Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 5 Small Forwards In Team History

Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 5 Small Forwards In Team History

By Nick Wilder

October 14, 2014

Minnesota Timberwolves: Top 5 SFs in Team History

Minnesota Timberwolves Latrell Sprewell — Since their first season in 1989-90, the Minnesota Timberwolves have endured many unsuccessful years. The furthest the organization has advanced in the playoffs is the Western Conference Finals in 2003-04. However, the team has certainly had several accomplished players over the years. Here are the top five small forwards in the team’s history, with an honorable mention to the unforgettable Latrell Sprewell.

Since their first season in 1989-90, the Minnesota Timberwolves have endured many unsuccessful years. The furthest the organization has advanced in the playoffs is the Western Conference Finals in 2003-04. However, the team has certainly had several accomplished players over the years. Here are the top five small forwards in the team’s history, with an honorable mention to the unforgettable Latrell Sprewell.

5. Isaiah Rider

Minnesota Timberwolves Isaiah Rider

5. Isaiah Rider

Minnesota Timberwolves Isaiah Rider — The proud owner of the “East Bay Funk Dunk,” Isaiah Rider spent three seasons with the Timberwolves from 1993-96. Minnesota drafted him fifth overall in 1993 and he was named to the All-Rookie First Team. Rider averaged a solid 18.8 points per game and developed into a good three-point shooter during his career with the Timberwolves.

The proud owner of the “East Bay Funk Dunk,” Isaiah Rider spent three seasons with the Timberwolves from 1993-96. Minnesota drafted him fifth overall in 1993 and he was named to the All-Rookie First Team. Rider averaged a solid 18.8 points per game and developed into a good three-point shooter during his career with the Timberwolves.

4. Tony Campbell

Minnesota Timberwolves Tony Campbell

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4. Tony Campbell

Minnesota Timberwolves Tony Campbell — The Ohio State product was an NBA journeyman throughout his playing career, but spent his three best seasons as a pro in Minnesota from 1989-92. In two of his three seasons, he averaged over 20 points per game, topping off at 23.2 in the organization’s inaugural season. Tony Campbell held the all-time scoring record for the Timberwolves until 1996.

The Ohio State product was an NBA journeyman throughout his playing career, but spent his three best seasons as a pro in Minnesota from 1989-92. In two of his three seasons, he averaged over 20 points per game, topping off at 23.2 in the organization’s inaugural season. Tony Campbell held the all-time scoring record for the Timberwolves until 1996.

3. Doug West

Minnesota Timberwolves Doug West

3. Doug West

Minnesota Timberwolves Doug West — This two-way small forward spent his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Timberwolves. West’s best season with Minnesota came in 1992-93, when he posted 19.3 points per game and developed superior defense. He ranks fifth all time in points scored, third in minutes played and fourth in steals for the organization. His overall longevity with the Timberwolves and loyalty to the team puts him at this spot in the rankings.

This two-way small forward spent his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Timberwolves. West’s best season with Minnesota came in 1992-93, when he posted 19.3 points per game and developed superior defense. He ranks fifth all time in points scored, third in minutes played and fourth in steals for the organization. His overall longevity with the Timberwolves and loyalty to the team puts him at this spot in the rankings.

2. Sam Mitchell

Minnesota Timberwolves Sam Mitchell

2. Sam Mitchell

Minnesota Timberwolves Sam Mitchell — The second-best small forward in Timberwolves history didn’t post jaw-dropping numbers, but Sam Mitchell was a consistent player who did a little bit of everything for his teams. He spent 10 seasons with Minnesota during his NBA career and is still second in franchise history in points, games played and steals. He was a very reliable player who brought energy and leadership to the court every night.

The second-best small forward in Timberwolves history didn’t post jaw-dropping numbers, but Sam Mitchell was a consistent player who did a little bit of everything for his teams. He spent 10 seasons with Minnesota during his NBA career and is still second in franchise history in points, games played and steals. He was a very reliable player who brought energy and leadership to the court every night.

1. Wally Szczerbiak

Minnesota Timberwolves Wally Szczerbiak

1. Wally Szczerbiak

Minnesota Timberwolves Wally Szczerbiak — Perhaps the most beloved player in Timberwolves history, Wally Szczerbiak played for the team from 1999-2006. He was a very efficient scorer and deadly three-point shooter. His most prolific season came in 2001-02, when he averaged 18.7 points per game and shot 46 percent from behind the three-point arc. He ranks fourth on the team’s all-time scoring list, made the 2000 NBA All-Rookie First Team and was voted onto the All-Star team in 2002.

Perhaps the most beloved player in Timberwolves history, Wally Szczerbiak played for the team from 1999-2006. He was a very efficient scorer and deadly three-point shooter. His most prolific season came in 2001-02, when he averaged 18.7 points per game and shot 46 percent from behind the three-point arc. He ranks fourth on the team’s all-time scoring list, made the 2000 NBA All-Rookie First Team and was voted onto the All-Star team in 2002.

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