Kevin Garnett, One of the greatest players to ever grace the game, will be retiring from the NBA. "The Big Ticket" has played 21 seasons in the league, leaving his mark as one of the best big men in the history of the league.
Garnett's stellar career began in the 1995 draft pick, where he was 5th overall in the first round. He was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that Garnett would later single-handedly put on the map. Over the course of his stay in Minnesota, Garnett would be named an All-Star numerous times, and would receive his first ever MVP award in the 2003-2004 NBA season.
After facing a bit of frustration with the Timberwolves, due to the lack of serious title contention, Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he would form one of the greatest trios in the history of the league with fellow future Hall of Famers, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The three led the Celtics to the team's 17th NBA title, something Garnett has set his eyes on since entering the league.
Garnett, who is known as one of the most fierce competitors in basketball, has left an impact on the sport that influenced many of today's superstars. In an Instagram post by LeBron James, honoring Garnett, which read that watching Garnett play "made a 10-year-old kid from Akron believe he could run with the big boys himself," was only one of the many displays of respect the players of the league had for Garnett's career, and he has done for the game of basketball.
Timberwolves owner, Glen Taylor, said in a statement about Garnett, that it has been a real pleasure to watch him grow into a leader over the years, and that the memories he gave the fans will forever be cherished, according to ESPN.
In his long and decorated career, Garnett has won 1 NBA championship, received the Defensive Player of the Year award, has made 15 All-Star appearances, and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, among others.
