Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff
The Boston Celtics have issued the following press release:
The Boston Celtics announced today that they have acquired 10-time All-Star and 2004 MVP Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a 2009 first round draft pick (top three protected) and a return of Minnesota’s conditional first round draft pick previously obtained in the Ricky Davis-Wally Szczerbiak trade. Minnesota also receives cash considerations in the deal.
“Kevin Garnett is a great player in our league, with a fierce and competitive spirit, who brings offensive scoring prowess and a defensive presence to our team,” Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said. “The players we’re trading to Minnesota have bright futures in the NBA and we wish them well.”
The 12-year pro is one of just five players in NBA history to amass at least 19,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley. The 6’11” 253lb forward led the NBA in rebounding for the fourth consecutive season this past year and is just the fourth player in NBA history to do so. He joins Chamberlain, Moses Malone and Dennis Rodman as the only players to accomplish that feat. Garnett has been named to the All-NBA First Team three times (2000, 2003, 2004), the All-NBA Second Team three times (2001, 2002, 2005) and the All-NBA Third Team twice (1999, 2007). Garnett has also been named to the All-NBA Defensive First and Second Teams eight times. His NBA efficiency score of 29.2 was the highest rated of all NBA players in the 2006-2007 season.
“While it’s difficult to part ways with the young players we’ve worked hard to develop, Kevin has been the consummate professional player in the NBA and a player who I have marveled at over the years,” Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers said. “Kevin leaves everything he has out on the floor every game. He has drive, passion and a hunger to win that is unmatched across the league.”
The product of Farragut Academy High School in Illinois became the first player in more than 20 years to be drafted directly out of high school in 1995 when he was taken fifth overall by Minnesota. He currently has the longest active streak for scoring in double-figures with 398 straight games that dates back to the beginning of the 2002-03 season. That streak of 398 games is good for eighth best in NBA history. Garnett currently ranks 41st in scoring in League history, as well as 27th in rebounds.
“I am excited to become a Celtic,” Garnett said. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul (Pierce) and Ray (Allen). The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy.”
"As owners we are delighted to have a core of three All Star talents to anchor our team,” co-owner Wyc Grousbeck remarked. "Speaking for my partners, while we will miss the valuable players we have traded, we have assembled a group of veteran players who demonstrate Celtic Pride on the court and in the community and who will work hard to deliver a championship contender to the fans of New England.”
I'm absolutelt thrilled with the Garnett trade as he has been one of my favorite players since i first saw him in his rookie year when he face hakeem and the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. It's a great trade for Boston and it's great for the league in general. (A big market team is now guaranteed a playoff appearance, and it takes some of the focus off of the recent nba ref scandal) I believe we are title contenders right now, never mind the free agent veterans that will now be willing to come to boston with the hopes of winning a title. My concern is this; Considering the age of our 3 all stars and the questions about allen's durability, i feel that if we don't win within the next 2 or 3 years, we will be back at square one (rebulilding again) Worthy, Panos, what do you "experts" think?
I would say you are correct Big Ern...the title will likely come within the next three years, if it at all.
After that, it's going to be difficult as the three amigos (refuse to call them The Big 3) age and really do start to hit the downslope of their careers. There won't be enough money under the cap to add prime of career players...the draft picks will be late enough in the first round (in the years they'll even have a 1st rounder) where Ainge will have to get very lucky to get an impact player. Then again, it's not impossible to find contributors late in the first or second round, and with Ainge's track record, he might be able to get enough reinforcements to help keep Pierce, Garnett and Allen rested enough to contribute until they're 35 or 36 years old, adding another year or two to the championship window.