VIDEO: Celtics Announce Kevin Garnett's Number Will Be Retired in 2020-21
By Jackson Thompson
On Thursday, the Celtics announced that Kevin Garnett's famous No. 5 will join the ranks of Boston sports immortality. During a timeout against the Los Angeles Clippers Thurday night, the lights at TD Garden went dark and a montage of Garnett's highlights played on the scoreboard -- and Celtics fans learned that KG's number will be the retired next season.
Energy and intensity unmatched. #KG5 pic.twitter.com/jg8knc3HGq
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 14, 2020
Garnett joined the Celtics in 2007 when he was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a move that changed the balance of power in the league. He helped Boston win an NBA championship in his first season, and was named an All-Star in five of his six seasons with the C's.
The @celtics have announced that they are retiring Kevin Garnett’s No. 5. pic.twitter.com/iMbVdwoFTw
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) February 14, 2020
“I’m honored and thankful to have my number retired with the Celtics,” Garnett said in a statement. “I will always have immense respect and appreciation for ownership, Danny Ainge, Doc Rivers, my past teammates and Celtic Nation!”
Garnett averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1 block in 30.9 minutes per game as a Celtic. His former teammate Paul Pierce had his No. 34 retired Feb. 11, 2018.
Garnett will be the 24th member of the Celtics to have his number retired.