Former Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Kevin Garnett is now an ambassador for the team that drafted him, the franchise announced Thursday.
The Timberwolves will also retire Garnett’s No. 21 jersey during a ceremony, details of which will be announced at a later date, according to a news release.
In his role as team ambassador, Garnett’s responsibilities will include “attending select home games, elevating the fan experience, championing community initiatives across the Twin Cities and helping shape the teams’ stories through exclusive content,” according to the release.
He will “serve in a visible and active role with the Timberwolves” and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, which are both owned by entrepreneur Marc Lore and former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez.
Garnett, who played 14 of his 21 NBA seasons with Minnesota, previously had a falling out with former owner Glen Taylor and refused to have his jersey retired by the team, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Lore and Rodriguez purchased the Timberwolves in April of this year following a lengthy legal dispute with Taylor.
“I’m thrilled to be back home,” Garnett in a statement, per ESPN. “Minnesota is where it all began, where I was young, hungry and learning how to compete at the highest level. I’m excited to be back in the Twin Cities at a time when Marc and Alex are setting a bold new vision for this franchise. Their leadership has brought fresh energy to the organization, and I’m excited to help build what’s next for the Timberwolves, our fans and this community.”
Garnett, 49, has been involved with the Timberwolves since he was 18 years old. The Hall of Famer and NBA champion was drafted by the Timberwolves out of high school with the fifth pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. He earned 10 All-Star selections with the Wolves and was named the 2003-04 NBA MVP.
Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics prior to the 2007-08 season and immediately led the Celtics to winning the 2008 NBA Finals over the rival Los Angeles Lakers. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year that season.
Garnett played six seasons in Boston and one-plus with the Brooklyn Nets before being traded back to Minnesota in 2015. He played one final season with the Timberwolves and retired after the 2015-16 NBA season.
For his career, Garnett averaged 17.8 points, 10 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals in 34.5 minutes across 1,462 games.