Kevin Garnett

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Garnett's early impact transformed a struggling franchise that had never won more than 29 games in a season since joining the NBA. In his rookie year, he initially came off the bench before moving into the starting lineup under coach Flip Saunders, averaging 14 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.26 blocks over the final 42 games. By the 1996–97 season, Garnett posted improved averages of 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.7 steals, guiding the team to a 40–42 record and their first playoff appearance. The franchise bowed out in a 3–0 sweep by the Houston Rockets but marked a turning point with Garnett and Tom Gugliotta making their first All-Star appearances. In August 1997, after rejecting a $102 million offer, Garnett signed an unprecedented six-year extension worth $126 million on October 1, a deal that sparked labor tensions leading to the 1998–99 lockout. Despite financial controversy, he continued to improve, averaging 18.5 points and 9.6 rebounds in the following season while securing the franchise's first winning record at 45–37.

In Their Own Story

The summer of 1997 defined Garnett's commitment to Minnesota. After turning down a $102 million offer, he stayed with agent Eric Fleisher to negotiate, eventually agreeing to a six-year, $126 million contract just one hour before the deadline on October 1. This deal was viewed as risky by analysts who feared it would cripple the team's roster flexibility. The financial strain contributed significantly to labor tensions between players and owners, resulting in a lockout that shortened the 1998–99 season. Despite this external pressure, Garnett's performance on the court elevated the franchise. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game, earning another All-Star nod. Under his leadership, the Timberwolves achieved their first winning record in franchise history with a 45–37 season. However, the team once again fell in the first round of the playoffs, losing 3–2 to the Seattle SuperSonics and Gary Payton, though these two victories marked the Wolves' first-ever playoff game wins.

Reader's Guide

Fans can trace Garnett's rise from a 19-year-old rookie at 19 years and 11 months old to a franchise icon through specific statistical milestones. In his debut season, he carried the scoring load alongside Tom Gugliotta, finishing with averages of 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His defensive prowess was evident early; in just two games during the 1996–97 season, he registered eight blocks. The team's first playoff appearance in 1997 saw him averaged 17.0 points and 2.1 blocks per game. A pivotal moment occurred when he signed his record-breaking $126 million extension, signaling long-term loyalty despite the risks involved. His consistency led to a historic 45–37 season, proving that the young core could compete. While the team eventually lost in the first round again to Seattle, the foundation was set for eight consecutive playoff appearances, establishing Garnett as the heart of the franchise before his eventual trades to Boston and back.

Did You Know?

• Garnett was the first NBA player drafted directly out of high school in 20 years when selected fifth overall in 1995.
• He passed his last SAT test with a score of 970 earlier in the year before being drafted in the Toronto SkyDome.
• In his rookie season, Garnett was not the youngest NBA player in history; Bill Willoughby holds that record.
• Garnett signed a six-year contract extension worth $126 million on October 1, 1997, just one hour before the deadline.
• During his rookie year, Garnett played alongside Ronnie Fields, who also became a professional basketball player.