Minnesota Timberwolves
Team of Note
1996-1997 Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 40-42Overall ranking: 731st, 1.711 points below average
The 1996-1997 Minnesota Timberwolves elevated the franchise from laughingstock to contender.
Second-year forward Kevin Garnett emerged as a force, averaging 17.0 points and 8.0 rebounds when he should have been a sophomore in college. Rookie point guard Stephon Marbury averaged 15.8 points and 7.8 assists when he should have been a sophomore in college. Veteran forward Tom Gugliotta led the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game.
The Timberwolves went 40-42, a 14-game improvement and then the best mark in franchise history. Minnesota went on to finish .500 or better for the next eight seasons.
Minnesota also made the playoffs for the first time in playoff history.
The Timberwolves would lose both Gugliotta and Marbury by the 1998-1999 season. The duo’s efforts for the 1996-1997 squad, however, put the club on course to make eight straight playoff appearances and solidified Minnesota’s place as a legitimate NBA franchise.
Minnesota Timberwolves From Top to Bottom
| All-time Ranking | W-L | Playoffs | ||
| 106 | 2003-04 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 58-24 | West finals |
| 235 | 2001-02 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 50-32 | West first round |
| 317 | 1999-00 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 50-32 | West first round |
| 346 | 2002-03 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 51-31 | West first round |
| 418 | 2000-01 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 47-35 | West first round |
| 424 | 2004-05 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 44-38 | |
| 564 | 1997-98 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 45-37 | West first round |
| 580 | 1998-99 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 25-25 | West first round |
| 770 | 1996-97 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 40-42 | West first round |
| 778 | 2005-06 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 33-49 | |
| 904 | 2006-07 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 32-50 | |
| 931 | 1989-90 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 22-60 | |
| 937 | 1990-91 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 29-53 | |
| 1011 | 1995-96 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 26-56 | |
| 1075 | 1993-94 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 20-62 | |
| 1080 | 1991-92 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 15-67 | |
| 1103 | 1992-93 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 19-63 | |
| 1118 | 1994-95 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 21-61 | |