FILE - In this May 3, 2013, file photo, former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders is introduced as the Timberwolves’ new president for basketball operations during an NBA basketball news conference in Minneapolis. Saunders' presence is often felt before it is heard. He likes to sneak up behind player, employees, media and put a firm grip on a shoulder. (AP Photo/The Star Tribune, Richard Sennott) MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES TV OUT MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT (The Associated Press)
MINNEAPOLIS – It's been a dizzying summer for Flip Saunders. After being hired to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves as president of basketball operations, Saunders has been frantically reshaping the roster, meeting with the team's business side and immersing himself in a job he's never held before.
He says it's been a refreshing departure from coaching. As an executive, he's looking at the franchise from a different angle and is energized by the added responsibilities.
Saunders' people skills have been a welcome change at Target Center and coach Rick Adelman says he enjoys talking strategy with an executive with a coaching background.
Saunders is optimistic that the team he helped build will end a nine-year playoff drought this season.
The chase starts on Wednesday night with the season opener against Orlando.
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