On Monday, The Athletic posted its list of the top 25 NBA players of the 21st century. It certainly wasn’t an easy task given all the Hall of Fame talent, active and retired, that have suited up over that time. Kevin Garnett, the undisputed best player in Timberwolves history, came in at 11th on the list.
KG won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
Now, Garnett’s whole career wasn’t included in deciding where he should be placed. The 2000-01 season was the first used for the exercise, so that took away the first five seasons of The Big Ticket’s 21-year career. In the 1999-00 season, Garnett made the All-NBA first team and finished second in MVP voting.
It does take into account Garnett’s next seven seasons with Minnesota, six with the Celtics, and the end of his career with the Nets (and back with the Timberwolves). There’s a laundry list of accomplishments that KG had over that time that launched him into the stratosphere of being a true legend of the game.
With the Timberwolves, he was named the league’s MVP in 2003-04. That season, he also helped guide the Wolves to their first-ever conference finals appearance. Garnett was an All-Defensive first team member for the first five years, made three All-NBA first teams, and was runner-up for MVP in 2002-03. For four straight seasons (2003-04 through 2006-07), Garnett led the league in rebounding.
Garnett’s first year with Boston in 2007-08 saw him named Defensive Player of the Year and win an NBA title. That year was one of three where he earned a spot on the All-Defensive first team.
His last three years in the league weren’t nearly as productive. But, from 2000-01 until 2012-13, Garnett posted averages of 19.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks. He shot 50.2% from the field and 80.4% from the foul line.
Who was ahead of Garnett on the list?
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that LeBron James is atop the list. In order from Nos. 2-10 are Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Nikola Jokic, Shaquille O’Neal, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwyane Wade.
Is Garnett’s spot in the rankings fair? Keep in mind, Wade’s whole career was in consideration for the list, while only the first two years of Nowitzki’s 21-year career weren’t.
Due to his superb work on both ends of the court, an argument can at least be made for Garnett to be placed ahead of them, though.