American · Mauldin, South Carolina · Born 19 May 1976The most intense defensive force of his generation — redefined the power forward with his versatility, voice and relentless energy.
Kevin Maurice Garnett was born in Mauldin, South Carolina in 1976 and became one of the first players since Moses Malone to enter the NBA directly from high school in the modern era. Minnesota Timberwolves selected him fifth overall in the 1995 NBA Draft. His 21-season career produced one NBA championship (2008 with Boston), one regular season MVP award (2004) and the Defensive Player of the Year award (2008). He was selected to 15 All-Star games. His 2003-04 season with the Timberwolves — in which he won the MVP leading a team with no other star player — is considered one of the finest individual seasons in modern NBA history. Traded to the Boston Celtics in 2007, he formed a legendary Big Three with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, winning the 2008 championship and ending a 22-year title drought for the franchise. His defensive intensity — vocal, physical, constantly demanding from teammates — redefined what it meant to anchor a defence as a power forward. He was the first player since Bob McAdoo to win MVP while his team failed to reach the Finals. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Intense defense, versatility, and leadership
How They Played
Versatile big man with excellent defense and mid-range shooting
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized power forward position with range and defense
Career Honours
- NBA Champion
- NBA MVP
- Defensive Player of the Year
- All-Star 15x
- All-NBA First Team 4x
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 1995–2007 | 970 |
| Boston Celtics | 2007–2013 | 396 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 2013–2015 | 104 |
American Athletes