By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Officially ending the hostility stage of the relationship with Kevin Garnett, the Minnesota Timberwolves welcomed him back as the Team Ambassador.
The Big Ticket, a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, powered up the Wolves from 1995 to 2007 and returned in 2015 to conclude his playing career after the 2015-16 season.
The latest reunion was announced on Thursday.
Per the press release: “The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that franchise legend and Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett has officially joined the organization as Team Ambassador, marking a historic reunion between the team and its most iconic player. Garnett’s return underscores a shared commitment to honoring the franchise’s past while building sustained success and a bold new future for Minnesota basketball fans to celebrate.
Garnett, the greatest player in Timberwolves history, will serve in a visible and active role with the Timberwolves and Lynx, strengthening the teams’ deep Minnesota roots by attending select home games, elevating the fan experience, championing community initiatives across the Twin Cities and helping shape the teams’ stories through exclusive content. The Timberwolves will honor Garnett and his profound legacy by retiring his No. 21 jersey. Details of the ceremony will be announced at a later date.
“I’m thrilled to be back home,” said Garnett. “Minnesota is where it all began, where I was young, hungry and learning how to compete at the highest level. I’m excited to be back in the Twin Cities at a time when Marc and Alex are setting a bold new vision for this franchise. Their leadership has brought fresh energy to the organization, and I’m excited to help build what’s next for the Timberwolves, our fans and this community.”
“The Big Ticket is back! Kevin Garnett is synonymous with the Minnesota Timberwolves,” said Co‑Chairmen Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. “Bringing Kevin home has been a priority since we acquired the teams. He is the greatest player in Timberwolves history, and his impact on our franchise and community is immeasurable. This is more than a reunion—it’s a statement about honoring our past while pursuing excellence and building one of the most admired sports organizations in the world. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome him home.”
Garnett was drafted fifth overall by Minnesota in the 1995 NBA Draft out of Farragut Career Academy High School in Chicago. He spent 14 seasons with the Timberwolves, earning the 2004 NBA MVP award, 10 All-Star selections, multiple All-NBA honors (including three First Team selections), and eight NBA All-Defensive Team nods, while leading the team through the second-most successful era in franchise history. He remains Minnesota’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, games played and minutes. Garnett won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.”