Flip Saunders Hiring

Lore & Background

When Flip Saunders took over as head coach in 1995, the Timberwolves were already six years into their existence, having been led initially by Bill Musselman. Saunders brought credibility and experience, having previously worked in the Continental Basketball Association. His hiring signaled a new direction for a franchise still searching for its identity. The defining moment of his early tenure arrived during the 1995 NBA Draft. With the first overall pick, general manager Kevin McHale selected Kevin Garnett, a decision that instantly elevated the franchise's potential. Saunders then developed Garnett into a superstar, transforming the team from a lottery regular into a legitimate force in the Western Conference. Saunders remained with the organization long after his initial coaching contract ended, eventually returning as head coach in 2014 and taking on executive responsibilities as General Manager in 2013. Even after stepping away from day-to-day operations, his influence lingered throughout the building. His passing in 2015 marked the end of an era, but his contributions remain a cornerstone of the franchise's identity.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed overhead as Flip Saunders walked onto the hardwood for the first time. The air smelled of fresh paint and anticipation, a new court waiting to be claimed. He paused near center court, looking at the empty stands that would soon roar with Minnesota pride. There were no trophies yet, only the promise of what could be built. In that quiet moment before the noise began, he knew this was where his legacy would start.

Reader's Guide

The Minnesota Timberwolves began their journey in 1989 as an expansion franchise, needing a leader to establish identity from scratch. Flip Saunders was selected as the inaugural head coach, bringing experience from previous coaching stints with other organizations. His early years involved navigating the typical growing pains of a new team, competing for relevance while building a roster without established stars. The pivotal turning point arrived in 1995 during the NBA Draft. Saunders made the decision to select Kevin Garnett as the first overall pick, a move that transformed the franchise forever. This selection provided the talent necessary to compete at a high level and gave fans a true homegrown icon to rally around for years to come. Under Saunders guidance, the team achieved consistent playoff appearances in the late nineties and early two thousands. He later transitioned into executive roles as General Manager before eventually passing away in 2015. His legacy remains defined by stability during the formative era and the vision required to build a contender from an expansion draft.

Did You Know?

• Saunders was the franchise's second head coach, taking over in 1995 after Bill Musselman's tenure from 1989 to 1991.
• Kevin McHale, as general manager, selected Kevin Garnett with the number one pick in the 1995 NBA Draft; Saunders was the head coach who developed him.
• Saunders finished as runner-up for the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2003-04 but never won the honor.
• Saunders did not serve as both head coach and general manager simultaneously during his initial tenure; he became general manager in 2013, after his first coaching stint ended in 2005, and returned as head coach in 2014.