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NBA Power Rankings: Impact of the 2015 Trade Deadline

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Wizards at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 113 to 102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 113 to 102. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

27. Minnesota Timberwolves

Previous: No. 26

Record: 12-43

Last Week: 1-1

Key Acquisitions: Kevin Garnett, PF

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a genuine franchise player in shooting guard Andrew Wiggins. He seems to be getting better with every passing game, flashing new facets of his skill set almost every time out.

To expedite the progression of Wiggins and other young players such as Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio, the T-Wolves traded Thaddeus Young for all-time great Kevin Garnett.

Rubio and Nikola Pekovic have already witnessed this first-hand.

LaVine is on the comically fearful and studious side, per Tom Powers of Pioneer Press.

"“This is his locker and I’m actually kind of scared because I think he is going to say something about me being in his locker,” young Zach LaVine said. LaVine offered the locker back to Garnett, who declined and instead will dress one seat over. “I did more than offer; I wanted him to take it,” LaVine said. “I wanted him to sit there. I said, ‘I’ll move!’ But it’s going to be great for me; I know that. Future hall of famer, man, everyone wants to get to his level. He was playing in this league before I was born!” Love him or hate him, Garnett is the type of veteran presence and tone-setter who will hold his teammates accountable. He expects 100 percent on every possession and will call players out when they don’t give it."

An interesting year in Minnesota just became even more intriguing.

Next: Less Crowded