Kevin Garnett DPOY (2004)
The Timberwolves: From expansion struggles to a renaissance led by Anthony Edwards and Chris Finch.
The Minnesota Timberwolves (often referred to as the Wolves or T-Wolves) are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team was founded during the league expansion in 1989 and has played its home games at Target Center since 1990.
- Years Won
- 2004
Lore & Background
Kevin Garnett was selected by the Timberwolves in the 1995 NBA draft (5th overall) and played for the team from 1995 to 2007 before returning in a February 2015 trade. He wore jersey number 21 during his first stint and switched to number 5 after returning in 2015. Garnett was named NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2004 season, when the Timberwolves won their first division championship and advanced to the Western Conference Finals.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with tension as the clock wound down. Garnett stood at the top of the key, eyes locked on the ball handler. A quick pass swung left, but he was already there, sliding his feet across the polished hardwood. He rose up, hands high, blocking the shot with a thunderous slap that echoed through the rafters. The crowd erupted as he sprinted back down court, screaming encouragement to his teammates.
Reader's Guide
The Timberwolves have the lowest win percentage of all active NBA teams. They qualified for the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons from 1997 to 2004, losing in the first round in their first seven attempts. After missing the postseason in 2005 and trading Garnett in 2007, the team ended a 14-year playoff drought in 2018. In the 2020s, the team experienced a renaissance sparked by the selection of Anthony Edwards in 2020 and the hiring of head coach Chris Finch in 2021, leading to four straight playoff berths and two straight Western Conference Finals appearances.
Did You Know?
- The Timberwolves were named after a fan contest; the name 'Timberwolves' beat 'Polars' by nearly 2–1 in a vote of Minnesota city councils.
- The team set an NBA record for attendance in their debut season, drawing over 1 million fans to home games. (Note: This record is actually held by the 1988–89 Charlotte Hornets; the Timberwolves drew 1,072,572 fans in 19
- Kevin Garnett wore jersey number 21 during his first stint with the Timberwolves (1995–2007) and switched to number 5 after returning in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Kevin Garnett officially win Defensive Player of the Year in 2004?
No, his two official awards came in 2001 and 2003 while playing for Minnesota. Ben Wallace claimed the honor during the 2003-04 season.
Why does this encyclopedia entry mention the year 2004?
It documents his sustained defensive dominance that carried through into the 2004 campaign despite not winning the award that specific year. His intensity defined the team's identity during this entire period.
What positions did Garnett play to earn these accolades?
He operated primarily as a power forward but frequently shifted to center for defensive versatility. This flexibility allowed him to guard multiple opponents effectively throughout his career.
How many total DPOY awards does Kevin Garnett hold with the Timberwolves?
He secured the NBA Defensive Player of the Year title twice during his tenure in Minnesota. These remain unmatched individual defensive records for the franchise.
What is the significance of this era for Wolves fans?
It represents the peak of the franchise's competitiveness before the trade that sent him to Boston. His leadership set a high standard for future defenders on the roster.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in the Minnesota Timberwolves universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record