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. Considered one of the greatest power forwards ever, Garnett was renowned for his intensity, versatility, and defensive prowess. He is one of a select few NBA players to have won both the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, solidifying his legacy as a dominant and impactful player.

Sections (4)

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

1946: Celtics Foundation

In 1946, the Celtics Franchise was founded, and in 2007-08, Kevin Garnett won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the only major award a Celtic player hadn't claimed since the team's foundation.

1995: McDonald's All-American and NBA Draft

In 1995, Kevin Garnett was named a McDonald's All-American at Farragut Career Academy and also received a national player of the year award. He entered the 1995 NBA draft and was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, making him the first player drafted directly out of high school in 20 years.

1995: McDonald's All-American Game and NBA Draft Eligibility

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

October 1, 1997: Record-Breaking Contract Extension

On October 1, 1997, one hour before the deadline, Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves agreed on a six-year contract extension worth an unparalleled $126 million.

1997: First Playoff Appearance

In 1997, the Timberwolves, with a 40–42 record, made their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Kevin Garnett and Tom Gugliotta made their first All-Star appearances, and Stephon Marbury established himself as a valuable young lead guard. The Timberwolves were swept by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 1997 NBA Playoffs.

1998: First Winning Record and Playoff Loss

In 1998, Kevin Garnett averaged 18.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. The Timberwolves finished with their first winning record in franchise history (45–37), but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Seattle SuperSonics.

1999: All-NBA Third Team

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

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.

2000: All-NBA First Team Appearance

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. The Wolves posted a franchise-best 50–32 record, but succumbed in the first round to the Portland Trail Blazers 3–1.

2001: All-NBA Second Team Nomination

In the 2001–02 season, Kevin Garnett earned another All-NBA Second Team nomination.

2003: All-Star MVP Award

In 2003, Kevin Garnett won the All-Star MVP award during his NBA career.

2003: Season Success

In 2003, the Timberwolves acquired Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell, improving the team's performance. Garnett averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. The team achieved a franchise-record 58 wins, defeating the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings in the playoffs before losing to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

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 scored a career-high 47 points along with 17 rebounds in a 115–122 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

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 during the 2007–08 season.

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: Youngest Player to Reach 1,000 Games

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

2008: NBA Finals Win

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

2008: 2008 Championship Run

In 2008, the Celtics championship run, Kevin Garnett and the Celtics dominated opponents. In 2010, the Celtics again dominated opponents and were compared to their performance in 2008.

2010: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2010, Kevin Garnett and the Celtics reached the NBA Finals after eliminating the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic. They faced the Los Angeles Lakers but lost in a decisive seventh game.

February 7, 2013: 25,000th Point

On February 7, 2013, Kevin Garnett recorded 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 and joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone as the only players with 25,000 points, 14,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.

November 15, 2015: 50,000 minutes played

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

2020: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

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 Boston Celtics announced they would retire Kevin Garnett's number 5 jersey on March 13, 2022.

2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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

March 13, 2022: Jersey Retirement Ceremony

On March 13, 2022, Kevin Garnett's number 5 jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics in a game against the Dallas Mavericks. The ceremony included the reconciliation of Garnett and Ray Allen, who had an acrimonious relationship since Allen left the Celtics in 2012.