Kevin Garnett’s Jersey to be Retired by Timberwolves

Kevin Garnett and his No. 21 will lastly rise into the rafters in Minnesota, marking the top of a close to decade-long standoff and the start of a full-circle reunion between the franchise and its most iconic star.

Garnett has agreed to reunite with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx in a brand new, all-encompassing function as group ambassador, involving enterprise, group and fan-engagement efforts and content material improvement, and the group confirmed {that a} jersey retirement ceremony will happen inside the subsequent two seasons, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

For a fan base that has waited years to see No. 21 honored, the symbolism is unmistakable.

“I’m thrilled to be again residence,” Garnett stated. “Minnesota is the place all of it started, the place I used to be younger, hungry and studying easy methods to compete on the highest degree. I’m excited to be again within the Twin Cities at a time when Marc and Alex are setting a daring new imaginative and prescient for this franchise. Their management has introduced contemporary vitality to the group, and I’m excited to assist construct what’s subsequent for the Timberwolves, our followers and this group.”

These phrases land in a different way now that reconciliation with possession is full. Garnett’s fallout with former proprietor Glen Taylor as soon as made the thought of a jersey retirement appear unattainable.

Garnett is a 15-time NBA All-Star (10 of these had been with the Wolves). He’s additionally the Timberwolves’ all-time chief in factors, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

He’s the one NBA participant to guide a franchise in these 5 classes. Garnett can be the one participant in Timberwolves historical past to win an MVP (2003-04).

The Timberwolves, at the moment 17-10, have reached the convention finals in consecutive seasons and re-established themselves as contenders.

Garnett’s jersey retirement now turns into greater than nostalgia, it represents alignment between previous greatness and current ambition.

The franchise’s all-time chief in factors, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks will lastly have his quantity immortalized, closing an previous wound and turning focus towards a cohesive future.