It was fairly clear from the comments section and social media that the Timberwolves community strongly believe there aren’t any currently retired/soon-to-be retired players who’s jerseys should follow Kevin Garnett’s number 21 to the Target Center rafters.
Based on the list that was provided to fans, Ricky Rubio was the strongest contender. That said, there were significant arguments against all four of these players. Most of which were based on their individual accomplishments and/or lack of playoff
success appearances.
For example, though Kevin Love’s best statistical seasons were spent in Minnesota, he had an unhappy breakup here. Most concurred that Gorgui Dieng was indeed a great humanitarian, but hardly worthy of basketball recognition. Good ol’ Sam Mitchell is still just good ol’ Sam Mitchell.
The general consensus was that none of the KG era, nor the pre-Karl-Anthony Towns era, players were worthy enough to have this distinguished honor. Karl-Anthony Towns seemed to be a divisive name, but players such as Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert often came up as the next names they’d like to see enshrined in Target Center.
Others such as Jaden McDaniels or Naz Reid fell more in the Towns tier, depending on how things shake out in the future.
No matter what, a Naz Reid towel certainly belongs up there.
If Joan Beringer turns into the next Kevin Garnett soon, then he might see his number 19 up there one day as well. Maybe he’ll show off a little shimmy-shake mid-range number. Turn into a Defensive Player of the Year. Make Tim Connelly overpay for a few of his French friends. Start a feud with Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez.
That type of development into a future MVP would surely make the -120 odds for over 46.5 wins next season according to FanDuel look promising, if you’re into sports betting stuff.
