The “Flip Army” refers to the devoted group of Minnesota Timberwolves fans who still honor the legacy of the late Flip Saunders, a coach and front-office executive who left an indelible mark on the franchise. Saunders, who tragically passed away in 2015, played a monumental role in shaping the Timberwolves both on and off the court. His vision, leadership, and dedication to the team are still fondly remembered by fans, players, and the organization.
Saunders is best known for his role in the 2003-04 season, when he led the Timberwolves to their best-ever finish, reaching the Western Conference Finals. That season, under Saunders’ guidance, the Wolves were propelled by superstar Kevin Garnett, who won the MVP award, and veterans like Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. The success of that year remains a high point in the franchise’s history, and many fans often look back to those glory days with pride.
As a coach, Saunders was respected for his basketball IQ, his ability to manage personalities, and his innovative offensive strategies. He was known for his adaptability, often adjusting his schemes to fit the talents of his players. This versatility allowed him to coach a wide range of players over the years, including Garnett, Ricky Rubio, and Andrew Wiggins. His basketball knowledge made him a beloved figure in Minnesota and around the NBA.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Flip Saunders also held the role of the Timberwolves’ president of basketball operations. In this capacity, he had a direct hand in shaping the team’s roster and future. One of his most notable moves was drafting Andrew Wiggins after acquiring him in a trade for Kevin Love. Saunders had big plans for the young core, including Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, and envisioned a future where the Timberwolves would return to contention.
Sadly, Saunders passed away just as this new era was beginning to take shape. His death left a void in the Timberwolves’ organization and fanbase. Despite his absence, his influence is still felt, especially by the “Flip Army,” the group of fans who continue to carry his memory. The “Flip Army” has become synonymous with loyalty to both the team and the Saunders family, as Flip’s son, Ryan Saunders, also had a stint as head coach of the Wolves.
Ryan Saunders was given the difficult task of stepping into his father’s shoes when he became head coach of the Timberwolves in 2019. Though Ryan’s tenure was short-lived, the connection between the Saunders family and the team remains strong. Ryan’s coaching was seen as an extension of Flip’s legacy, and the fans rallied behind him, hoping to see the family continue the success Flip had envisioned for the team.
The “Flip Army” often reflects on how different the Timberwolves might be today if Flip Saunders had lived to see through his vision for the young roster. His untimely passing left many what-ifs, but fans take solace in knowing that his fingerprints are still on the team. Many believe that the culture of hard work, resilience, and family that Flip instilled continues to influence the current roster.
Timberwolves fans remain hopeful for the team’s future, especially with young stars like Anthony Edwards and Towns leading the charge. However, the “Flip Army” often reminds people that Saunders was the architect who laid the foundation for these players to succeed. His long-term plans, which included fostering young talent and building a competitive team, continue to resonate with the fanbase today.
Over the years, the Timberwolves have gone through numerous ups and downs, but the “Flip Army” remains steadfast in their support. For them, supporting the Timberwolves is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about supporting the values that Flip Saunders embodied—loyalty, perseverance, and a deep connection to the community.
The team has also made efforts to honor Flip Saunders’ legacy. His name and contributions are frequently mentioned during Timberwolves broadcasts, and his presence is still felt at Target Center. In 2018, the Timberwolves unveiled a banner in his honor, ensuring that his legacy will forever be a part of the franchise.
Today, as the Timberwolves look to turn the corner and become consistent playoff contenders, the “Flip Army” continues to believe in Saunders’ vision for the team. They take pride in seeing young players develop and play with the same tenacity that Saunders championed throughout his career. For them, success will always be tied to the foundation that Flip Saunders built.
Ultimately, the “Flip Army” stands as a testament to the impact Flip Saunders had not only on the Timberwolves but on the broader NBA community. His contributions to the game, his relationship with players, and his ability to connect with fans are what make him a beloved figure whose influence will be remembered for generations to come. The “Flip Army” will continue to honor his legacy as they support the Timberwolves through whatever comes next.