After 21 years in the NBA, Kevin Garnett finally retired from basketball in 2016. Even 6 years later, he is still widely recognized as one of the greatest power forwards ever.
On Sunday evening, Garnett was the center of attention in Boston again, as the Celtics honored him with a jersey retirement ceremony.
From the beginning, it was clear that Boston wanted to make the night special for KG and everyone in attendance. Even Ray Allen showed up, seemingly putting an end to his long-time beef with his former teammate.
Look: Celtics decorate TD Garden to honor Kevin Garnett https://t.co/LaOFyGpCks pic.twitter.com/ITU5DJMntg
— Boston.com (@BostonDotCom) March 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1503095380568940551
There’s also the tribute video, which includes many Celtics players (both former and current) speaking on KG and the influence he has had.
KG always did things the right way pic.twitter.com/emJ9nKi8v1
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
As Garnett rose for cheers during the game, fans couldn’t help but notice him donning a Ukrainian pin, showing his support for the country.
Kevin Garnett stands with Ukraine 🇺🇦✊
🎥 @NBCSCeltics pic.twitter.com/XYPSuwAjfL
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) March 13, 2022
The most intense and emotional part of the whole night, though, was the ceremony itself and all of KG’s former teammates coming together to celebrate his career.
Kevin Garnett stands center court to soak in the love from Celtics fans at TD Garden pic.twitter.com/lVJG42ZsDa
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 13, 2022
KG will always have a spot in the lockerroom now pic.twitter.com/Ras0LJJdDD
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
Soak in the moment @KevinGarnett5KG, you’ve earned it ☘️ pic.twitter.com/iSLoXje0qH
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
5️⃣☘️ pic.twitter.com/L61KLRC4eK
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
It’s a brotherhood ☘️ pic.twitter.com/ZWJtgFOPci
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
The bond between brothers @EddieHouse_50 @KendrickPerkins @paulpierce34 🤝 pic.twitter.com/iow7RwMphe
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 13, 2022
"Thanks for the ride Kevin, thanks for the ride."
Leave it to @celticsvoice to give us all chills #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/Plwih04VfR
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/NBCSCeltics/status/1503142981104246786
Garnett played for several teams over his career, not just the Celtics. But it was with the Celtics that he became a winner, and in Boston that he found a true home.
Even long after his glory days with the franchise, he never forgot the love and loyalty the city showed him.
“I heard Larry Bird say one time in his early years in Boston is that the reason why he loved playing in front of the fans in Boston is because you couldn’t fake them,” Garnett said, per MassLive. “You couldn’t fool the fans. They knew when you was playing hard. They knew when you were giving your all. They have a sense of basketball history and they have high basketball IQs. They cared and I never forgot that.”
That 2008 squad is the last time the Celtics won a title. After decades of dominance, prestige, and greatness, KG helped restore Boston basketball. It’s only fitting that he be rewarded and remembered for it.
No doubt, he will continue to support the franchise in this new and exciting era, and he will be right there cheering them on every step of the way.
