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 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

1995: McDonald's All-American and NBA Draft

In 1995, Kevin Garnett was named a McDonald's All-American at Farragut Career Academy and was selected fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA draft, becoming the first player drafted directly from high school in 20 years.

1999: All-NBA Third Team

In 1999, Kevin Garnett was named to the All-NBA Third Team after averaging 20.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.

2000: Garnett Wins Gold Medal at Summer Olympics

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

2000: All-NBA First Team and MVP Voting

In the 1999-2000 NBA season, Kevin Garnett made the first of his four All-NBA First Team appearances and came in second place in the MVP voting.

2001: All-NBA Second Team Nomination

In the 2001-02 season, Kevin Garnett was nominated to the All-NBA Second Team.

2003: All-Star MVP Award

In 2003, Kevin Garnett won the All-Star MVP award, marking one of his 15 All-Star Game appearances during his NBA career.

2003: MVP Season

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.

2004: NBA MVP Award

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

January 4, 2005: Career High Scoring Game

On January 4, 2005, Kevin Garnett achieved a career-high of 47 points along with 17 rebounds in a game against the Phoenix Suns, which ended in a 115–122 loss.

2007: Joining the Celtics

In 2007, Garnett joined the Celtics, which led to a championship season where he developed a relationship with Celtics legend Bill Russell, who was a major influence in helping him succeed during his first season as a Celtic, culminating in winning the 2007-08 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

2007: NBA Defensive Player of the Year

In 2007, Kevin Garnett was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year with the Boston Celtics during his first season with the team.

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.

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October 31, 2008: Youngest to Reach 1,000 Games

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

2008: Championship Run

During their 2008 championship run, the Celtics dominated opponents. Garnett helped elevate their play and consistency leading to the 2010 Finals.

2008: NBA Championship with the Celtics

In 2008, Kevin Garnett helped lead the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers.

February 15, 2009: All-Star Game Start

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

2011: Playoff Resurgence

In the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season, Garnett, after a slow start, found a resurgence in the playoffs averaging 19.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

January 17, 2013: All-Star Selection

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

February 7, 2013: 25,000th Career Point

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

December 13, 2013: 14,000 Career Rebounds

On December 13, 2013, Kevin Garnett surpassed 14,000 career rebounds, becoming the tenth player in NBA history to do so, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone as the only players to reach 25,000 points, 14,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists. He reached the milestone in the third quarter of a 103–99 road loss to the Detroit Pistons.

November 15, 2015: 50,000 Minutes Played

On November 15, 2015, in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Garnett became the fifth player in NBA history to play at least 50,000 minutes.

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.

2021: Named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

2024: Garnett's Status in 2024

As of 2024, Kevin Garnett is one of only five NBA players to have won both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.