Childhood and Education Journey of Kevin Garnett in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Kevin Garnett, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Kevin Garnett, nicknamed "the Big Ticket," is a retired American professional basketball player who spent 21 seasons in the NBA. Widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards ever, he was renowned for his intensity, versatility, and defensive prowess. Notably, he is one of only five players in NBA history to win both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 19, 1976: Kevin Garnett's Birth

On May 19, 1976, Kevin Maurice Garnett was born. He later became a professional basketball player, playing 21 seasons in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Garnett's Height at the NBA Draft

Measurements from the 1995 NBA draft indicated that Kevin Garnett, 19 years old at the time, was 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) tall barefoot.

1997: Garnett Measured by Timberwolves Training Staff

In 1997, Kevin Garnett was measured by the Minnesota Timberwolves training staff to be 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall in his basketball shoes.

May 20, 2000: Death of Malik Sealy

On May 20, 2000, Timberwolves' guard and Garnett's close friend Malik Sealy was killed by a drunk driver shortly after celebrating Garnett's 24th birthday.

July 2004: Garnett Marries Brandi Padilla

In July 2004, Kevin Garnett married his longtime girlfriend Brandi Padilla during a private ceremony in California.

2006: Ricky Davis–Wally Szczerbiak trade

In 2006, Minnesota traded to Boston in the Ricky Davis–Wally Szczerbiak trade of 2006, that factored into the July 31, 2007 trade that would send Kevin Garnett to the Celtics.

July 31, 2007: Trade to the Boston Celtics

On July 31, 2007, Kevin Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, cash considerations, Boston's 2009 first-round draft pick (top 3 protected), and the 2009 first-round pick which Minnesota traded to Boston in the Ricky Davis–Wally Szczerbiak trade of 2006. Garnett also signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension.

2007: Last Timberwolves game prior to trade

Before being traded back to Minnesota on February 19, 2015, Kevin Garnett's last game with the Timberwolves was in 2007, making his return significant.

2007: Garnett Discusses His Height

During the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, Kevin Garnett admitted in an interview with Craig Sager to be "6 ft 11 in and some quarters" tall.

June 18, 2008: Late Show Appearance

On June 18, 2008, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman after winning the NBA Championship.

Loading Video...

2008: Knee Injury History

In 2008, Kevin Garnett playing for Boston, suffered a right knee injury that kept him out of 25 games which also affected his return time to Minnesota during the 2014-15 season. After resignning with the Timberwolves on July 11, 2015, he would suffer the same injury.

February 19, 2009: Knee Injury

On February 19, 2009, during a game against the Utah Jazz, Kevin Garnett injured his right knee while attempting an alley-oop, which caused him to miss 14 games.

May 2009: Knee Surgery

In May 2009, Kevin Garnett underwent knee surgery due to the injury sustained in February, which caused him to miss the final 25 games of the regular season and the 2009 playoffs.

December 30, 2010: Knee Injury

On December 30, 2010, Kevin Garnett injured his right knee after attempting to dunk, causing him to miss two weeks of play.

January 17, 2011: Return from Injury

On January 17, 2011, Kevin Garnett returned from a knee injury to play against the Orlando Magic.

December 2011: Garnett Becomes Shareholder of A.S. Roma

In December 2011, Kevin Garnett agreed to become a limited shareholder of American-owned Italian Serie A football team A.S. Roma.

2012: Uncut Gems is Set During Celtics-76ers Series

The movie "Uncut Gems" is set in 2012 and revolves around the Eastern Conference Semi-finals series between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers.

Loading Video...

June 27, 2013: Trade to the Brooklyn Nets

On June 27, 2013, Kevin Garnett, along with Paul Pierce and Jason Terry, was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Brooklyn Nets for future first-round picks in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 drafts, as well as Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, MarShon Brooks, and Keith Bogans.

2014: Season Prior To Timberwolves Return

Before returning to the Timberwolves on February 19, 2015, Kevin Garnett was playing for the Nets in 2014.

2014: Knee Injury History

In 2014, Kevin Garnett playing with the Timberwolves, suffered a right knee injury that kept him out of many games which was originally suffered in 2008 while playing for Boston. After resignning with the Timberwolves on July 11, 2015, he would suffer the same injury.

February 19, 2015: Trade Back to Minnesota

On February 19, 2015, Kevin Garnett agreed to waive his no-trade clause in order to be traded back to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Thaddeus Young.

July 12, 2018: Garnett's Wife Files for Divorce

On July 12, 2018, Kevin Garnett's wife, Brandi Padilla, filed for divorce, asking for custody of their children.

2019: Film Debut in Uncut Gems

In 2019, Kevin Garnett made his feature film debut in "Uncut Gems", a crime thriller where he played a fictionalized version of himself.

Loading Video...

February 2021: Garnett's Autobiography Published

In February 2021, Simon & Schuster published Kevin Garnett's autobiography, KG: A to Z: An Uncensored Encyclopedia of Life, Basketball, and Everything in Between, written with David Ritz. In the book, Garnett describes his involvement with various sneaker manufacturers.