Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett, a trailblazer in the basketball world, made an indelible mark on the sport when he announced in the spring of 1995 that he would be the first player to transition from high school to the NBA, ushering in a new era. This bold move set the stage for a tidal wave of players to follow suit and forever changed the landscape of the game.

Selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1995 Draft, Garnett embarked on a remarkable 21-season career. Throughout his playing career, he earned 15 All-Star nods and secured a spot on the NBA’s First Team All-Defense nine times. The 2004 NBA MVP, Garnett's defensive prowess was particularly evident as he led the league in defensive rebounding for five consecutive seasons. At the time of his retirement in 2015, he ranked second all-time in defensive caroms.

For 12 seasons, Garnett served as the marquee player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, solidifying his status as a franchise cornerstone. In 2007, he joined forces with the Boston Celtics, aiming to capture his first NBA championship. Anchoring the Celtics' defense, Garnett, alongside Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, formed a new Big Three that led the historic franchise to its 17th championship banner.

Garnett announced his retirement from professional basketball in September 2016. Four years later, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and has also since been named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team as one of the greatest players in league history.