NBA Special Report: Minnesota Timberwolves legends
Minnesota Timberwolves according to several franchise rankings is near the bottom of every list. However, it is understandable as the franchise was found two decades ago, unlike others which have been there for more than 40 years.
Despite its reputation being one of the worst teams of NBA, the Timberwolves have nurtured and moulded many rookies into world-class players.
1. Kevin Garnett tops the list as No.1, regardless of being in one of the worst teams in the league, Kevin has proved to be one of the top most power forwards to step foot in the NBA. Although Kevin was unable to bring the championship to the Wolves, he won many awards and titles in his tenure with the team. He was named as the Most Valued Player of the Year in 2008, followed by making it to the All-Star team 13 times, and 8 times to the All Defensive Third Team. Besides being a great athlete, he made many efforts to help the community which earned him the J.Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. He is unquestionably the greatest player to wear the Minnesota Timberwolves jersey.
2. Mike Miller was much talked about this year, after the Miami Heat drafted the 30 year old player forward. Miller took the 2001 Rookie of the Year award with his sharpshooting skills. He established his name in the league for being a merciless player, making buckets upon buckets. Although he only played for the Timberwolves for only a year, he honoured the team with his strong presence. Miller has made it to the playoffs five times, twice with Olrando Magic and thrice with Memphis Grizzlies. His outstanding shooting abilities led him to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year with a 41% three-point rage average.
3. Chauncey Billups made his appearance in Minnesota from 2000-2002, helping them to the 2000-01 and 2001-02 playoffs keeping a scoring average of 22.0 with 5.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. After the 6foot 3inch departed from the Detroit Pistons to the Wolves, it became quite apparent that without him the Pistons really suffered. However, after taking Minnesota to the playoffs twice in his time with team, he decided to go back to the Pistons. He did take long to prove he was one of the best point guards in the league, taking them to the Finals beating Los Angeles Lakers taking the championship from them, he also become the Finals MVP that year.
4. Kendall Gill is mostly recognized for his days with the Charlotte Hornets, but he also spent a year with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His most famous run with the Charlottes was in 1992, when he scored 20 points with 5 rebounds and four assists. He did not particularly perform at his best with the Timberwolves but he gave them support throughout the year. His tied a record with most steals in a game with Larry Kenon, by 11. His accolades include NCAA All-American 1990 and NBA All-Rookie Team in 1991.
5. Sam Cassell, a three time championship winner, served the Wolves from 2003-2005 and was known to be a true leader. Experts say Sam really hit the peak of his game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he and his former teammate Kevin Garnett knew the Wolves had not much to offer them, yet they played for the team because they truly loved the sport. Sam also played right next to his former team mate Kevin Garnett for the NBA All-Star team and made it to the All-NBA Second time in 2004. He is acknowledged by many as a player with true leadership qualities, as he led Huston Rockets to win their first ever championship in 1994 and then in 1995 for the second time. He won his third championship at the age of 39 along with his ex-Minnesota teammate Kevin Garnett for Boston Celtics.
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