The Timberwolves updated plans for Flip Saunders Night at Target Center by announcing the pregame ceremony and unveiling of a banner honoring the late coach would begin at 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 15.
The Wolves play the Los Angeles Lakers at 8 p.m. that day. Doors will open to fans at 6:30 p.m., and all fans will get a commemorative coin.
The event will raise money for the Flip Saunders Legacy Fund, established by his family to "support deserving individuals and groups to continue to portray the positive impact of the life of Flip Saunders."
Each Wolves player will have custom sneakers made by Kickstradomis auctioned off outside section 118 at the game, and at halftime speed painter David Garibaldi will create artwork honoring Saunders. The painting and game-worn jerseys will be part of a postgame auction.
Saunders died Oct. 15, 2015 because of Hodgkin's lymphoma. He was 427-392 in 12 seasons over two stints with the Wolves. His first stint, from 1995 to 2005, including eight straight appearances in the playoffs, including a drive to the NBA's Western Conference in the spring of 2004. He returned in 2013 as president of basketball operations, adding coaching duties starting with the 2014-15 season. Saunders was also head coach in Detroit (2005-08) and Washington Wizards (2009-11).
