For the first time in eight years, Kevin Garnett will attend a Timberwolves game at Target Center, the team announced Friday.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Garnett, a finalist for the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, speaks during a ceremony announcing the finalists at the United Center on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The best player in franchise history will be in the house for Minnesota’s regular-season finale against New Orleans on April 12.
The last time the “Big Ticket” watched a Wolves game in downtown Minneapolis was Nov. 16, 2018, when the Timberwolves hosted Portland.
Why now?
Garnett’s strained relationship with former majority owner Glen Taylor was well documented, and it caused the 2004 NBA Most Valuable Player to alienate himself from the franchise.
When the sale from Taylor to new owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez became official last year, the door for a reunion between the organization and its living legend cracked open.
It was secured in December, when Minnesota announced it had reached an “agreement” to make Garnett a “team ambassador.”
What does that mean?
Whatever you want it to mean!
Garnett is a paid employee of the organization. Back in the December release, the Wolves said Garnett would “serve in a visible and active role” by attending a few home games, championing community initiatives and “helping shape the teams’ stories through exclusive content.”
The frequency of all of that isn’t quite clear. To date, Garnett has filmed an interview with team play-by-play voice Michael Grady, and now he’s finally returning to Target Center.
What’s happening at the game?
The Wolves said the reunion will “evoke KG’s 1990’s era” with “special in-game moments” and some of Garnett’s former Wolves teammates joining the festivities.
There will be in-game experiences and giveaways, and a halftime performance by Montell Jordan.
Will the hall of famer be running around the floor and throwing T-shirts during timeouts? We’ll have to wait and see.
Why this game?
The final game of the regular season is Fan Appreciation Night, so this is a nice carrot for fans to come out and feel, well, appreciated.
As for the actual contest, the meaning is very much to be determined. While it’s possible the game will have massive seeding implications in the Western Conference playoffs, Minnesota could also have a seed secured prior to the regular-season finale, and as a result little incentive to play its rotational regulars extended minutes.
Will this be his only appearance this season?
It’s the only one on the books for the regular season. But the team has previously noted it would love to get Garnett into the seats for a playoff contest, as well.
Is this the jersey retirement?
No. The Timberwolves maintain their plans to hang Garnett’s No. 21 in the home arena’s rafters at a still to-be-determined date next season.
What did the parties say?
Per the team’s release:
“I can’t wait to come home,” Garnett said. “Coming back for me is about what’s next. I’ve spent time with Marc and Alex, and you can feel the difference. The energy is real. The vision is real. They’re building something that lasts, with a team on the court that’s hungry to win. I’m excited to be back in the building with the fans. Minnesota, let’s go!”
“Kevin Garnett has always represented the heart and intensity of this franchise,” Lore and Rodriguez said. “The energy he generates is unmistakable, and welcoming him home to Target Center is a moment our fans have been eagerly anticipating.”