Since their start in 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been home to some talented big men.
Since their founding in 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been home to some standout big men. Let’s dive into the Timberwolves’ top five all-time rebound leaders—a remarkable list that includes one Hall of Famer and two active players:
1. Kevin Garnett (1995–2007) – 10,718 rebounds
Kevin Garnett, a Hall of Fame powerhouse, laid the foundation of his legendary career with the Timberwolves, who picked him fifth overall in 1995. Starting with a respectable 6.3 rebounds per game as a rookie, Garnett only went up from there, averaging between 8.0 and a career-high 13.9 rebounds during his Minnesota years. His incredible tenure included nine straight seasons of double-digit rebounds.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns (2015–2024) – 6,216 rebounds
Though now with the New York Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns will forever be linked to the Timberwolves. Selected first overall in 2015, he made his mark on the glass in Minnesota, consistently grabbing between 10.5 and 12.4 rebounds early in his career, never dropping below 8.1 boards per game.
3. Kevin Love (2008–2014) – 4,453 rebounds
Currently, in his 17th NBA season, Kevin Love began his career with the Timberwolves, who acquired him in a draft-night trade in 2008. Love’s rookie year saw him average 9.1 rebounds, followed by five impressive seasons of 11.0 and a career-best 15.2 boards per game.
4. Gorgui Dieng (2013–2020) – 3,068 rebounds
Gorgui Dieng, acquired in a 2013 draft-night trade, quickly found his stride, averaging 5.0 rebounds as a rookie before peaking with 8.3 boards per game in his second season. Though later serving primarily as a reserve, he remained a reliable force on the glass in Minnesota.
5. Sam Mitchell (1989–1992, 1995–2002) – 3,030 rebounds
Now a familiar face on NBA TV, Sam Mitchell had a solid 17-year playing career, including two stints with the Timberwolves. Mitchell debuted with averages between 5.8 and a peak of 6.3 rebounds and later returned to Minnesota in 1995, contributing consistent rebounds for the remainder of his time.
