2000–01 Minnesota Timberwolves season
The 2000–01 NBA season was the Timberwolves' 12th season in the National Basketball Association. After the death of Malik Sealy, the Timberwolves scrambled to find a replacement for him, signing free agent Chauncey Billups, a close friend of Kevin Garnett while signing LaPhonso Ellis. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves 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 $3.5 million. Smith would sign with the Detroit Pistons, and the Timberwolves' owner Glen Taylor, and vice president Kevin McHale were both suspended for one year. Despite the troubles, the Timberwolves posted an 11-game winning streak midway through the season, and finished fourth in the Midwest Division with a 47–35 record, with Garnett being selected for the 2001 NBA All-Star Game.
In the first round of the playoffs, they would lose in four games to the San Antonio Spurs. Following the season, Ellis signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat and Tom Hammonds retired.Draft picks
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
| 2 | 51 | Igor Rakocevic | PG/SG | | |
Roster
Regular season
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Game log
Playoffs
West First Round
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Playoff Meeting: 1999 Western Conference First RoundPlayer statistics
Season
