pregame, the current Wolves roster was in attendance. In addition, many former Saunders-coached players were at Target Center for Flip Saunders Night. Despite many fans’ disappointment that KG wasn’t one of them, it was good to see Sam Cassell, Chauncy Billups, and others.

Among those others, was Latrell Sprewell. Nice! I assume he lives in a different state, and we all know he has a family to feed, so you know it’s important Latrell finds a way to make the trip back to MN.

Latrell Sprewell talking to Jimmy Butler is my childhood and adulthood happening all at once.

— Tim Faklis (@timfaklis) February 16, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Kevin Garnett wants to buy the Timberwolves from Glen Taylor https://t.co/HIYi2VwbDp pic.twitter.com/AiY9NB2Dyr

— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) December 14, 2017

First and foremost, I apologize for being late to this story. I’m just snapping out of an aggressive football bender (#SKOL). Regardless, the delay is unacceptable. Feel free to call me Spirit Airlines.

While playing for Minnesota, it seemed as if Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves had a good relationship. That notion is echoed by the fact Garnett returned to MN to end his NBA career. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case with KG’s post professional basketball tenure.

At a 30,000 foot viewpoint, Garnett and the late Flip Saunders had often discussed KG becoming a minority owner in the Timberwolves. It was anticipated that upon retiring, the franchises greatest player would accept some sort of front office or coaching position. When Saunders passed away, Minnesota was forced to hire a new coach. They hired Tom Thibodeau in April, 2016. For whatever reason, Garnett and the new regime were unable to agree to any sort of terms.

We recently posted an article breaking down the animosity between the two sides. The muse for that literature was Garnett not accepting an invite to have his jersey retired. For a deeper dive on this whole fiasco, click here: KG Won’t Accept Timberwolves Invitations to Retire Jersey

As intriguing as this may sound on the surface, there is a problem. All indications are that owner, Glen Taylor, intends to keep his approximately 70% majority stake. In his interview with Vice Sports, KG made it VERY clear he won’t work with current ownership. He was quoted as saying:

• “I don’t want to be partners with Glen [Taylor], and I wouldn’t want to be partners with Glen in Minnesota. I would love to be part of a group that buys him out and kind of removes him and go forward.”

For any sort of deal to EVER take place, something would have to give. If it does, you’d anticipate (or at least hope) the two sides end up working out their issues. They need to sit down, break bread, and hash this out.

Damn. If this gig doesn’t work out, I’m pursuing a career in marriage counseling….. hit me up, Glen.

Anywho, Kevin Garnett currently works for TNT on the set of his show, Area 21. After breaking down the Vice Sports Q & A, it’s evident he isn’t stopping at television. The future HOF still has every bit of that famous, border line psychotic, personality. Obviously, all of those things are positives and are meant as a compliment.

Need some motivation? Here you go:

Don’t thank me, thank KG.

*Outside of contact sports, Minnesota Sports Fans doesn’t condone violence (We keep it PC – #SoWoke).

I wouldn’t hold your breathe on KG returning to Minnesota. With that said, it’s still fun to think about. He’d put Clippers owner, Steve Ballmer’s, high energy levels to shame. Mark Cuban’s intensity wouldn’t stand a chance. The scenario is highly unlikely. However, it’s not impossible.

They call him The Big Ticket for a reason. On top of that, some of his friends probably have a couple of dollars.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Photo: Photo: David Zalubowski/AP