Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett was drafted in 1995 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, making a mark as the first player to be drafted directly out of high school since 1975. During his tenure with the Timberwolves, Garnett led the team to their first playoff appearance in franchise history during the 1996–97 season. This was followed by a six-year contract extension worth $126 million in 1997. Garnett's high school career was equally notable, leading Farragut Career Academy to a 28–2 record and being named National High School Player of the Year by USA Today. His athletic prowess was further recognized when he was named the Most Outstanding Player at the McDonald's All-American Game. In 2025, the Timberwolves retired Garnett's jersey and hired him as a Team Ambassador.

Throughout his career, Garnett showcased his abilities in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. In 2004, he was awarded the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, and in 2008, he received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. His career-high of 47 points was achieved in a game against the Phoenix Suns on January 4, 2005. Garnett's tenacity and skill led the Boston Celtics to victory in the 2008 NBA Finals, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, Garnett was a key participant in the United States national team's gold medal win in the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Aside from his illustrious basketball career, Garnett has also ventured into the entertainment industry. He starred in the 2019 crime thriller "Uncut Gems," playing a fictionalized version of himself. His performance received positive reviews from critics. Garnett's involvement in the media didn't stop at acting; in October 2016, he joined the crew on TNT's "Inside the NBA" and hosted his own segment called "Area 21." Additionally, Garnett's autobiography "KG: A to Z: An Uncensored Encyclopedia of Life, Basketball, and Everything in Between" was published by Simon & Schuster in 2021, offering fans an in-depth look into his life and career.