Former T-Wolves, Raptors executive Rob Babcock dies following cancer battle

Rob Babcock, the former vice president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

"I am extremely saddened to hear of Rob's passing," Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said in a statement. "I got to know Rob well during his time with the Wolves and considered him a great friend. For 22 years he played an important role in the day-to-day operations of our basketball front office and was instrumental in shaping our roster during our eight-year playoff run from 1997 through 2004.

"On behalf of the Timberwolves and Lynx, we want to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Laura, sons Chris and Nate, and the entire Babcock family."

Babcock spent over two decades with the Timberwolves across two different stints. In between, he served as general manager for the Toronto Raptors from 2004-06.

He announced in November he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

His sons are both employed within the NBA. Chris is the director of player development for the Philadelphia 76ers while Nate serves as a special assistant to Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce.