Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 30 greatest players of all-time
By Ben Beecken
28. player. 86. . Guard. Minnesota Timberwolves. Terry Porter
- Three seasons with Timberwolves (1995-98)
- Averaged 8.6 points and 4.1 assists per game with Timberwolves
Terry Porter was a two-time All-Star with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 14.9 points over the course of 10 seasons with them while shooting 38.9 percent from 3-point range. He arrived in the Twin Cities in 1995, just in time to be part of Kevin Garnett’s rookie year, and play a key role in the franchise’s first-ever playoff team the following season.
In year one, Porter started 40 games at point guard. In year two, Stephon Marbury became the regular starting one, and Porter was a key member of the bench unit. Over the course of three seasons in Minnesota, Porter didn’t miss a single game and averaged 22.1 minutes per contest, despite only starting in 68 of 246 total games.
TP was often credited with playing a key mentor role for Garnett, although Marbury’s career didn’t exactly pan out as the Wolves had hoped. But between Porter and Sam Mitchell, KG had a pair of important role models early in his career.
Porter played on both of the first two playoff squads in Wolves history. Then, it was off to Miami for one season before his final three years were spent in San Antonio with the Spurs.
Porter became an assistant coach under Rick Adelman in Sacramento in 2002-03 before receiving a shot to coach the Milwaukee Bucks for two years, posting a record of 71-93. He coached the Phoenix Suns on an interim basis in 2008-09 after Alvin Gentry’s firing, finishing there with a 28-23 mark.
He returned to Minnesota as an assistant under Adelman from 2011-14 and was a candidate for the head job as well, but has not returned to the game since.