MINNEAPOLIS — Flip Saunders, the president and coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, said he’s being treated for Hodgkins lymphoma and his doctors consider it “very treatable and curable.”

Saunders, 60, was diagnosed with a cancer of the immune system two months ago and has been undergoing chemotherapy. He plans to remain as the Timberwolves’ head coach and top executive while being treated.

“I am taking it step by step and day by day to understand how to best manage this process,” Saunders said Tuesday in a statement.

Saunders returned to the Timberwolves as team president in 2013. Last year he replaced the retired Rick Adelman on the Wolves’ bench and the team finished 16-66.

Even while undergoing treatment, Saunders remained active with the team, overseeing draft workouts, selecting Karl-Anthony Towns at No. 1 overall and trading for Tyus Jones on draft night in June. He signed players, including Euroleague MVP Nemanja Bjelica and veteran point guard Andre Miller, to supplement a roster teeming with young talent.

He didn’t attend the summer league but has remained engaged at the team’s new practice facility.

Doctors have encouraged him to keep up with his daily business.

“Flip has kept me apprised of his cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said the owner, Glen Taylor. “He has my support as well as my thoughts and prayers for him and his family.”

The former University of Minnesota standout coached the Timberwolves for 10 years before being fired in 2005, leading the long-suffering franchise to its only real playoff success. Taylor brought him back as team president two years ago to try to get the organization back on track.


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