Minnesota Timberwolves: 10 Most Exciting Players in Team History

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been stocked with high-fliers, pure shooters and dominating post players. Michael Beasley, and (hopefully) Ricky Rubio are two of the team's most explosive and exciting young players.

In the history of this young team, a number of players have passed through Minnesota with unique talents.

But what is the definition of an "exciting player?" Is it one who can turn a game around? Is it someone who makes ridiculous shots? Or someone who makes the impossible look easy?

I prefer to think of it as someone who can make you say, "Even though we lost [insert player], he made it a fun game to watch."

Are your favorite players listed? 

Honorable Mention: Kevin Harlan and Trent Tucker

These guys were the voice of my childhood. With respect to Tom Hanneman and Jim Peterson, those guys are tepid oatmeal compared to the fire-and-ice duo of Kevin Harlan and Trent Tucker.

Some of the more memorable quotes...

"With no regard for human life!"

"Googly-oogly-oogly baby."

"Right between the eyes."

"Ooooh young fella."

"Buckle up baby!"

Does anybody else think Kevin Harlan's announcing has been much too refined since leaving the Wolves? Trent "Double T" Tucker's sweet and silky voice can still be heard on KFAN radio.

Wally Szczerbiak

Wally was an all-around handyman for the Wolves during his six seasons in Minnesota. He is the second-leading three-point shooter in team history. He is also on the distinguished list of All-Star Timberwolves.

An extremely versatile player who could shoot from the outside and make shots in the paint, the former No. 10 remains a popular former Timberwolf. 

Also, the ladies loved him. 

Michael Beasley

B-Easy proved himself as a top-tier scorer in the league this past season. He has one of the best ranges in Wolves history. His length, speed and shooting ability make him a threat to drop 20-plus points any game.

Craig Smith

Craig "The Rhino" Smith is one of the most underrated players in team history. Smith stands 6'7" and routinely pummeled bigger players around the basket.

The big man played three seasons with the Wolves. For his beastly antics, he was selected to the All-Rookie second team in 2007.  

Isiah Rider

Isiah Rider's "East Bay Funk Dunk" is one of the most immortal dunks in NBA history.

It's unfortunate Rider became a headcase for team coaches. Even so, he became a regular on team highlight reels. Rider even made the "play of the decade," according to one announcer.  

Sebastian Telfair

Raised on Coney Island, Telfair has the most eye-popping street ball pedigree of any recent Timberwolves point guard. While not ranked among elite point guards, Telfair remains one of the flashiest. 

The Lincoln High School grad carries a crossover that strikes like lightning and throws no-look passes like they're going out of style.

Al Jefferson

Kevin Garnett's replacement had a breakout season in 2008-2009. Al Jefferson was tearing up opposing centers before he went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Preceded at the five spot by players like Michael Olowokandi, Mark Blount and Eddie Griffin, Wolves fans were relieved to finally have a potent big man in the middle.

Jefferson averaged 23.1 points and 11 rebounds a game in 2008-2009. 

Stephon Marbury

Starbury and Da Kid were poised to take over the NBA in the late 1990's. Marbury was one of the most gifted young passers in the NBA. The Steph-to-KG passes were some of the most memorable moments during the Flip Saunders era.

Marbury also provided another scoring spark with Kevin Garnett. Fans can only wonder what could have been with those two. 

Corey Brewer

The lanky Florida Gator remained a constant spark on some uninspired Timberwolves teams. Even though he was better known for his defense, Corey could fly with the best of them. 

Derek Fisher found that out first-hand.  

Mark Madsen

He always got the loudest applause of any player when he came in to the game. I wonder why. 

Kevin Garnett

Is there really any Timberwolves list KG isn't on? The best player in Wolves history is also one of the most exciting players of all time. Whenever he came into the game, it looked like he was preparing for war.

Two distinct memories of Kevin come to mind:

One was his pregame ritual chalk clap (LeBron got it from him). 

The other was his obsession with swatting a ball in to the stands after a whistle was blown. 

These rituals only added to his stature as a beloved member of the Timberwolves.