The quantity 5 at this time will be a part of the ranks of Celtics legends overlooking the parquet ground from the rafters of TD Backyard.
Kevin Garnett and his household will assist elevate the historic banner that includes his quantity 5 to the world rafters, cementing a Celtics legacy which featured 5 All-Star appearances, a Defensive Participant of the Yr award, and a 2008 NBA Championship banner in his six seasons with the franchise.
“Every part modified the minute KG walked into the primary follow,” mentioned Celtics Governor, Managing Companion, and CEO Wyc Grousbeck. “Lots of people contributed to the championship, however KG would merely not allow us to lose that 12 months. He’s one in every of my very favourite individuals and really favourite Celtics.”
“KG embodies the guts and soul of what it means to be a Celtic,” mentioned Celtics Co-Proprietor and Alternate Governor Steve Pagliuca. “His selflessness and crew management have been essential to bringing a seventeenth banner again to Boston. He proved that nothing is inconceivable if you play as a crew and belief one another. He’s merely the most effective.”
Acquired by the Celtics on July 31, 2007 from the Minnesota Timberwolves in trade for 5 gamers and two first-round draft picks, Garnett performed six impactful seasons in Boston from 2007-08 to 2012-13, producing 15.7 factors on 52.0% capturing, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocked photographs throughout 396 video games with the franchise. He was named an NBA All-Star in 5 of his six seasons with the Celtics, together with every of his first 4 from 2008 to 2011.
In his first season with Boston, the then 13-year NBA veteran averaged 18.8 factors on 53.9% capturing, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocked photographs, all of which completed as his excessive marks with the crew. He was named the NBA Defensive Participant of the Yr for the primary time in his profession, turning into the primary Celtics participant in franchise historical past to obtain the award.
Garnett performed an integral position within the Celtics’ quest for Banner 17, averaging a double-double with 20.4 factors (49.5% FG), 10.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocked photographs in 26 postseason video games in 2008. He completed with 30+ factors twice throughout Boston’s historic playoff run – together with a 33-point, 7-rebound efficiency in Sport 5 of the Jap Convention Finals in opposition to Detroit – and capped off his playoff dominance with 26 factors (10-18 FG) and 14 rebounds within the Celtics championship-clinching Sport 6 in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers on June 17.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2020, Garnett obtained 15 profession All-Star choices in 21 seasons with Minnesota, Boston, and Brooklyn. The fifth general collection of the 1995 NBA Draft is one three gamers in NBA historical past to tally a minimum of 20,000 factors and 10,000 rebounds for his profession (Abdul-Jabbar/Malone), and one in every of two gamers to surpass 1,800 steals and 1,800 blocks (Olajuwon).
Celtics followers attending at this time’s recreation in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks will likely be greeted with a commemorative t-shirt that includes the quantity 5 and a silhouette of Kevin Garnett on the entrance, courtesy of TD Financial institution. Vistaprint and the Celtics have additionally teamed up with native artist Ally Thatcher of Fallen Cargo to create a mural throughout the 19,156 seats of TD Backyard. Every fan will obtain a bit of the overarching mural on its seatback.
GIFTS GARNETT WILL RECEIVE FROM CELTICS
As a part of the ceremony, which is able to embody Garnett’s household, Celtics alumni, present Celtics gamers, and Celtics executives on the parquet, the Celtics will current Garnett with a collection of items acknowledging his memorable Celtics profession, together with:
– A duplicate of the retired quantity 5 banner, which is framed with genuine parquet flooring from the 2007-08 championship season.
– A framed collage together with a quantity 5 sq., iconic images of Garnett, and an genuine piece of parquet flooring, etched with profession accolades.
– Authentic portray by esteemed artist Daniel Maltzman, which was created behind the banners hanging within the rafters.
– NFT Reward Basket together with 5 unique collectibles from Gutter Pigeons, Bears Deluxe, SupDucks, The Doggies (Snoop Dogg), and Rug Radio.
– A customized engraved bottle of Cincoro Additional Añejo Tequila.
