Minnesota lost two-thirds of its nucleus when Tom Gugliotta signed with Phoenix and Stephon Marbury was traded to New Jersey. But Kevin Garnett was still around to lead the Timberwolves to their third consecutive playoff appearance.
The Wolves finished the lockout-shortened season 25-25 and lost to San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs. Minnesota won Game 2 of the series, one of the Spurs' two postseason losses during their run to the NBA title.
Garnett was named to the All-NBA Third Team after finishing in the top 20 in rebounding (10.4 rpg, ninth), scoring (20.8 ppg, 11th), blocks (1.77, 13th) and steals (1.66, 20th).
Free agent Joe Smith averaged 13.7 points and 8.2 rebounds, helping to fill the void left by Gugliotta. Two-time All-Star Terrell Brandon, acquired from Milwaukee in the three-team trade that sent Marbury to the Nets, contributed 14.2 points and 9.8 assists in the 21 games he spent with the Timberwolves.
