Wolves taking aim

Last update: December 20, 2007 - 11:06 PM

The Timberwolves (3-21) don't qualify as historically bad. Yet. But their ineptitude might put them in select company. Here's a subjective list of the worst franchises in major pro sports history:

NFL

1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14)

The Bucs not only lost every game of their inaugural season, but also the first 12 games of the next season. During that 0-14 season, Tampa was shut out five times and lost by an average of 20 points per game.

Quote: On the execution of the Bucs offense: "I think it's a good idea" -- Tampa Bay head coach John McKay.

BASEBALL

1962 New York Mets (40-120)

Baseball has a long history with many contenders, but the Mets are considered by many to be baseball's worst team. They were the worst-hitting team, the worst-fielding team, and their pitching staff included four starters who lost at least 17 games.

Quote: "Don't cut my throat; I may want to do that myself later" -- Manager Casey Stengel, regarding his experience leading this team.

NHL

1992-93 Ottawa Senators (10-70-4)

The Senators' inaugural season started with a victory. That was about the end of the good news as the team won only one road game the rest of the season.

Quote: "Nobody remembers No. 2" -- Ottawa's No. 1 pick Alexandre Daigle on draft day. The No. 2 pick that year? Chris Pronger, still an NHL star defenseman.

NBA

1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers (9-73)

The 76ers lost their first 15 games and their last 13. In between, they had 20- and 14-game losing streaks. They finished 59 games behind the first-place Boston Celtics.

Quote: This team was made up of "spare parts from other clubs, not necessarily in the best of working order" -- Coach Roy Rubin, as quoted in a story in the Sporting News.

MARK WOLLEMANN

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