I never would’ve thought that people would love me like this. The duo was supposed to be the new-age Stockton and Malone, the updated version of Payton and Kemp. They were part of a roadmap to an National Basketball Association title, though that didn’t ultimately pan out.
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“Thus ends the final chapter of Garnett”s time in Minnesota, a two-part series that included myriad highs and a few lows, including some bruised feelings when he was traded to Boston in a blockbuster deal that sent a bundle of players and draft picks to Minnesota in the summer of 2007.
A 15-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA selection and 12-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, KG is the greatest player in Minnesota Timberwolves franchise history, a former MVP and an NBA champion. And together, Garnett, Allen, and Pierce won a title for the Celtics. As ESPN’s J.A. Adande pointed out, it was Garnett’s decision to leave the Timberwolves due to their inability to succeed in the playoffs, a factor that prompted him to sign with the Boston Celtics via a massive trade. Garnett’s loyalty to the team despite their inability to advance deep in the playoffs was commended by many, but he eventually grew exhausted of not winning championships and brokered a trade to the Boston Celtics in 2007. “I’m going to offer him something”, Rivers said. “He literally changed our culture”. You look at all the things he stands for. Garnett was a stampede in a jersey; there was no escaping him.
Minnesota’s Spanish guard Ricky Rubio was among the players using social media to pay tribute to Garnett.
He once compared finding his jump shot to a booty call.
Garnett was the highest grossing National Basketball Association star of All- time bringing home an estimated $336 million during his playing career.
If passion was his hallmark trait, loyalty defined Garnett’s career as well.
“I’m proud of our association with Kevin, just seeing him grow over the years”, Wolves owner Glen Taylor told The Associated Press. The two later became teammates and close friends in Minnesota.
Garnett wore the No. 2 in Brooklyn in honor of Sealy.
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Garnett shakes hands with San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during the first half December 28 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) No fire burned hotter, no mouth was fouler, no opponent was in for a longer night than Kevin Garnett’s.
