The 10 Greatest Timberwolves in history, ranked by Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
By Austin McGee
2. Kevin Garnett - 23.7
The unquestioned best player in Timberwolves history comes in at number two on this list. Kevin Garnett is the Wolves' all-time leader in games, minutes, field goals, points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Garnett is one of three players in the history of the league to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists.
It all started in 1995 when Minnesota selected Garnett with the fifth overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. Garnett was the first player since 1975 to be drafted directly out of high school.
Prior to drafting Garnett, the Timberwolves hadn't won more than 29 games in any season. However, the direction of the organization changed almost instantaneously. In Garnett's second season, the Wolves won 40 games and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. That season, Garnett made his first All-Star appearance putting his two-way versatility on full display.
From then on, Garnett made an All-Star team in every season sans his injury-shortened 1998-99 campaign. The Wolves forward ascended to superstardom. He led Minnesota to the playoffs in every season and even a Western Conference Championship appearance in 2004.
However, it all came crashing down in 2005, as the Wolves underperformed and head coach Flip Saunders was fired midway through the season. The downfall sprung a 14-season postseason drought which saw Garnett being traded to the Celtics amid the mediocracy.
As a Timberwolf, Garnett averaged 19.8 points, 11, rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 points per game while demonstrating his extreme passion for the game. The longtime Wolf eventually made his back to Minnesota in 2015. He spent the final 43 games of his career as a Timberwolf, mentoring the number one player on the list.