Kevin Garnett
For years, the Minnesota Timberwolves had a superstar that was synonymous to the team. Kevin Garnett had some unbelievable years in Minnesota, and helped the squad to reach the highest of highs.
Though he spent some with both the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, KG ultimately finished his career where it began. He was acquired in a deal with the Nets so that this could be possible.
While injuries and older age limited his on-court prospects, Garnett offered invaluable leadership to the rebuilding Wolves.
And now, after a number of years away from the organization, the new ownership group seems to have fixed the rift between KG and Minnesota, per Shams Charania.
He’s coming back to the franchise, and that jersey retirement will finally happen.
Kevin Garnett Back in Minnesota
Kevin Garnett and Glen Taylor never had the best relationship. The longtime Wolves owner did sell the team a few teams ago, opening this pathway for the legend to now return.
Garnett was the first pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, spending his first 12 seasons in the North Star State. A trade sent him to the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2007, where he would help lead the historic franchise to the title.
A long run with the Celtics and brief stop with the Brooklyn Nets separated his two tenures with the Wolves, where he did ultimately finish his playing career. KG has essentially been away from the organization until today.
There may not be a more impactful player historically that does not have his jersey retired by the franchise where most of his career was spent. Finally, we are at a place where #21 can finally go up into the rafters at Target Center.
Few players have been more legendary in the last 30 years than The Big Ticket. Enjoy this montage of the best plays of his career, as we move into the next section, detailing just how important his return to the organization is.
Importance of Kevin Garnett Return to Minnesota
With the fractured relationship between Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves seemingly gone, a new beginning can finally be formed. The city is getting an elite ambassador, who will now be spending a whole lot of time in the building.
For a squad that is coming off consecutive trips to the Western Conference Finals for the first-time ever, this is a huge deal. Having KG in the building with Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and co, will go a long way.
The Big Ticket took Minnesota to their first WCF in 2003-04, which marked the only time in the franchise’s history before these last few campaigns, that they advanced past round one. Past essentially meets present with Garnett’s return.
Edwards became the all-time leading playoff scorer for the Wolves last season, passing the legend. To be able to get day-to-day advice and mentorship now, is massive.
Garnett being around will also make it more attractive to be in Minnesota for free agents. Similarly to how Dirk Nowitzki hung around the Mavericks, and Tony Parker and Tim Duncan around the Spurs, there was just so much to be absorbed.
Not only will the return include business with the Wolves, but with the Minnesota Lynx as well. He’ll be there year-round.
Can’t wait to see #21 in the rafters.