Good morning.
Rest in peace, Flip Saunders
Good morning. We have a number of links to Flip tributes and more.
REST IN PEACE, FLIP: When someone suffers a cancer violent enough to remove them from work they love, as the disease stole the young Timberpups away from basketball lifer Flip Saunders in recent months, you know it’s serious. All the same, it was jarring and shockingly sad to learn of Flip’s death early Sunday. He was 60 years old. He began receiving treatment to fight Hodgkin’s lymphoma three months ago. With all due respect, f--k cancer. Let’s help beat it.
Here is a tribute to Flip from Canis Hoopus’ Eric in Madison and the obituary on Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball from the Star-Tribune’s Jerry Zgoda. Tom Izzo’s statement was very touching. Coaches will wear a lapel pin honoring Flip this season. Former Nets exec Bobby Marks notes that Kevin Garnett had no intentions of waiving his no-trade clause last season until speaking personally with Flip. Following that, here’s a gut-punch tribute from KG to his longtime coach and friend.
Two more wonderful, personal pieces on Flip’s legacy as a man: from Michael Lee, who covered him in D.C., and from Steve Aschburner, who covered him in Minnesota. May his families (blood and basketball) find peace in the days ahead.
Now, let’s basketball.
FANTASTIC: Gregg Popovich will take over USA Basketball coaching duties from Mike Krzyzewski after the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Adrian Wojnarowski explains how the thaw between Pop and USA Basketball boss Jerry Colangelo came about.
HOW LAMAR GOT HERE: Ramona Shelburne did some stellar reporting to wind through the days that led to Lamar Odom falling into a coma in southern Nevada.
SHE GOT FIRST: Elena Della’Donne might be the best free throw shooter in the history of pro basketball, full stop.
CUT DAY: Marc Stein lists the final cut decisions to be made on Monday. The most notable call is whether the Lakers keep Jabari Brown or Metta World Peace. (Sorry, Jabari, but every reporter in the league is rooting against you right now.) The most influential decision in the grand scheme of the league, though, might be Ryan Hollins vs. Jarnell Stokes in Memphis.
IT’S COMPLICATED: We’re beginning to see how Fred Hoiberg will unravel Chicago’s knot of talented big men.
SPEAKING OF THE BULLS: Derrick Rose is really excited about the new offense.
WHO IS MONTA ELLIS? Spectacular profile of Monta by Candace Buckner.
NO, REALLY. I INSIST: Lance Stephenson is trying to convince Twitter that Lance Stephenson is not trash.
WE HAVE A LEADER IN THE CLUBHOUSE: Dirk Nowitzki’s Lurch costume is pretty spectacular.
A DIFFERENT ADAMS FAMILY: Russell Westbrook’s Steven Adams costume is pretty glorious, too.
THE DANCER WARS COME TO THE NBA: A former Bucks dancer has sued the team. As has been the case with NFL cheerleaders fighting the machine, absurdly low pay and high time commitments are at the crux of the battle. My position, as always: PAY THEM WHEN THEY WORK.
ATTENTION ALL PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES: Do not poke at the Sixers like John Kasich did, or you’re going to get burned like toast.
FOR VARYING DEFINITIONS OF CRAZY: Zach Lowe’s 35 crazy predictions for the NBA season.
THIS IS GOOD: New Orleans has an incredible number of injuries to deal with right now. But at least Eric Gordon is dunking like a champ again.
THE MAKING OF LAMARCUS: Excellent look at the development of LaMarcus Aldridge by Jeff McDonald.
MEET THE LOPEZ TWINS: Scott Cacciola on the First Twins of New York, Robin and Brook Lopez.
Happy Monday. Find joy. See you next time.
See More:
