Todd Barin
Web Editorial Associate
Before the Wolves took on the Blazers on Monday night, fans rose to honor the late Philip “Flip” Saunders.
There was not a dry eye in the Target Center as players, coaches and NBA personalities shared what Flip meant to them in a commemorative video. Tom Hanneman, who’s a broadcaster of some sort for the Wolves since 1989, hosted the ceremony and talked about what Coach Saunders meant to the city and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
The buzzing of the dimmed lights was the only sound echoing from the rafters as every one of the 18,903 people in attendance stood in silence.
The first video shown was a compilation of comments from NBA executives, coaches and players who got to know Flip throughout his successful coaching career.
The second video, shown while musician Tim Mahoney played his rendition of "Hallelujah" on center court, featured Minnesota Timberwolves players and coaches reminiscing on the impact Flip had on their lives.
It was a truly beautiful ceremony to honor a member of the Wolves that was taken from his pack way too soon.