Timberwolves' Flip Saunders diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Minnesota Timberwolves president and head coach Flip Saunders has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he announced Tuesday.

Saunders is receiving treatment for what his doctors characterized as a "very treatable and curable form of cancer."

"I am taking it step by step and day by day to understand how to best manage this process," Saunders said in the statement.

He later expressed gratitude, via Twitter, towards those who have reached out to him amidst this challenging period: "The outpouring of support today has been overwhelming, (it) has truly reminded me that the goodness of people should never be questioned.

"I thank everyone and will continue to fight with God leading the charge! #stay strong."

Saunders will continue to fulfill his duties as both president and head coach of the Timberwolves.

The 60-year-old Saunders has spent his entire life around basketball. He was an All-American in high school and spent four years at the University of Minnesota playing next to the likes of Mychal Thompson and Kevin McHale.

After a lengthy playing career in the CBA, Saunders broke into the NBA as general manager of the Timberwolves in 1995. That season, Saunders also took over head coaching duties.

Saunders went on to coach the Detroit Pistons in 2005, taking over for Larry Brown following the Pistons' run of success atop the Eastern Conference. Saunders spent four seasons with the Pistons before moving on to the Washington Wizards, and, eventually, back to the familiar confines of Minneapolis.

Across 17 seasons as an NBA head coach, Saunders boasts a regular-season record of 654-592 and a 47-51 record in the postseason.