Garnett didn’t think he was worthy of having number retired by Celtics
Garnett didn’t think he was worthy of having number retired by Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett officially saw his legacy cemented in March of 2022 when the organization raised his number to the rafters to retire No. 5 forever, not far from the 2008 banner that he and the rest of his team raised after winning the franchise’s 17th title 16 years ago.
Despite also being inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame in 2020, Garnett just couldn’t believe that he was worthy enough to have his number be retired in Boston, considering the greats that came before him.
“I didn’t think that I had the body of work, if I’m being honest,” Garnett said on his podcast, KG Certified. “With all the greats that are on there, when you look up and see all the guys that are on those banners — they have an incredible body of work within the Celtics organization.”
22 other numbers — and one name — sit in the rafters alongside Garnett’s No. 5, with each and every one contributing to define what it means to be a Celtic. Garnett’s time in Boston may have been short, just six seasons, but the big man revitalized what it means to play Celtics basketball, playing with heart, emotion, grit, and determination. Garnett secured mountains of accolades during his tenure in Boston, including a DPOY nod, five All-Star appearances, and most importantly, an NBA championship. The 21-year veteran is exactly the kind of player that Boston honors in the rafters, and former teammate Paul Pierce knew it.
“Lord, you got the body of work,” Pierce interjected. “Shaq got his retired after only four years [with the Orlando Magic], he didn’t even win a championship.”
Garnett reluctantly agreed but added that Shaquille O’Neal’s impact in Orlando was so great by helping a new franchise become noticed after drafting the eventual four-time champion within the first five years of their creation.
“That’s why your impact in Boston — changing the culture, brining that…
