Kevin Garnett's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kevin Garnett. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Kevin Garnett, nicknamed "the Big Ticket", is a retired American professional basketball player who played 21 seasons in the NBA. Widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards ever, he was known for his intensity, versatility, and defensive prowess. Notably, Garnett 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, solidifying his legacy as an all-time great.

Sections (4)

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

1975: First Player Drafted out of High School

In the 1995 NBA draft, Kevin Garnett was drafted with the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves and became the first player to be drafted directly out of high school since 1975.

1995: Named Most Outstanding Player at McDonald's All-American Game

In 1995, Kevin Garnett was named the Most Outstanding Player at the McDonald's All-American Game after recording 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocked shots, which led him to declare himself eligible for the NBA draft.

2000: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2000, Kevin Garnett won a gold medal as a member of the United States national team at the Summer Olympics. In the tournament, Garnett averaged 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

2001: All-NBA Second Team Nomination

During the 2001-02 NBA season, Kevin Garnett's averages of 21.2 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game earned him another All-NBA Second Team nomination. However, the Timberwolves bowed out in the first round of the playoffs for the sixth consecutive time.

2003: All-Star MVP Award

In 2003, Kevin Garnett won the All-Star MVP award.

2003: MVP Award and Western Conference Finals Appearance

In the 2003-04 season, Kevin Garnett averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. He was named the league Most Valuable Player and led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.

2004: NBA MVP Award

In 2004, Kevin Garnett led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals and was awarded the NBA MVP Award.

2007: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2007, Kevin Garnett was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Boston Celtics.

June 18, 2008: Late Show Appearance

On June 18, 2008, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman shortly after winning the NBA championship.

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October 31, 2008: Reaches 1,000 Career Games

On October 31, 2008, Kevin Garnett became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career games, achieving this milestone at 32 years and 165 days old.

2008: NBA Championship with the Celtics

In 2008, Kevin Garnett helped lead the Boston Celtics to win the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 15, 2009: All-Star Game Selection

On February 15, 2009, Kevin Garnett earned his twelfth consecutive All-Star Game start.

2010: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2010, Kevin Garnett and the Celtics, after a regular season marked by injuries and inconsistency, reached the NBA Finals, defeating the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic en route to facing the Los Angeles Lakers, ultimately losing in a decisive seventh game.

January 17, 2013: All-Star Game Selection

On January 17, 2013, Kevin Garnett was voted to start in the 2013 All-Star Game in Houston.

February 7, 2013: Reaches 25,000 Career Points

On February 7, 2013, Kevin Garnett recorded his 25,000th point in a 116–95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

December 13, 2013: Surpasses 14,000 Career Rebounds

On December 13, 2013, Kevin Garnett surpassed 14,000 career rebounds, becoming only the tenth player in NBA history to achieve this milestone. He also joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone as the only players to reach 25,000 points, 14,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.

November 15, 2015: Reaches 50,000 Minutes Played

On November 15, 2015, Kevin Garnett became the fifth player in NBA history to play at least 50,000 minutes, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Jason Kidd, and Elvin Hayes.

2020: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2020, Kevin Garnett was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

August 20, 2021: Jersey Retirement Announcement

On August 20, 2021, the Celtics announced that they would retire Kevin Garnett's number 5 jersey on March 13, 2022, during a game against the Dallas Mavericks.

2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Kevin Garnett was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2024: Garnett is one of five NBA players to have won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

In 2024, Kevin Garnett is recognized as one of only five NBA players to have received both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, highlighting his exceptional career achievements.