Nick Van Exel

Standing the test of time through both a remarkable late-game reputation and a blur-quick first step, Nick Van Exel showed the Minnesota Timberwolves how smoothly the two traits look when fused together. In observation of the floor from a unique, midcourt view, the revered Los Angeles Lakers combo guard plots his move against Chris Smith, ultimately deciding on a flawlessly-sold crossover move that opens the floodgates for a right-sided drive. A fearless 6-foot-1, even with a pack of Minnesota Timberwolves defenders converging in, “Nick at Nite” gives Minnesota something to mourn, whirling through the paint for an acrobatic, switch-hand game-winner, bringing the Great Western Forum to its feet. Van Exel’s excellence on March 29, 1994 would springboard a quietly-expansive list of crunchtime buckets throughout his 13-year career. Through his usual assortment of rapid drives and buttery-smooth pull-ups, the future one-time All-Star provided 13 points, four rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and one 3-pointer in the night’s late-season win, setting the tone for soon-to-arrive postseason contention in the seasons to arrive.

Rookie Year

Top Shot Debut