Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 10 Guards in Franchise History

Paging through the short history of the Minnesota Timberwolves is like a trip through a buffet line.

You'll find stuff you love and stuff you really don't care for. The team does not have a five-star restaurant caliber history, but there is enough there to leave you feeling satisfied.

The recent addition of Ricky Rubio calls for a trip down memory lane on other famous guards on the Minnesota Team.

Due to the short history of the team and lack of stability on the roster, the guards listed may not be the best statistically in team history but have provided leadership, excitement and fond memories for T-Wolves fans.

Dishonerable Mention

Here are players that won't be ending up in the Wolves Hall of Fame anytime soon...

Troy Hudson

Marko Jaric

Ricky Davis

Rashad McCants

Will Avery

Bracey Wright

I could go on, but let's get to some happier memories.  

10. Doug West

The No. 10 spot goes to the last original T-Wolf of all time.

West had a decent career with Minnesota. West led the 1992-93 team with 19.2 ppg and shot over 51 percent from the field, scoring more than rookie phenom Christian Laettner. He also holds the record for third most points in team history. 

West struggled with alcoholism and depression later in his career and recieved treatment.

He is now an assistant coach with the Villanova Wildcats.

9. Malik Sealy

The only Wolf ever to have his jersey number retired.

His tragic death from a drunk driver hit fans hard. Sealy played an important role on the fledgling Timberwolf playoff teams, averaging 11.3 ppg in the 1999-2000 season.

I may be a bit biased because Sealy holds the honor of my favorite moment in team history.  

8. Fred Hoiberg

"The Mayor" was one of the most exciting players to watch during his short stint in Minnesota. It seemed like he couldn't miss a shot during the 2004-05 season when he averaged a league leading 48.3 percent from beyond the arch. 

Another Wolf whose career was cut short. He retired after he was diagnosed with a heart condition. Hoiberg served the team in the front office for a few years and has since returned to his native Iowa to coach the Iowa State Cyclones. 

7. Isaiah Rider

Isaiah "J.R." Rider caused more headaches than points during his NBA career, but he was an exciting player for the miserable early 90's teams.

He was selected to the All-Rookie first team in 1993-94 and won the slam dunk contest with his infamous "East Bay Funk Dunk."

6. Pooh Richardson

An original Timberwolf with an odd nickname.

Pooh was one of the better scorers in early Timberwolves' history.

He averaged 17.1 points and nine assists per game during the 1990-91 season. 

5. Randy Foye

Fans might want to forget the "Roy for Foye" swap.

Randy gave a decent boost for the team trying to get back in to the playoffs. "Fourth Quarter Foye" provided a solid spark late during games. Even though Foye was shipped out of town to Washington, his contributions were some of the few bright spots in the post KG era.

One of my favorite Foye memories was his 32-point game against the Oklahoma City Thunder when he went 6-of-9 from the three-point line in a 129-87 victory.   

4. Tony Campbell

The first big star for the young Minnesota team.

He averaged 23.2 ppg for the inaugural Timberwolves' team. Campbell never reached superstar status, but was a top notch scorerer at the Target Center.

Campbell would continue to be a respectable journeyman in the league.  

3. Stephon Marbury

Stephon Marbury remains one of the "what could have been" questions with the franchise.

Marbury and Garnett were primed to be one of the best scoring duos in the NBA. The former Georgia Tech star helped lead the Timberwolves to their first playoff birth in 1997. I have fond memories of Marbury setting up Garnett and Tom Gugliotta.

Unfortunately, jealousy and insanity defined the rest of Marbury's career.

My blue No. 3 was donated to Goodwill a long time ago. 

2. Terrell Brandon

One of the better point guards in Minnesota history.

Brandon was a solid spark during the team's playoff runs. A consumate professional who was a solid defender. A good player on a good Timberwolves team.

Unfortunately, his career in Minnesota was cut short due to injuries. 

1.Sam Cassell

The only All-Star guard in team history.

Cassell was a pivotal part of the best season in team history. He averaged nearly 20 points a game during the 2004 season. Having one of the best seasons as a guard in team history, the trade of Cassell to the LA Clippers still confuses me.

He was the floor general that led the team to the cusp of an NBA championship. That's why Sam Cassell is the best guard in team history.

Any thoughts?