NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Kevin Garnett /

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett, No. 5, 1995 NBA Draft

Kevin Garnett was a transformative figure for the Minnesota Timberwolves, joining the team straight out of high school as the fifth overall pick in the 1995 draft. Garnett’s game began to shine in his second season in the league, and the Timberwolves made the playoffs. Thanks to Garnett’s prowess on offense and defense, Minnesota would make the playoffs eight years in a row. Garnett was named league MVP in 2004, a season where he averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.5 steals while playing 39.4 minutes per game.

The Timberwolves began to struggle after that MVP season, despite Garnett’s continued high level of play, and eventually the team decided to trade their superstar. The Celtics traded seven players for Garnett, and he joined with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win his only NBA championship. Garnett played in Boston for six seasons, then was traded to Brooklyn in 2013. After one season in Brooklyn, Garnett was traded during the 2014-15 season back to Minnesota. At 40, Garnett will likely retire as a Timberwolf, ending his career with the team where he started his NBA career, and is a surefire Hall of Famer.

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