NBA community reacts to death of Flip Saunders

My condolences to the Saunders and @Timberwolves family! Lost a great person in our fraternity way to early. So sad #RIPFlip

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 25, 2015

Flip you were one of a kind. Great basketball mind and even better human being. You had a great impact on my life personally and professionally. RIP my friend. Prayers are with the Saunders family during this time.

A photo posted by @kevinlove on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

Today, the guy who believed in me since day 1 passed away. He was all smiles passionate and really loved this game. He gave everything to the Timberwolves and did amazing things for us. He was our leader. Really gonna miss you coach. RestInPeace Flip.

A photo posted by Ricky Rubio (@ruuufio) on Oct 25, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT

RIP @Flip_Saunders, hard to comprehend

— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) October 25, 2015

My heart and all of my love goes out to Flip Saunders Family as your leader leaves this earth in the flesh. His spirit lives in the present as we speak. In 1996 Flip became a father figure and my first #NBA coach. Wow how fast time blows by. Our conversations were so meaningful in ways that helped me understand the game of life by explaining the game of basketball. Your kind soul and loving ways helped me understand how to play the most important position in the sport of basketball. You gave me not only the chance to perform at a high level but a chance to communicate my thoughts on the game. You taught me how to play the pick and roll but you also taught me how to pick up and roll with the good and bad in the life. As a rookie we had so many conversations in such a short time period. You said "The point guard has to be the extension to the coach" These words lived inside of me as I've had my share of ups and downs with coaches. I guess when I left you I went on a journey to end up with a similar coach 7,000 miles away. I thank you for giving me my foundation in how to play the professional way. I thank you for giving me unconditional love as if I was your son when I was so young. It was so needed as KG and I needed all of it to get where we are now. What an impact you've had on so many humans on earth. What a father you've been to your children as I can remember Ryan aka RyeKnow when he was a little boy. We will miss you as a piece of your children's hearts have been taken but we will celebrate you forever. Thank God that love is the most powerful thing to give and receive. The love from all will be shared to help the healing process from the pain of your flesh not being present. I know you will RIP because you did all of what you did on earth in your lifeline. I say #FlipForever as we all grow from your teachings and messages. I LOVE YOU and I'll miss you until we meet again. #LoveisLove P.S As for your amazing Wife Debbie and girls Mindy, Rachel, and Kimberly thank you for sharing your dad with all the people who's lives your dad touched. I can feel your pain because I know your love for your dad. I pray for peace in your heart.

A photo posted by Stephon X. Marbury (@starburymarbury) on Oct 25, 2015 at 3:39pm PDT

#RIPFlipSaunders

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) October 25, 2015

Our thoughts are with the Minnesota Timberwolves today. Rest in peace, Flip.

A photo posted by Sacramento Kings (@sacramentokings) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:24am PDT

Honored 2 have played for a brief time for Coach Flip. Learned a lot in a short time. So much passion 4 his players. pic.twitter.com/m0eIo2YCfh

— Thad Young (@yungsmoove21) October 25, 2015

Very sad to hear the passing of Flip Saunders.He had a great soul&was always warm&engaging.Condolences to the Saunders family& @Timberwolves

— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) October 25, 2015

Met Flip Saunders when he was a Minnesota JUCO coach and I was 22 year old "wet behind the ears" assistant at URI. Very sad day. RIP, Flip.

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) October 25, 2015

Thanks for everything Flip...a great coach, but better man. You will truly be missed.

— Fred Hoiberg (@ISUMayor32) October 25, 2015

The sting of losing another loved one to cancer doesn't get any easier. My thoughts & prayers are with the Saunders &Twolves family. Coach Saunders guided me into this league, he believed in me and taught me what it takes to be a good player and a better man. RIP Coach??

A photo posted by johnwall (@johnwall) on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:36am PDT

Rest peacefully Coach Flip Saunders... My prayers are with your Family. #ripflip

— Chris Webber (@realchriswebber) October 25, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Flip Saunders family and friends. Rest In Heaven Coach, you will be missed! pic.twitter.com/LaBUbzLqPV

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) October 25, 2015

RIP coach Flip Saunders my fist coach in the NBA it was a pleasure playing for you, my condolences goes out to your family.

A photo posted by @iamamirjohnson on Oct 25, 2015 at 11:43am PDT

RIP to @Flip_Saunders ... Had the pleasure to play for him and get to know him. Great coach and Person!!! My heart goes out to his family

— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) October 25, 2015

Truly saddened to hear that Flip Saunders has passed away. My heart and prayers go to the Saunders family and the T-Wolves organization..

— Anthony Bennett (@AnthonyBennett) October 25, 2015

To lose someone that meant so much to me and my is a life altering moment. The pain I'm feeling right now is very deep but I am sure you ll continue to look after us as always. Thank you Flip for believing in me and giving me a chance. I am forever grateful. RIP coach. G.

A photo posted by Gorgui Dieng (@gorguidieng) on Oct 25, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT