Every NBA team’s Mount Rushmore

Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Garnett played the first 12 seasons of his career with the Timberwolves, coming back before retirement for a final season-and-a-half. Postseason success largely eluded Garnett and the Timberwolves, but that initial 12-year stretch established him as one of the greatest and most unique big men in NBA history. Garnett averaged 20.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks per game over that span. He won the 2003-04 MVP Award and made 10 All-Star games as a member of the Timberwolves.

Kevin Love may be remembered more for what he didn’t do (get Minnesota to the playoffs) than what he accomplished, but his production for the Timberwolves was enormous. Love was the 2010-11 Most Improved Player and a three-time All-Star, averaging 19.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for Minnesota, while shooting 36.2 percent on 3-pointers. He was a dynamic offensive threat and undoubtedly one of the best player to ever suit up for the Timberwolves.

Sam Mitchell never put up eye-popping statlines but his 10 seasons in Minnesota (across two different stints) helped establish and anchor the young franchise. Mitchell helped mentor Kevin Garnett and was a strong veteran presence for the team, returning to work for the franchise as an assistant and head coach after his retirement. Only Garnett has played more games or minutes in a Timberwolves uniform.

Ricky Rubio may have never lived up to his potential as one of the most exciting prospects in the 2009 NBA Draft, but he had an extremely productive career in Minnesota. Before being traded to the Utah Jazz, Rubio played six seasons in Minnesota, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Only Garnett has more steals or assists in franchise history.