Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 20 draft busts

By Antoine Bass

Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel (4) battle for a loose ball during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robbie Hummel (4) battle for a loose ball during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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17. Igor Rakocevic

In the 2000 NBA draft, the Timberwolves selected Igor Rakocevic with the 51st pick.

Rakocevic was thought to be a player who could come to be the NBA and be a dynamic guard. While playing in Europe, he was one of the more talented players mainly because of his scoring ability and elite athleticism that rivaled those in the NBA.

The only downfall of Rakocevic was his size. Due to his small frame, Rakocevic had the same build as a traditional NBA point guard.

The only problem is he did not have the skill set needed to be an NBA point guard. Rakocevic didn’t end up playing with the Minnesota Timberwolves until the 2002-03 NBA season.

During this season, Rakocevic averaged 1.9 points per game and his impact wasn’t felt in Minnesota. It wasn’t expected of Rakocevic to be a star in the NBA but some thought he could be an interesting role player for the Timberwolves off the bench.

Rakocevic never lived up to this hype and was eventually be released by the team after the season ended. He found a home in San Antonio until he was released from there as well.

It did not seem like Rakocevic’s game would translate well to the NBA and the Spurs were the last team that Rakocevic ever played for.

While his career in the NBA did not flourish, Rakocevic was a force to be reckoned with. In the 2009 season of the SpanisLeagueue, he wasn’t only the top scorer but also was named to All-Euro League First Team.

While he may not have had a successful NBA career Rakocevic was a great player in Europe. I guess you can say he’s one of the better busts.