Kevin Maurice Garnett (born May 19, 1976) is a retired American professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. Nicknamed “The Big Ticket,” Garnett was known for his intensity, versatility, and defensive prowess. Over a 21-season career, he became one of only five players in NBA history to win both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Garnett played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets, leaving an indelible mark on each franchise. He won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. Beyond basketball, Garnett has made a name for himself in entertainment, most notably appearing in the 2019 film Uncut Gems.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kevin Maurice Garnett |
|---|---|
| Born | May 19, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| High School | Mauldin HS, SC; Farragut Academy, IL |
| NBA Draft | 1995, Round 1, Pick 5 (Minnesota Timberwolves) |
| Playing Career | 1995–2016 |
| Position | Power Forward |
| Jersey Numbers | 21, 5, 2 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted 2020 |
| NBA Championships | 2008 (Boston Celtics) |
| Olympics | Gold Medal, 2000 Sydney |
Early Life
Kevin Garnett was born in Greenville, South Carolina, the middle child with two sisters. Raised by his mother Shirley Garnett and stepfather, Garnett discovered basketball at Hillcrest Middle School, though he didn’t play organized basketball until high school. He initially attended Mauldin High School but transferred to Farragut Academy in Chicago for his senior year after a racially charged incident in South Carolina.
At Farragut, Garnett led the team to a 28–2 record and earned National Player of the Year honors. He was also named Illinois Mr. Basketball and the Most Outstanding Player at the McDonald’s All-American Game. Garnett declared for the 1995 NBA draft, bypassing college basketball due to NCAA eligibility issues.
NBA Career
Minnesota Timberwolves (1995–2007)
Garnett was drafted fifth overall by the Timberwolves in 1995, becoming the first NBA player drafted directly out of high school in 20 years. Initially coming off the bench, Garnett quickly became the cornerstone of the franchise, leading Minnesota to its first-ever playoff appearance in 1997.
He became a franchise player, signing a six-year $126 million contract extension in 1997, and steadily improved his game. Garnett won the NBA MVP award in 2004 and led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals that same year. Despite his personal success, Minnesota struggled to achieve playoff success consistently during his tenure.
Boston Celtics (2007–2013)
Traded to the Celtics in 2007, Garnett immediately transformed the team into a championship contender. Paired with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the trio was dubbed “The Big Three.” Garnett won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and helped the Celtics capture the 2008 NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.
He continued to play at a high level, reaching multiple Eastern Conference Finals and making several All-Star appearances. Garnett’s leadership and defensive intensity became synonymous with the Celtics’ success during this period.
Brooklyn Nets (2013–2015)
In 2013, Garnett was traded to the Brooklyn Nets along with Paul Pierce. Despite a talented roster, the team struggled to make a deep playoff run. Garnett continued to contribute as a veteran leader and became one of only three players in NBA history to record 25,000 points, 14,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists.
Return to Minnesota (2015–2016)
Garnett returned to Minnesota in 2015, closing out his career with the Timberwolves. He became the NBA’s all-time leader in defensive rebounds and played a pivotal mentorship role for younger players. He retired in September 2016 after 21 seasons in the NBA.
National Team Career
Garnett represented the United States in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, winning a gold medal. He averaged 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during the tournament.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring, Garnett joined TNT’s Inside the NBA as an analyst and hosted his own segment, Area 21. He also consulted for the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks. Garnett made his acting debut in Uncut Gems (2019), playing a fictionalized version of himself.
Personal Life
Garnett married Brandi Padilla in 2004, and the couple has two daughters. He is also the half-brother of former player Louis McCullough and cousin of Shammond Williams. Garnett’s nicknames include “The Big Ticket,” “KG,” and “The Franchise.”
Known for his passion and intensity, Garnett was famous for mentally preparing for games by banging his head against a padded basketball stanchion. He also became a shareholder of Italian football team A.S. Roma in 2011 and published his autobiography, KG: A to Z, in 2021.
Legacy
Kevin Garnett is remembered as one of the most versatile and dominant players in NBA history. His defensive skills, leadership, and passion for the game left an enduring impact on the Timberwolves, Celtics, and the league as a whole. Garnett’s career serves as a model for young players aiming to combine skill, intensity, and professionalism.
