Ranking the Top 25 Players in Minnesota Timberwolves History

Since the Timberwolves' inception in 1989, many have left their impact on the Target Center floor. Through the dramatic phases of success and failure, a handful of players have managed to stand out for this young franchise.

Throughout this slideshow, we'll name 25 players who all left a lasting impression. A number of things will be factored in to determine just where they stand compared to those who preceded them and those who followed them.

Longevity: How long the player donned T-Wolves' black and blue is a big facet when it comes to a guy's value to a franchise.

Impact: Did the player do everything he could to help them win? What will he be remembered for? How important was he to the Wolves during his tenure?

Overall Skill: Most importantly, just how good was this player when he was in Minneapolis?

On this list, you will be hard-pressed to find many players with long tenures in Minnesota. There simply aren't many, as the team has seen countless roster turnovers in its short history.

That being said, let's take a trip down memory lane to see which Wolves howled the loudest, shall we?

Honorable Mention: Malik Sealy

Tenure: 1998-2000 (two seasons)

Accomplishments: His No. 2 is the only number retired in Timberwolves history

Sealy was a very talented 6'8" forward for Minnesota, but he makes this list out of respect more than anything.

A drunk driver tragically cut his life short in a head-on collision in 2000. Sealy was heading home from teammate and best friend Kevin Garnett's birthday celebration in downtown Minneapolis.

Garnett has since commemorated his best friend with a tattoo and now wears Sealy's No. 2 with the Brooklyn Nets to honor his fallen teammate.

Sealy's killer has since been imprisoned for eight years on another drunken driving charge in 2008 . The man had been convicted of drunk driving prior to his accident with Sealy in 2000, and was convicted yet again in 2006 for the same offense prior to his most recent incarceration.

It is sad that such a promising person and player had so much taken from him all because of a stupid decision by another man. Sealy's jersey will remain alone hanging in the Target Center rafters proudly until Garnett's No. 21 gets placed rightfully beside it.

25. Ricky Davis

Tenure: 2005-2007 (two seasons)

Accomplishments: 17.6 points, 4.8 assists per game

Ricky Davis was a talented, yet volatile player throughout his career. When your most memorable NBA moment is this selfish display of stat-padding in order to get a triple-double, something must have gone awry.

Davis always put up respectable numbers, but it was never worth it, as his teams never once made it out of the first round of the playoffs.

He came to Minnesota and played two seasons in the awkward last few years of the Kevin Garnett era where the team was doing everything possible to rebuild around KG.

As infuriating as he was to watch at times, he was simply too talented to leave off this list. During his prime, he could fill up the stat sheet with the best of them.

24. Rasho Nesterovic

Tenure: 1998-2003 (five seasons)

Accomplishments: Second in franchise history in blocked shots

Nesterovic came to Minnesota as a first-round pick out of the country formerly known as Yugoslavia. While he never quite lived up to his potential, he did become a stalwart on defense during the glory years of the early 2000s.

Even though Rasho only laced 'em up for five seasons, it felt like he was in town much longer. He left town to join the Spurs unceremoniously after averaging a career high 11.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in the 2002-03 season.

As troubling as it may be, Nesterovic is likely the most accomplished center this team has ever had. The position has been a revolving door since he left.

23. Ryan Gomes

Tenure: 2007-2010 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds per game

Ryan Gomes was one of a boatload of players the Celtics sent over in the Garnett trade, which still stands as the biggest trade for one player in NBA history. Minnesota acquired Gomes along with four other players and two draft picks.

While unspectacular, Gomes was a stabilizing force for the rebuilding T-Wolves in the post-KG era. His efforts did not result in wins, but they did not go unnoticed.

Gomes was a jack of all trades for the Timberwolves, as well as a workhorse. He missed just six games in his three seasons and earned his spot on this list with his solid, well-rounded game.

22. Trenton Hassell

Tenure: 2003-2007 (four seasons)

Accomplishments: None

Trenton Hassell's contributions to the Timberwolves go far beyond anything stat sheets can measure. He averaged just 6.9 points during his stint although he posted strong field-goal percentages.

Hassell started all 18 games during the Timberwolves' run to the Western Conference Finals in 2004. He elevated his game and locked up Carmelo Anthony, Peja Stojakovic and Kobe Bryant in each of the three rounds.

Minnesota would not have been anywhere near as successful if not for Hassell providing unbelievable perimeter defense on each team's best wing player. He forced players into shots they didn't want to take with relative ease.

He makes this list due to his overall impact over his four years. His playoff contributions move him ahead of a few others to land him at No. 22.

21. Troy Hudson

Tenure: 2002-2007 (five seasons)

Accomplishments: 14.2 points, 5.7 assists in 2002-03

If not for Troy Hudson's affinity for getting hurt, he might have found himself way higher up on this list.

"T-Hud", as he was affectionately referred to, had two healthy seasons in Minnesota, and three that were marred by injury. He was a very nice scorer manning the point guard position, however his injuries forced Minnesota to acquire Sam Cassell to take his spot in the starting lineup.

The highlight of his tenure was the playoff series against the Lakers in 2002-03. Hudson averaged 23.5 points and earned himself the nickname "The Laker Killer".

Unfortunately, injuries caused his career to flame out early. He is now a rapper under the alias T-Hud.

20. Joe Smith

Tenure: 1998-2000, 2001-2003 (four seasons)

Accomplishments: 13.7 points, 8.2 rebounds per game in 1998-99 season

It hurts to even reminisce about this particular player.

Joe Smith's career is most known for the under-the-table free agency deal he made with the Timberwolves that allowed them to sign him for very little money.

It resulted in the team forfeiting three future first-rounders, crippling their development and possibly foiling any chances they had of competing for a title.

On the court, Smith displayed glimpses of the athleticism that made him a former No. 1 overall pick. He paired with Garnett at the time to form an incredibly gifted and young front line that should have carried the team for years.

While he did not live up to expectations, Smith was a strong player during his time in Minnesota. However, his play never did quite stand out in front of the stench left behind from his free-agency deal.

19. Anthony Peeler

Tenure: 1997-2003 (six seasons)

Accomplishments: Timberwolves' all-time leader in three-point field goals

Peeler bounced back and forth between the starting lineup and the bench while he was in Minneapolis, but one thing remained constant.

This guy could shoot.

During his time on the team, Peeler was the best outside shooter they had. His 465 threes rank first in team history.

Not only was he a lethal shooter, Peeler was an above average perimeter defender as well. He averaged 1.7 steals during his first season in Minnesota in addition to his 45 percent three-point rate.

His two-way impact and contributions from outside land him on this list, as well as his role in the team's success. Minnesota made the playoffs in each of Peeler's six seasons on the roster.

Peeler also loses some love in T-Wolves history for punching Kevin Garnett the year after he left Minnesota. Nobody touches KG.

18. Nikola Pekovic

Tenure: 2010-present (three seasons)

Accomplishments: 16.3 points, 8.8 rebounds per game in 2012-13

Provided anyone can locate him, it should only be a matter of time before Nikola Pekovic returns to Minnesota on his free agency deal to continue tossing opposing players around like rag dolls.

In just three seasons, Pekovic has proven to be the most talented center this franchise has ever had. He has transformed from a foul machine to a bulldozer around the rim.

Pekovic has the strength to out-muscle anyone in the league and gets his points very easily. His bruising style of play subjects him to a nagging injury here and there, but when he is on the floor he is a dominating presence.

Pek stands to improve even more as he enters his prime at age 27. Minnesota knows just how crucial he is to the team's success going forward and cannot afford to lose him.

In a few more years, Pekovic will most assuredly skyrocket up this list. A few playoffs victories and continued excellence on a contending team will solidify him as one of the best players this franchise has had.

17. Latrell Sprewell

Tenure: 2003-2005 (two seasons)

Accomplishments: 19.8 points per game during 2003-04 postseason

Look past the coach choking, multiple home foreclosures and shoes with spinning rims on them, and you have a guy who was an incredible offensive player throughout his NBA career.

Sprewell was part of the "Big Three" of yesteryear consisting of Garnett, Sam Cassell and himself. Together, they brought Minnesota within two wins of the NBA Finals and a level of success previously unknown to Timberwolves fans.

Spree came along at the perfect time for Minnesota. Former All-Star Wally Szczerbiak was beginning to decline and suffer some injuries, and the team needed a big threat on the wing to help spread the floor for Garnett.

If he had stayed in town longer, his talent level and will to win would have most assuredly placed him higher on this list. As it stands, his distractions and personality hampered him throughout his career.

His tenure in Minnesota was cut short after he abruptly retired following the 2004-05 season. He was insulted when their three-year, $21 million contract offer was deemed too small in his eyes.

In typical Latrell Sprewell fashion, he openly said that $7 million a year was not enough money to feed his family.

16. Ty Corbin

Tenure: 1989-1992 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: 16.2 points per game, franchise leader in steals per game (2.0)

Long before Ty Corbin was the head coach of the Utah Jazz, he was quite the shooting guard.

Corbin enjoyed by far the best seasons of his career during his short stay in Minneapolis. He played on some awful teams primarily because he was there for the inaugural Timberwolves season, but he was able to make a name for himself. Minnesota won only 22 and 29 games in his two full seasons.

Alongside Tony Campbell, the duo was able to pack a serious punch on offense. Corbin was an average player in his four seasons prior to joining the expansion club, but turned into a stellar all-around talent with the T-Wolves. He averaged 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in addition to his 18 points and two steals during the 1990-91 season.

Like many others on this list, Corbin is not higher due to his short stay up north. He was a very good player for the Timberwolves, but had little effect in the win column for the expansion team.

His gritty style is still evident with his Utah Jazz club today, just as it was when he did not miss a single game while playing for Minnesota.

15. Stephon Marbury

Tenure: 1996-1999 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: 1997 NBA All-Rookie Team

Oh, what could have been.

Stephon Marbury and Kevin Garnett was supposed to be a match made in heaven. The two of them sported angry styles of play and palpable levels of competitiveness, but it just didn't work.

It would help most fans sleep at night if I looked over the fact that Minnesota traded the draft rights to Ray Allen on draft night to acquire Marbury, but it has to be brought up.

Marbury's talent was second to none. From day one, he demonstrated a killer New York City crossover, a relentless will to attack the basket and most importantly, a willingness to get his teammates involved. He was the perfect young point guard.

Under Marbury's leadership, Garnett and Tom Gugliotta became the franchise's first All-Stars. He also led them to their first playoff berth while averaging 15.8 points and 7.8 assists all during his rookie season.

Then the wheels fell off.

Garnett signed a six-year $126 million extension, which was scolded across the league and played a large part in the 1999 NBA lockout.

Marbury was insulted because he wanted to be the team's biggest star. Gugliotta left town because Minnesota could not afford to keep him after shelling out so much money to Garnett.

Ultimately, Marbury demanded a trade citing a desire to play closer to home. He got his wish when he was traded to New Jersey for Terrell Brandon, where he blossomed into the All-Star he was destined to be.

It was a sad ending for what should have been a fairytale story in Minnesota. Garnett and Marbury were supposed to lead this team to the top, but egos got in the way and they never quite made it.

14. Isaiah "J.R." Rider

Tenure: 1993-1996 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: "The East Bay Funk Dunk", 1994 NBA All-Rookie First Team

Despite his next-level performance in the 1994 and 1995 dunk contests, Rider carved out a very nice NBA career for himself.

Over his Timberwolves career, Rider averaged a smooth 18.8 points. He quickly developed into a deadly three-point shooter which perfectly complemented his above-the-rim play.

Rider continued his strong play after he left Minnesota. He led Portland in scoring at 19.7 points 1997-98.

The constant knock on Rider was his off-court problems. He had numerous arrests, confrontations and was just an overall head-case. He was a budding young star in Minnesota, but was unable to keep his personal life in order.

The player that just about invented the through-the-legs dunk will always be remembered in NBA history for it, but a once-promising career was derailed too quickly due to drug problems.

Despite his issues, he did some damage for Minnesota. His game spoke for itself, landing him the No. 14 spot. 

13. Ricky Rubio

Tenure: 2011-present (two seasons)

Accomplishments: 2012 NBA All-Rookie First Team, 2008 Olympic Silver medalist

Perhaps this is too high for a 22-year-old with just two seasons under his belt, but Ricky Rubio is a special player unlike any this franchise has seen.

Rubio has been on the national radar since dominating the 2008 Olympics in Beijing as a 16-year-old. His unfathomable passing ability turned him into a YouTube sensation before he even stepped foot onto the NBA hardwood.

His two seasons in Minnesota have already told us a lot about him. His rookie season was cut short due to a torn ACL, and the Timberwolves limped to a disastrous 5-20 finish without him. Under his unquestionable leadership, this team is destined for great things in the future.

Rubio's intensity is something this franchise has not had since Garnett left. He has given this team a jolt of energy and made basketball in Minnesota fun once again.

On the stat sheet, he could very much stand to improve his jumper. However, he has shown that he is amongst the peskiest defenders in the league, narrowly missing leading the league in steals this past season at 2.4 per game.

The No. 13 slot for Rubio may be a bit of a reach at this stage, but there is no questioning how valuable he has already become to this franchise. His impact on the city and the team altogether pushes him up the list.

12. Pooh Richardson

Tenure: 1989-1992 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: 15 points, eight assists per game

- 1990 NBA All-Rookie First Team

- Second in franchise history in assists

Pooh Richardson was the first draft pick in Minnesota Timberwolves history at No. 10 overall in 1989 out of UCLA. He went on to have a very successful three years in Minnesota alongside Tony Campbell, Sam Mitchell and Ty Corbin.

Richardson was one of the brighter young point guards in the game for Minnesota in their first few seasons as an NBA team. The wins did not come right away, but Richardson was a very quick and athletic point guard who made all of his teammates better.

After the 1991-92 season, Richardson was inexplicably traded with Sam Mitchell to the Clippers for Chuck Person and Michael Williams. It was a lateral move that did nothing but stunt the team's growth and set them back a few years.

Richardson is yet another point guard on this list who represents Timberwolves' management selling themselves short. The franchise has gotten their hands on a number of legitimate cornerstone players at the point, only to let them get away.

He finds himself higher than players like Marbury and Hudson because of his consistency and well-rounded game.

11. Doug West

Tenure: 1989-1998 (nine seasons)

Accomplishments: Fourth in franchise history in scoring, third in steals

Doug West was the unheralded stabilizing force on the team for its first nine seasons. Once he was able to crack the starting lineup, he developed into a reliable scorer, topping out at 19.3 points per game in 1992-93.

Minnesota drafted him in the second round of their inaugural draft, and they found themselves a steal. West was a high-percentage scorer, a willing passer and a stout defender.

West was not the flashiest of players, but he got the job done. His Timberwolves career is largely overlooked due to his lack of hype coming in and his lack of success in Minneapolis, but he was still a solid player on a team that goes through dramatic roster turnover year in and year out.

West is not higher on this list because his excellence was not sustained over his nine full seasons. He sandwiched five forgettable seasons around four good ones, never really standing out and making too much of a name for himself.

10. Christian Laettner

Tenure: 1992-1996 (four seasons)

Accomplishments: 1993 NBA All-Rookie First Team, fourth in franchise history in blocks and rebounds

The Timberwolves fell flat on their faces during the 1991-92 season, stumbling to a 15-67 record. It was by far the worst record in the league, and in typical Timberwolves' fashion, they were bumped down in the draft lottery to the third spot, where they would take Duke hero Christian Laettner.

All would have been forgiven had the first two picks not been Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning.

Laettner was very productive during his Timberwolves years, filling the stat sheet across the board. He was a very versatile 6'11" and a difficult matchup for defenders in a league where stretch fours didn't quite exist yet.

The problem was, Laettner was only able to lead his Timberwolves to a 75-222 while he was there. As the team captain, much more was expected of him. He also regressed slightly over his four seasons, prompting Minnesota to deal him at the 1995-96 trade deadline for expiring contracts.

His move paved the way for management to build the team around Garnett, Marbury and Gugliotta.

Laettner was a great talent, but he never was able to live up to this shot that sent his Duke Blue Devils to the Final Four. However, his numbers don't lie. In an era where Minnesota had no stability, he was as good as it got for them.

9. Tony Campbell

Tenure: 1989-1992 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: Franchise leader in points per game (20.6)

It is astounding how impatient management was with the expansion team during the early 90s. Campbell, Pooh Richardson, Ty Corbin, Sam Mitchell and Doug West could have formed a formidable lineup if given the time to grow together.

While Campbell was also only in Minnesota for three seasons, he enjoyed his best years there scoring 20.6 points per game as a Wolf, topping out at 23.2 in their inaugural 1989-90 campaign.

In fact, during his three years, he scored over 1,700 more points than he did in his other five NBA seasons combined.

Campbell made up for his sub-par outside shot with a propensity for jumping passing lanes and finishing with high-percentage shots. He was a handful on the glass as well, grabbing almost as many offensive rebounds as defensive boards throughout his career.

Campbell excelled as a member of the T-Wolves, it is just a shame that he suffered a similar fate to everyone else. Impatient management never let this team develop as a whole during its early years.

In a laughably one-sided move, Campbell was dealt to the Knicks for a second-rounder.

8. Terrell Brandon

Tenure: 1998-2002 (four seasons)

Accomplishments: Fourth in franchise history in assists

Terrell Brandon found himself in Minnesota after Stephon Marbury quickly wore out his welcome and was dealt to New Jersey in a three-team deal.

Even into his early thirties, Brandon was a tremendous distributor and defender. He also could hold his own in the scoring department, averaging 15.6 points during his days with with the T-Wolves.

Injuries did get the best of him during his third year, eventually leading to his premature exit from the NBA. That does not take away from him being likely the most accomplished passer this franchise has had. Brandon is also first in team history in free-throw percentage at just a hair under 90 percent.

Another contribution Brandon made to the team was the grooming he did of Minnesota's next young star point guard, Chauncey Billups. Like seemingly every good point guard they have had, Billups jumped ship and went straight to Detroit to bring home a title.

Let's hope none of these past point guard scenarios resemble Rubio's future.

7. Sam Mitchell

Tenure: 1989-1992, 1995-2002 (ten seasons)

Accomplishments: Second in franchise history in points, games and steals

Finally, a player that actually stuck around for a while!

Looking back on the most talented players in team history does not provide much hope for the future. Teams are supposed to embrace their stars and build around them long-term, not auction them off like they are having an estate sale.

Mitchell actually did leave Minnesota after three seasons before coming back to finish the last seven years of his career. He and mostly all of his teammates from the beginning Timberwolves years were all shipped out quickly.

On the court, Mitchell was a solid, yet unspectacular small forward. He had some nice offensive game, but his loyalty to the team helped move him up this list.

It is refreshing to know that during an era where the T-Wolves management changed their mind more than Dwight Howard, at least one player stuck by the regime.

6. Sam Cassell

Tenure: 2003-2005 (two seasons)

Accomplishments: One-time NBA All-Star, one-time All-NBA Second Team

Sam Cassell's short time in Minnesota can be overlooked due to how many short tenures stars have in Minnesota. His impact was second to none.

During the Garnett years, the team had point guards coming in on a conveyor belt. One after the other, Terry Porter, Marbury, Brandon, Billups, and Hudson all proved not to be the answer for various reasons. Cassell changed all that.

With Cassell came a winning mentality. He won back-to-back titles during his first two NBA seasons with the Rockets and brought that expectation with him to Minnesota.

He fit with Garnett perfectly, so much so that during his first season in Minnesota he made his only career All-Star team as well as the All-NBA team.

During the storybook 2003-04 playoffs, he elevated his game even more. Cassell dropped a pair of 40-point games on the Nuggets and Kings.

It is hard to look back on that time and not wonder "what if". Cassell was mostly a non-factor during the Conference Finals against the Lakers due to a collection of injuries, namely his back and hip. He also suffered a ruptured eardrum during the first round.

Garnett was a beast with Cassell, winning his only MVP award. Even with KG in the fold, Cassell was the one who would take and make most of the huge shots. This franchise hasn't had a guy like that since he left.

5. Al Jefferson

Tenure: 2007-2010 (three seasons)

Accomplishments: Averaged 20.1 points and 10.4 rebounds, both third in franchise history

Al Jefferson was the main piece that Boston gave up in the Kevin Garnett trade. He was the ideal replacement for Garnett, a 22-year-old budding star with an unparalleled offensive skill-set.

Big Al was a menace during his Timberwolves tenure, and continues to be. With a dearth of shooters on the roster at the time, Jefferson saw constant double teams, yet he still chewed up everyone in his path.

His old school-style post game is a lost art in this league. Few, if any players have one-on-one ability on the low block like he does.

On defense, he was a feared shot blocker. He was not a great overall defender, which did limit his value. Jefferson has also been labeled as a black hole on offense, although he has improved in that department since.

At the time, Jefferson had few options to pass to. He carried this team mostly by himself, and he finally had the team going in the right direction during the 2008-09 season before he suffered a torn ACL. The team had recently won ten of 12 games before Jefferson went down. The Wolves finished that season 7-25 without him.

Jefferson was ultimately dealt to Utah because he was deemed incompatible with Kevin Love. It turned out to be the right move, but Minnesota got very little for him. Two low first-round picks are not equal value to a monster like Jefferson.

4. Wally Szczerbiak

Tenure: 1999-2006 (seven seasons)

Accomplishments: One-time NBA All-Star, 2000 NBA All-Rookie First Team

Minnesota knew what they were getting with the sixth pick in the 1999 draft when they took the Miami of Ohio product. Szczerbiak was arguably the best shooter this team has ever had.

He was a prolific threat from the wing, topping out at 20.1 points per game during his final season in Minnesota. Szczerbiak retired a career 41 percent shooter from long-range.

Szczerbiak also benefited from playing alongside Garnett, which is why he does not find himself even higher on this list. The two also didn't always get along, likely playing a part in their early playoff demises and Szczerbiak's eventual trade to the Celtics.

Despite the fallout, Szczerbiak is third on the franchise's all-time scoring list with nearly 7,000 points. He was a tremendous scorer who is forever enshrined in Timberwolves glory.

3. Tom Gugliotta

Tenure: 1994-1998 (four seasons)

Accomplishments: One-time NBA All-Star

Googs was the real deal. Minnesota was the beneficiary of his best years as a pro, as he truly thrived alongside Garnett and Marbury.

During his All-Star campaign in 1996-97, he lit up the stat sheet to the tune of 20.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. His elite all-around game was a perfect complement to Garnett as they were able to get Minnesota into the playoffs for the first time in team history.

The two were also the franchise's first All-Stars.

Gugliotta's fallout was not pretty, not unlike many others who followed or preceded him. When Garnett got his $126 million deal, there was not enough money left to adequately pay Gugliotta. He signed on with Phoenix for six years and $60 million.

Gugliotta, Garnett and Marbury all complemented each other perfectly. The team was undoubtedly going places if the wheels hadn't fallen off. He was never the same after signing that deal with Phoenix, as injuries and overall ineffectiveness got the best of him.

Long live Googs.

2. Kevin Love

Tenure: 2008-present (five seasons)

Accomplishments:

- Two-time All-Star

- 2011 NBA Most Improved Player, one-time All-NBA team

- 53 consecutive double-doubles

- 2012 Olympic Gold medalist

As a lifelong fan of the team, to this day my worst time as a fan came the day after the 2008 NBA Draft.

In case you forgot, the Timberwolves drafted O.J. Mayo with the third pick that year. I went to sleep dreaming of Al Jefferson leading this team to success in the playoffs with the guy who was pegged as the next Kobe Bryant right alongside him.

I woke up to the troubling news that Mayo had been traded for an overweight power forward out of UCLA by the name of Kevin Love, whose best attributes at that point were his prowess from half-court and his sexy outlet passes.

Fast forward a couple of years to 2011 and Love had molded himself into the league's top rebounder and a nasty three-point shooter. The 2010-11 season is the one where he finally made his way into the starting lineup and developed into a star.

He won the Most Improved Player award, tallied 53 consecutive double-doubles and notched the NBA's first 30-point, 30-rebound game in almost 30 years.

In Love's rookie season, he made a whopping two three-pointers. Two years later, he found himself shooting 42 percent from downtown, a testament to just how hard he works on his craft.

During the 2012-13 season, he improved even more. He finished top five in the league in both scoring and rebounding at 26 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. He also won the three-point contest at All-Star weekend.

It will be the season that ushered in his reign as a superstar, highlighted by this 51-point, 14-rebound masterpiece in Oklahoma City and this cold-blooded buzzer beater in Los Angeles.

Love at No. 2 on this list is arguable, but he takes the spot due to his overall skill. He has not yet brought the team the level of success that we all hope for, but he has not always had the help needed to do that.

This coming season, provided he doesn't break his hand doing any more knuckle push-ups, the T-Wolves stand to break this nine-year playoff drought behind Love.

Kevin Love gets the second spot because he is the only player this franchise has had who is considered a superstar besides...

1. Kevin Garnett

Tenure: 1995-2007 (12 seasons)

Accomplishments:

- 2004 NBA MVP

- Ten-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection, eight-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection

- Timberwolves' all-time leader in games, points, free throws, rebounds, assists, blocks & steals

I know, I know. You were all probably expecting the top spot to go to Mark Madsen. Sorry to disappoint.

Is there any other player besides Michael Jordan who identifies so much with his respective franchise?

Kevin Garnett WAS the Timberwolves. He was the perfect combination of desire and craziness manifested into a freakishly athletic 7'0" frame that redefined the NBA. Garnett's transcendent abilities as a do-it-all power forward changed the NBA forever.

From day one as a lanky kid from Mauldin, South Carolina, Garnett had the making of a legend. With the fifth pick in the 1995 draft, Minnesota made him the first draftee to jump straight from high school since 1975.

Garnett was a jaw-dropping specimen on the court. His ferocity and will to win rubbed off on his teammates. He combined a dizzying array of post moves with an automatic mid-range jumper. He was an incredible passer and rarely missed a game due to injury.

On defense? He was a nightmare for the opposition. He was constantly barking out orders to his teammates and had the rare ability to jump passing lanes to start fast breaks while also being able to launch shots into the crowd.

During his 12 seasons in Minnesota, the only thing he failed to accomplish was an NBA title. He came close just the one time in 2003-04 when management finally was able to assemble a balanced roster around him capable of going deep into the playoffs.

Had Sam Cassell not succumbed to a hip injury, the Timberwolves just might have bested the Lakers and made it to the finals.

If you had to sum up his career in one game, it would be this performance in Game 7 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals against the Sacramento Kings where he dropped 32 points, 21 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals on his 28th birthday.

He threw the team on his back and dragged them to the next round with a performance for the ages.

In a league growing more point guard friendly by the year, it will be a very long time before we see the type of dominating two-way power forward that Garnett is. His seething desire to win on a nightly basis is a lost art in this day and age.