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| Kevin Garnett: 17.8 pts 10.6 rbs, 3.7 ast and 1.4 blks |
Kevin “The Big Ticket” Garnett who spent more than two decades
in the league. A 15 time all star. A 2004 MVP and won an NBA title with the
Celtics in ’08, calls it a career. He posted a “Farewell” message and a short
video on his Instagram account on Friday.
“The Big Ticket” was
drafted by the Timberwolves in 1995 (5th in first round). He came to
the league straight from High school (Farragut Academy). The first player to do
so in 20 years. This paved way to high schoolers who went straight to the NBA
like Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard and LeBron James.
A widely regarded as one of the most skillful player in
NBA history. Kevin Garnett joins Larry Bird as the only players in league
history with six consecutive seasons averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds and five
assist. He is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ all time leader in points, rebounds, assists,
steals and blocks. And also became the first All Star starter in Wolves’
franchise history.
During his last stint with the Timberwolves, Garnett
served as a mentor to Wolves youngsters like Towns, Wiggins, Dieng and LaVine.
Flip Saunders recount a session with Garnett and the
youngsters on a flight
"They looked at him like three little kids looking
at Santa Claus coming down the chimney. Their eyes were wide open and they
looked at him in disbelief. He was just telling them about his experience of 20
years being in the league." – Flip Saunders in 2015
Garnett opted to retire after reaching a buyout agreement with the Timberwolves. He will be getting his salary amounting to $8 Million. He reportedly made more than $330 Million in his career most by any player in league history.
The world of hoops reacted after the 40 year old icon announced his retirement from the sport.
"He held himself to the highest standard of preparation and performance for a remarkable 21 seasons. On behalf of the NBA family, I thank Kevin for his sustained excellence and the enormous impact he's had on the game." – Adam Silver
I loved every minute I competed against you. A true warrior
#ticket #KG – Kobe Bryant
Kevin Garnett leaves the NBA after 21 seasons, but his impact on
the game is more than what he did on the court. He challenged and drove younger
players to play just like him. – Sports Illustrated
“I would have absolutely been interested in bringing him
here. You always find a place for a guy like that, whose voice in the locker
room is so strong, so clear, so impactful. “He’s such a great teacher in
practice. He should start a course in leadership. The NBA should designate who
the best player is on each team and then they could bring Kevin in and he could
teach them how to be the best player and the best leader. Better yet, they could bring him and
Tim [Duncan] in and they could teach it together and show people how it can be
done in two completely opposite ways.” – ESPN
Thank you for everything my brother. You know how much I’m gonna miss playing with you and just simply having you around. Congrats on having one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen. We talked. I know what I must do. I’ll take it from here. – Karl Anthony Town
I want to congratulate my brother on 21 seasons. He changed the game.
Broke records. Won. Sacrificed. Gave his blood, sweat, and tears.
Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for what you’ve done and will continue to
do for the game. Thank you for everything. Legend. G.O.A.T. My Brother. – Rajon Rondo
I want to congratulate my brother KG, one of the greatest to ever lace em up….now pick up them golf clubs and let’s get it. Love u bro. – Chauncey Billups
Tim Duncan, Kobe, KG… All gone. Glad I got to compete against HOFers that
I looked at like GODs as a kid… Wow – Damian Lillard
Thank you KG !!! Hands down one of the best to ever play this game. I
learned what hard work really means. Great teammate. It was a dream
come true to play next to you. What an amazing career the one you had. I
enjoyed watching you play every single game. Thank you again BigTix – Ricky Rubio
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