Flip Saunders takes leave of absence for cancer fight

Flip Saunders has been hospitalized for testing and treatment following a setback in his fight with cancer, leaving his leadership roles with the Minnesota Timberwolves indefinitely to focus on his health.

The Timberwolves confirmed Friday that assistant Sam Mitchell will take over as interim coach for Saunders, who is also the president of basketball operations. General manager Milt Newton's responsibilities also will expand with the absence of the 60-year-old Saunders, who was diagnosed this summer with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Saunders was diagnosed with the cancer of the immune system in June. He announced his condition in August, when he said his doctors called his prognosis "very treatable and curable." Saunders, who is also part owner of the franchise, hoped then to be ready to resume his responsibilities when training camp cranked up.

Training camp starts Sept. 28. The season opener is Oct. 28.