2000–01 Minnesota Timberwolves season

NBA professional basketball team season March 2026 August 2023 Minnesota Timberwolves 2001 47 35 Midwest 4 8 Flip Saunders Kevin McHale Glen Taylor Target Center First round(lost to Spurs 1–3) MIN The 2000–01 Minnesota Timberwolves season was the 12th season for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association. Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/ August 8, 2026 Season summary Off-season After the tragic death of Malik Sealy, the Timberwolves scrambled to find a replacement for him, signing free agent Chauncey Billups, Timberwolves Sign Billups, Smith Associated Press August 28, 2000 https://apnews.com/article/8675f20d3fad8185284f4b9ceeb40e74 July 27, 2021 NBA Capsule: Minnesota Timberwolves United Press International October 29, 2000 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2000/10/29/NBA-Capsule-Minnesota-Timberwolves/8215972792000/ October 19, 2022 a close friend of Kevin Garnett, and signing LaPhonso Ellis during the off-season. Transactions The New York Times October 5, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/05/sports/transactions-499765.html October 16, 2021 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: West Side Story, the Sequel The New York Times October 30, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/30/sports/pro-basketball-west-side-story-the-sequel.html July 16, 2022 Meanwhile, the Timberwolves were involved in controversy, as their secret free-agent deal signed by Joe Smith was voided by the NBA, who ruled their proper procedure in signing the contract, while stripping their first-round draft picks for the next five seasons and fined the team $3.5 million. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, and General Manager Kevin McHale were both suspended for one year. McKinley Jr. James C. Pro Basketball: Timberwolves Pay Dearly for Secret Contract The New York Times October 26, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/26/sports/pro-basketball-timberwolves-pay-dearly-for-secret-contract.html November 26, 2022 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Timberwolves Might Face Additional Punishment The New York Times October 27, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/27/sports/pro-basketball-timberwolves-might-face-additional-punishment.html March 15, 2017 Adande J.A. Minnesota Feels Stern's Wrath Los Angeles Times October 28, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-28-sp-43484-story.html July 2, 2022 Smith would later on sign a free-agent deal with the Detroit Pistons. Associated Press NBA: Smith Saga Ends With Pistons Winning ESPN November 20, 2000 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2000/1117/883953.html November 7, 2024 Associated Press Pro Basketball: Smith Is Signed and Sealed, and Pistons Look to Deliver The New York Times November 21, 2000 https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/21/sports/pro-basketball-smith-is-signed-and-sealed-and-pistons-look-to-deliver.html January 11, 2022 Associated Press Joe Smith Ends Up Signing with Pistons Los Angeles Times November 21, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-21-sp-55280-story.html October 19, 2022 Regular season With the addition of Billups and Ellis, the Timberwolves lost four of their first six games of the regular season, but then won 13 of their next 18 games. The team posted an 11-game winning streak between January and February, and held a 32–18 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 8, 2001 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=8&year=2001 September 12, 2022 At mid-season, the team signed free agent Felipe López, who was previously released by the Washington Wizards. Lopez Latches on with Minnesota United Press International February 28, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/02/28/Lopez-latches-on-with-Minnesota/3151983336400/ November 27, 2022 The Timberwolves finished in fourth place in the Midwest Division with a 47–35 record, and earned the eighth seed in the Western Conference; 2000–01 Minnesota Timberwolves Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2001_games.html June 26, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. Garnett averaged 22.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, and to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. In addition, second-year star Wally Szczerbiak averaged 14.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Terrell Brandon provided the team with 16.0 points, 7.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game, and Anthony Peeler contributed 10.5 points per game, and led the Timberwolves with 100 three-point field goals. Meanwhile, Billups contributed 9.3 points and 3.4 assists per game, Ellis provided with 9.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game off the bench, and Rasho Nesterovic averaged 4.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. 2000–01 Minnesota Timberwolves Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2001.html June 26, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., Garnett was selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Western Conference All-Star team, Ticker West Expected to Flex Muscle in NBA All-Star Game Sunday ESPN February 10, 2001 https://www.espn.com/gen/newswire/2001/20010210/01074948.html November 7, 2024 NBA.com Staff 2001 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2001 May 14, 2023 2001 NBA All-Star Game: East 111, West 110 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2001.html November 28, 2021 while Szczerbiak was selected for the NBA Rookie Challenge Game, as a member of the Sophomores team. Liao Henry Rookies Game Lineup Known Philippine Daily Inquirer January 15, 2001 A22 https://books.google.com/books?id=OH42AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA22&dq=2001+NBA+rookie+sophomore+jason+terry&article_id=567,33422707&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPwZWE8J-QAxXm5skDHcPRLjoQ6AF6BAgLEAM#v=onepage&q=2001%20NBA%20rookie%20sophomore%20jason%20terry&f=false October 16, 2025 Szczerbiak scored 27 points along with 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and made 5 out of 6 three-point field-goal attempts, and was named the Rookie Challenge Game's Most Valuable Player, as the Sophomores defeated the Rookies team, 121–113. Robbins Liz Basketball: All-Star Notebook: Szczerbiak Schools Rookies The New York Times February 11, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/11/sports/basketball-all-star-notebook-szczerbiak-schools-rookies.html October 19, 2022 2001 NBA Rising Stars: Sophomores 121, Rookies 113 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2001_rookie.html January 15, 2022 Garnett finished in fifth place in Most Valuable Player voting with 1 first-place vote, Brown Clifton Pro Basketball: 76ers' Fans Called It: Iverson Is Most Valuable Player The New York Times May 16, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/16/sports/pro-basketball-76ers-fans-called-it-iverson-is-most-valuable-player.html May 27, 2022 2000-01 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2001.html November 25, 2021 and also finished in second place in Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind Dikembe Mutombo of the Philadelphia 76ers, Associated Press Mutombo Named League's Top Defender ESPN May 30, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2001/2001/0423/1184705.html December 4, 2024 while Ellis finished in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Associated Press NBA: McKie Helped Sixers Win First Division Title Since 1990 ESPN May 9, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0508/1193181.html December 4, 2024 The Timberwolves finished eleventh in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 717,371 at the Target Center during the regular season. 2000–01 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2001.html January 25, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2001 NBA playoffs, the Timberwolves faced off against the top–seeded, and Midwest Division champion San Antonio Spurs, who were led by All-Star forward Tim Duncan, All-Star center David Robinson, and Derek Anderson. The Timberwolves lost the first two games to the Spurs on the road at the Alamodome, but managed to win Game 3 at home, 93–84 at the Target Center. 2001 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 3: San Antonio Spurs at Minnesota Timberwolves Box Score, April 28, 2001 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200104280MIN.html July 3, 2026 However, the Timberwolves lost Game 4 to the Spurs at home, 97–84, thus losing the series in four games; it was the fifth consecutive year that the Timberwolves lost in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Associated Press N.B.A.: Playoff Roundup and Schedule: San Antonio Clinches The New York Times May 1, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/01/sports/nba-playoff-roundup-and-schedule-san-antonio-clinches.html May 27, 2022 Associated Press Spurs Handily Pass Their First Test Los Angeles Times May 1, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-may-01-sp-57979-story.html June 3, 2022 2001 NBA Western Conference First Round: Timberwolves vs. Spurs Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-western-conference-first-round-timberwolves-vs-spurs.html May 14, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Ellis signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat, Report: LaPhonso Ellis Headed for Miami United Press International July 27, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/07/27/Report-Laphonso-Ellis-headed-for-Miami/4984996206400/ November 7, 2024 Associated Press Plus: Pro Basketball: Ellis Moves Again, Signing with Heat The New York Times July 29, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/29/sports/plus-pro-basketball-ellis-moves-again-signing-with-heat.html January 12, 2022 Associated Press LaPhonso Ellis Inks 3-Year Deal with Heat Deseret News July 29, 2001 https://www.deseret.com/2001/7/29/19598721/laphonso-ellis-inks-3-year-deal-with-heat/ November 7, 2024 and Tom Hammonds retired. Draft picks 2000 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 51 Igor Rakocevic PG/SG Roster Minnesota Timberwolves 2000–01 #005083 #FFFFFF #000000 #FFFFFF 5 William Avery basketball PG 6 2 197 1979–08–08 Duke 4 Chauncey Billups SG 6 3 202 1976–09–25 Colorado 7 Terrell Brandon PG 5 11 180 1970–05–20 Oregon 11 Todd Day SG 6 6 188 1970–01–07 Arkansas 3 LaPhonso Ellis PF 6 8 240 1970–05–05 Notre Dame 21 Kevin Garnett PF 6 11 220 1976–05–19 Farragut Academy (IL) 22 Dean Garrett C 6 10 225 1966–11–27 Indiana 20 Tom Hammonds PF 6 9 215 1967–03–27 Georgia Tech 13 Felipe López basketball PG 6 5 180 1974–12–19 St. John's 42 Sam Mitchell basketball SF 6 6 210 1963–09–02 Mercer 8 Rasho Nesterović Radoslav Nesterović C 7 0 255 1976–05–30 Slovenia 44 Anthony Peeler SG 6 4 208 1969–11–25 Missouri 35 Reggie Slater PF 6 7 215 1970–08–27 Wyoming 10 Wally Szczerbiak SF 6 7 244 1977–03–05 Miami University Flip Saunders Greg Ballard Jerry Sichting Jimmy Williams Don Zierden Gregg Farnam (trainer) https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2001.html February 28, 2001 Regular season Season standings MIN MIN z - clinched division title y - clinched division title x - clinched playoff spot Game log Playoffs Minnesota Timberwolves 2001 yes #005083 #8c92ac Minnesota Timberwolves #228B22 #000000 First Round yes yes no 1 1 0 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 21 | @ San Antonio | L 82–87 | Kevin Garnett (25) | Kevin Garnett (13) | Terrell Brandon (8) | Alamodome33,983 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | April 23 | @ San Antonio | L 69–86 | Kevin Garnett (18) | Kevin Garnett (12) | six players tied (2) | Alamodome31,759 | 0–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 28 | San Antonio | W 93–84 | Kevin Garnett (22) | Kevin Garnett (8) | Terrell Brandon (9) | Target Center17,676 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | April 30 | San Antonio | L 84–97 | Wally Szczerbiak (20) | Kevin Garnett (15) | Terrell Brandon (6) | Target Center16,336 | 1–3 |- MIN yes 2001 Player statistics Ragular season Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameWally SzczerbiakSF82 82 2,856 447 260 59 33 1,145 34.8 5.5 3.2 .7 .4 14.0LaPhonso EllisPF82 5 1,948 494 93 67 74 772 23.8 6.0 1.1 .8 .9 9.4Sam Mitchell basketballSF82 4 983 123 57 26 10 285 12.0 1.5 .7 .3 .1 3.5Kevin GarnettPF 81 81 3,202 921 401 111 145 1,784 39.5 11.4 5.0 1.4 1.8 22.0Terrell BrandonPG 78 78 2,821 298 583 161 21 1,250 36.2 3.8 7.5 2.1 .3 16.0Chauncey BillupsSG 77 33 1,790 158 260 51 11 713 23.2 2.1 3.4 .7 .1 9.3Anthony PeelerSG 75 41 2,126 192 192 91 18 791 28.3 2.6 2.6 1.2 .2 10.5Rasho NesterovićC 73 39 1,233 286 45 25 63 328 16.9 3.9 .6 .3 .9 4.5Dean GarrettC 70 21 831 217 24 26 49 177 11.9 3.1 .3 .4 .7 2.5Reggie SlaterPF 55 16 686 186 26 18 9 254 12.5 3.4 .5 .3 .2 4.6William Avery basketballPG 55 0 463 29 75 13 4 154 8.4 .5 1.4 .2 .1 2.8Todd DaySG 31 0 345 37 28 10 7 132 11.1 1.2 .9 .3 .2 4.3Felipe López basketball†PG 23 10 457 74 34 21 12 170 19.9 3.2 1.5 .9 .5 7.4Sam JacobsonPG 14 0 59 6 4 3 0 20 4.2 .4 .3 .2 .0 1.4Tom HammondsPF 7 0 30 4 1 0 0 7 4.3 .6 .1 .0 .0 1.0 † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Timberwolves only. Playoffs Player POS Position GP Games played GS Games starter MP Minutes played REB Rebounds AST Assists STL Steals BLK Blocks PTS Points MPG Minutes per game RPG Rebounds per game APG Assists per game SPG Steals per game BPG Blocks per game PPG Points per gameKevin GarnettPF4 4 165 48 17 4 6 84 41.3 12.0 4.3 1.0 1.5 21.0Terrell BrandonPG4 4 153 17 25 4 2 61 38.3 4.3 6.3 1.0 .5 15.3Wally SzczerbiakSF4 4 143 18 10 5 3 56 35.8 4.5 2.5 1.3 .8 14.0Anthony PeelerSG4 4 137 14 7 7 1 34 34.3 3.5 1.8 1.8 .3 8.5Rasho NesterovićC4 2 49 12 3 1 3 10 12.3 3.0 .8 .3 .8 2.5LaPhonso EllisPF4 0 77 14 0 1 3 24 19.3 3.5 .0 .3 .8 6.0Felipe López basketballPG4 0 55 11 5 4 0 17 13.8 2.8 1.3 1.0 .0 4.3Reggie SlaterPF4 0 52 14 0 2 3 13 13.0 3.5 .0 .5 .8 3.3Sam Mitchell basketballSF4 0 50 7 3 1 0 6 12.5 1.8 .8 .3 .0 1.5Dean GarrettC 3 2 41 9 0 1 1 13 13.7 3.0 .0 .3 .3 4.3Chauncey BillupsSG 3 0 26 5 2 0 0 3 8.7 1.7 .7 .0 .0 1.0William Avery basketballPG 2 0 12 1 2 0 1 7 6.0 .5 1.0 .0 .5 3.5 Awards and records Kevin Garnett, All-NBA Second Team Kevin Garnett, NBA All-Defensive First Team References See also 2000-01 NBA season Category:Minnesota Timberwolves seasons Category:2001 in sports in Minnesota Category:2000 in sports in Minnesota Monnesota