Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

The Minnesota Timberwolves, established in 1989, have had several standout players who have significantly impacted the franchise. Below are some of the most notable legends in Timberwolves history:

1. Kevin Garnett (“KG”)

  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • Years with Wolves: 1995–2007, 2015–2016
  • Accolades:
    • 15× NBA All-Star (10× with the Wolves)
    • 2004 NBA MVP
    • 2004 All-Star Game MVP
    • 9× All-NBA Team selections
    • 12× All-Defensive Team selections
    • Minnesota Timberwolves all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
    • Led the Wolves to their only Western Conference Finals appearance in 2004.
    • Jersey No. 21 retired by the Timberwolves.

Legacy: Garnett is widely regarded as the greatest player in franchise history and put Minnesota basketball on the map.

2. Sam Mitchell

  • Position: Forward
  • Years with Wolves: 1989–1992, 1995–2002
  • Accolades:
    • Played over 757 games with the Timberwolves, the second most in franchise history.
    • Known for his leadership and mentoring young Kevin Garnett.

Legacy: Mitchell was a key veteran presence during the early years of the franchise.

3. Kevin Love

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years with Wolves: 2008–2014
  • Accolades:
    • 3× NBA All-Star (2011, 2012, 2014)
    • 2011 NBA Most Improved Player
    • 2× All-NBA Team selections
    • NBA’s leading rebounder (2011, 2012)
    • Set a franchise record with 53 consecutive double-doubles in 2010–11.

Legacy: Love was a dominant force and one of the best rebounders in NBA history during his time with Minnesota.

4. Karl-Anthony Towns (“KAT”)

  • Position: Center
  • Years with Wolves: 2015–present
  • Accolades:
    • 3× NBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2022)
    • 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year
    • 2× All-NBA Team selections
    • One of the most skilled offensive big men in the league today.

Legacy: Towns is considered the cornerstone of the modern Timberwolves and a versatile player who redefined the center position.

5. Wally Szczerbiak

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Wolves: 1999–2006
  • Accolades:
    • 2002 NBA All-Star
    • Played a pivotal role during the Timberwolves’ playoff runs in the early 2000s.

Legacy: A sharpshooter who provided consistent scoring alongside Kevin Garnett.

6. Ricky Rubio

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years with Wolves: 2011–2017, 2020–2021
  • Accolades:
    • Fan favorite for his flashy passing and high basketball IQ.
    • All-Rookie First Team (2012).

Legacy: Rubio brought excitement and hope to the franchise, even during challenging seasons.

7. Latrell Sprewell

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Years with Wolves: 2003–2005
  • Accolades:
    • Helped the Wolves reach the 2004 Western Conference Finals alongside Garnett and Sam Cassell.

Legacy: Though his stint was short, Sprewell’s role in the 2003–04 success made a lasting impression.

8. Malik Sealy

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years with Wolves: 1998–2000
  • Legacy:
    • A beloved teammate whose tragic passing in 2000 deeply impacted the franchise.
    • Garnett often credited Sealy as a major influence on his career.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Tom Gugliotta: An All-Star forward in the late 1990s.
  • Andrew Wiggins: Former Rookie of the Year (2015) and a key contributor from 2014–2020.
  • Anthony Edwards: Emerging as a future franchise legend after being the No. 1 pick in 2020.

These players have each played a significant role in shaping the Timberwolves’ legacy, contributing memorable moments and success to the franchise’s history.