Debating the best player in NBA history is quite rigorous. Many pundits point to Michael Jordan, the face of the NBA for numerous years. Others point to LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and the only player to defeat Father Time. Then, there are some that point to Bill Russell, who's won an unimaginable 11 championships.
However, the debate for the best player in Minnesota Timberwolves history is the opposite. Kevin Garnett is the unanimous answer and the most accomplished player to dawn a Wolves' jersey. Several current players are in the running, such as Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, but time will ultimately tell.
When assessing the best Wolves of all time, the argument becomes subjective. In order to rule out the subjectiveness of the debate, we'll rank the best Wolves using player efficiency rating or PER. The term was coined by Jon Hollinger, who strived to measure a player's per-minute performance with a singular number.
10. Michael Williams - 17.9
The first player on the list, Michael Williams, only suited up for 182 games in Minnesota. However, Williams did play for the Wolves for six seasons from 1992 to 1998. He only averaged double-digit points in two seasons before injuries derailed his career.
In his first season in Minnesota, Williams averaged 15.1 points, 8.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. That season, Williams ranked sixth in the association in assists and fifth in steals. At 26 years old, it certainly seemed like Williams had just entered his prime.
The former Wolves guard also etched his name into the record books during his relatively short tenure. In 1993, Williams connected on a, still standing, NBA record of 97 consecutive free throws.
After his inaugural seasons, the point guard's averages dipped to 13.7 points and 7.2 assists per contest. Nonetheless, he was an integral part of Minnesota's offense. In both seasons where he played more than 70 games, he recorded a PER of above 18.0 and offensive win shares above 4.0.
9. Tom Gugliotta - 18.5
Like Williams, Tom Gugliotta didn't suit up for the Wolves for long. The NC State star only played three and a half seasons in Minnesota. However, in those three and a half seasons, he competed in 231 games, 217 of which were starts.
Gugliotta was drafted in 1992 by the Washington Bullets. After two full seasons and a mere six games in his third, he was dealt to the Golden State Warriors. His time spent in California was shortlived, as he was then dealt to Minnesota, just 40 games later.
As soon as Gugliotta came to Minnesota he made an impact. Gugliotta's scoring averages increased every year before an injury-shortened age-28 season. The forward's best season came in the 1996-97 season.
That year, Gugliotta averaged 20.6 points, 8.7 boards, 4.1 dimes, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. The former Wolf also made his first and only All-Star appearance in 1997. Gugliotta played on the Western Conference squad, alongside then-second-year player, Kevin Garnett.
In Gugliotta's lone All-Star appearance, he notched nine points, eight rebounds, and three assists, displaying his well-rounded game. At this point in his career, he looked like a perennial All-Star. Playing alongside a young Garnett and Rookie of the Year runner-up Stephon Marbury, the Wolves' future was bright.
Instead of continuing his career in Minneapolis, Gugliotta opted to sign a 6-year, $58.5 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately for Gugliotta, his career never hit the same peak as it did in Minnesota. He played seven more seasons, but injuries and a near-death experience ultimately derailed his once promising career.
8. Nikola Pekovic - 18.6
Yet another player with a short prime, Nikola Pekovic comes in at number eight on the list. The Montenegrin big man was selected with the 31st overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft. He would've likely been drafted sooner, if not for his ongoing contract with the European club Panathinaikos.
Two years after being drafted, Pekovic joined the Wolves on a 3-year, $13 million pact. He was seldom used his first season, playing just 13.6 minutes per game and notching only 11 starts. That year, Pekovic averaged just 5.5 points.
Then, in the 2011-12 season, Pekovic took off. He came in at third place in the Most Improved Player race while averaging 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. However, a concerning trend began. A rash of injuries started in 2012 and became a hindrance to Pekovic.
In 2012-13, the 6-foot-11 center suited up in 62 games and averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 boards per game. After the conclusion of the season, he re-signed for five more seasons and $60 million. Pekovic played quite well immediately after the extension, but a foot injury cost him half his best season.
From 2014 on, the Timberwolves big man appeared in just 43 games. Injuries to his lower extremities doomed the physically imposing big man. In 2016, just three seasons after signing a massive extension, Pekovic called it quits. He acknowledged how much his injuries took a toll and even went as far as to say he could no longer run without pain.
7. Rudy Gobert - 18.8
One of the few players who'll likely end up in the Hall of Fame on the list, Rudy Gobert comes in at number seven. Despite never being considered one of the best players in the NBA, Gobert certainly has the hardware to show for.
In his 11-year career, Gobert has made the All-Star team three times, made an All-NBA team four times, been selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team six times, and won the Defensive Player of the Year thrice.
The "Stifle Tower" has accomplished quite a bit by his age 31 season. And after leading the NBA's best defense this season, it appears as if Gobert is well on his way to winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. If Gobert can achieve this feat, he'll tie Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo as the only players in NBA history to win the award four times.
While he's incredibly accomplished now, Gobert had relatively modest beginnings. He was selected at the end of the first round in 2013 and averaged a measly 2.7 points per game as a rookie. However, his ascension was steep, making an NBA All-Defensive first team by his third season.
Gobert, using his incredible 7-foot-9 wingspan, patrolled the paint to block every shot in his vicinity. From 2014 to 2022, Gobert averaged at least two swats and ten rebounds per game. A major shift in Gobert's career occurred in 2022 as he was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Timberwolves.
Playing only two seasons in Minnesota, Gobert has played a large part in turning the Wolves into contenders. This season, Gobert is back to averaging multiple blocks per game and leads the league in defensive win shares.
6. Terrell Brandon - 20.5
Aside from Williams, Terrell Brandon is likely the other unbeknownst player on the list. What makes Brandon different is the numerous years of sustained success. Brandon began his career as a lottery pick in 1991.
He played six seasons for the team that drafted him—the Cleveland Cavaliers—and appeared in two All-Star games and averaged 12.7 points per game as a Cavalier. After Cleveland, Brandon spent a season and a half in Milwaukee before departing to Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Brandon turned into one of the best passers in the league. After averaging just 4.9 assists per game throughout his career in Cleveland, Brandon averaged 9.8 assists in 21 games for the Timberwolves in 1999.
In his first full season as a Timberwolf, the 5-foot-11 guard averaged 8.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Despite coming to Minnesota solely because of a Marbury trade request, his addition paid dividends.
The Wolves achieved their first 50-win season in franchise history with Brandon at the helm. Unfortunately, Brandon only appeared in 202 games for the Wolves before injuries forced him to retire.
5. Sam Cassell - 21.4
After listing numerous players whose careers were cut short by injury, or are still going (in Gobert's case) we've finally come across a player who nearly appeared in 1000 career games. Sam Cassell played in 993 games, all the way up until his age-38 season.
After being drafted in the first round in 1993, it took Cassell several years to become a full-fledged starter. Cassell bounced around the league before finding a home in New Jersey. He averaged a then-career-high 19.6 points per game for the Nets before being shipped out once again.
The point guard was sent to Milwaukee, where he played for five seasons. His connection to the Wolves began in a three-team deal that sent him to the Bucks. In the trade, Cassell was sent to Milwaukee, Brandon to Minnesota, and Marbury to New Jersey.
It took until 2003 for Cassell to officially become a part of the Wolves franchise. Yet another point guard paired with Garnett, Cassell succeeded in Minnesota. He made his first and only All-Star game, averaging 19.8 points and 7.3 dimes as a 33-year-old.
The now-assistant coach's Minnesota career ended abruptly after he was dealt again. This time, Cassell was sent to the LA Clippers in exchange for a draft pick and a pair of players.
4. Al Jefferson - 21.5
Al Jefferson, or "Big Al," as he's commonly referred to is a classic, pre-modern era big man. He entered the NBA at the perfect time. Although if were to begin play in the 1980s, he'd perhaps be a Hall of Famer. The former center's game was predicated on his phenomenal post-game.
At 6-foot-10 and nearly 300 pounds, Jefferson used his elite footwork and wide array of moves to dominate from the low post. The big man was one of the last prep-to-pro players. He entered the 2004 draft by way of Prentiss High School.
The Boston Celtics took a swing on the 19-year-old center, drafting him with the 15th overall pick. After three seasons in Boston, Jefferson was sent to Minnesota as the centerpiece in the trade for Garnett. As soon as Jefferson hit the hardwood in Minneapolis, he began to shine.
In his first year in Minnesota, Jefferson averaged 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. The next season, Jefferson nearly replicated his statistical output. He put up 23.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Although his contributions didn't lead to many wins, he was a vital part of the organization for all three seasons.
In Jefferson's third season playing for the Wolves, his averages dropped to 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The dip in production can largely be accredited to a torn ACL which Jefferson had suffered a year prior.
After three seasons in Minnesota, Jefferson's Timberwolves career came to a close as he was shipped to the Jazz in exchange for Kosta Koufus and a pair of first-rounders. From there, Jefferson continued to find success, at every stop.
He performed well for the Jazz, before signing a big contract with the Charlotte Bobcats. As a member of the Bobcats-turned-Hornets, he made his first and only All-NBA team. From there, Jefferson signed a final contract with the Indiana Pacers before retiring in 2019.
3. Kevin Love - 23.2
Only the second active player on the list, Kevin Love is still contributing in his age-35 season. Now a member of the Miami Heat, Love is averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Unlike all but one player on the list so far, Love began his career in Minnesota.
By the way of UCLA, Love immediately hit the ground running and showed vast improvement in every season playing for the Wolves. As a rookie, Love averaged 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Interestingly enough, he only made two 3-pointers through 81 games.
In his third season in the association, the UCLA product's rebounding talent was on full display. He recorded a then-NBA record of 53 consecutive double-doubles that season. On the year, Love averaged 20.2 points and 15.2 rebounds per game.
In 2011-12, Love's scoring took a huge step. He averaged a career-high 26.0 points per game and started knocking down 3-pointers at a high-volume. The Wolves big man canned 1.9 triples at a 37.2 percent clip on the way to becoming an All-NBA second-teamer.
After an injury-plagued 2012-13 season, Love upped his career high in points per game to 26.1 in his 2013-14 season. That year, he also grabbed 12.5 boards and knocked down 2.5 long balls per game.
Once the 2014 offseason began, the Wolves traded Love in exchange for first-overall pick Andrew Wiggins. After years of losing, Love was granted the opportunity to play alongside NBA superstar LeBron James. As a Cavalier, the once-dominant rebounder turned into more of an elite third option.
He never averaged 20 points and only averaged double-digit rebounds twice more. However, Love did win an NBA championship in 2016 and played on four teams that reached the NBA finals including the 2022-23 Heat.
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.
1. Karl-Anthony Towns - 23.9
Surprisingly enough, Karl-Anthony Towns comes in at first on the all-time best Timberwolves. His 23.9 PER ranks 19th all-time. Coincidentally, Towns is elite when it comes to both counting and advanced statistics.
Entering the NBA by the way of Kentucky, the Wolves drafted the 7-foot big man with the first overall selection. Even more so than Garnett, Towns made his entrance felt. He won Rookie of the Year, averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. The young Towns also shot an impressive 54.2 percent from the floor and appeared in all 82 games.
In Towns' second season, his averages ballooned to 25.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. That season, he canned 1.2 threes per game and appeared in 82 games once again. The Kentucky product's numbers saw a slight dip in 2017-18, as Minnesota acquired Jimmy Butler to jumpstart their rebuild.
However, the Butler experiment was short-lived and Towns' numbers ascended back to near-24 points per game production once Butler made his way to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite Towns' elite production, the Wolves had difficulty winning games.
It took until 2022 for the Wolves to reach the playoffs once again. Since then, Minnesota has been in much better shape. The Wolves acquired Gobert in the 2022 offseason to pair with Towns. While a dual-center pairing seemed unconventional in the modern NBA, it appears to be working.
The Wolves are on pace for their best season since the Garnett-led 2003-04 Wolves. The Wolves have won 51 games thus far. While Towns has missed the majority of March due to a meniscus injury, he should be back in time for a deep playoff run.
All in all, it's still possible for Towns to become the best player in Minnesota history. Unfortunately for Towns' "best player in Wolves history" case, the Wolves roster an up-and-coming, "potential face of the league." While Towns certainly isn't bothered by Anthony Edward's ascension to superstardom, the focus has now shifted to the more important goal of bringing a championship to Minnesota.