On March 14, Beijing time, the Celtics lost 92-95 at home to the Lone Rangers. After the game, the Celtics held a grand jersey retirement ceremony for Garnett, and former general manager Angie also came to the scene. In the 2008 Green Army championship-winning lineup, a total of 9 players came to watch the ceremony today, can you still recognize who they are?
Rivers, Cassel, Terry and Rondo didn't come today, Rondo sprained his ankle yesterday and Lee the elder had a game today. Several of them sent their blessings to KG through the big screen, and Rivers said: "Garnett changed the team culture in Boston, he was the greatest teammate I've ever met!" "That green summer has long been imprinted in the memory of fans.
Ray Allen came to the scene today, and Garnett specifically mentioned him in his speech: "It's a pleasure to meet Ray Allen here, brother, I'm really happy to see you." The next jersey retirement is you! The North Shore Garden Arena cheered, Ray Allen got up to greet him, Pierce walked over, and the three of them hugged each other tightly.
As early as this year's All-Star period, the three people have already frozen their previous suspicions. They took a group photo at the 75 Superstar Awards ceremony, and everyone was smiling. The brothers also posted the group photo on personal social media, and the grievances and grievances have been put down. In the memory of many fans, the first time the media wrote about the Big Three, it was the three of them.
Speaking about his reconciliation with Garnett, Ray Allen said: "KG and I are old and don't dwell on the past anymore. The two of us didn't communicate for a decade until this year's All-Star Weekend. Thanks to KG for accepting me, others in Boston should accept me as well. Importantly, we won the championship together in 2008. ”
Due to a conflict with Timberwolves owner Taylor, Garnett's No. 21 jersey for the Timberwolves has not yet retired. KG career 26071 points, 14662 rebounds, 5445 assists, 1859 steals 2037 blocks, in addition to assists, the other four statistics are ranked in the top 20 in history. Garnett averaged 20+10 in 9 seasons of his career and 20+10+5 in 5 consecutive seasons!
Many young fans may not have seen KG play, but these honors are not deceptive: 15 All-Stars, 12 Best Defensive Lineups, 9 Best Teams, 4 Rebounding Kings, 1 Regular Season MVP, 1 Championship, 1 Defensive Player of the Year, 1 All-Star Game MVP, 2020 Hall of Fame, one of the 75 biggest stars in NBA history.
Back in the summer of 2007, Angie packed No. 5 shows Jeff Green, Delonti West, and Szelbiac to the Supersonics to get Ray Allen and Big Baby Davis! He then traded 7 for 1 to get Garnett: Al Jefferson + Ryan Gomez + Gerald Green + Ratliff + Telfer + two first-round picks in 2009.
The two first-round picks were the 6th and 28th picks of 2009, with the Timberwolves selecting Jonny Flynn and Wien Ellington respectively, and it's worth mentioning that Curry was the No. 7 pick in that year. Speaking of the Celtics, Angie's gamble undoubtedly succeeded, with the Big Three winning the championship in their first season and Garnett winning the only defensive player of his career.
In 2010, the Green Army once again reached the finals, and finally lost to the Lakers in the seventh battle. In 2012, Ray Allen joined the Heat, and in 2013 Pierce and Garnett were traded to the Nets, and the Big Three officially disintegrated. Although they have only been together for five seasons, they have brought the Celtics to the first peak of the 'post-Bird era'.
The Nets sent three first-round picks and a first-round pick swap, and the Greens quickly completed the rebuild, which was Garnett and Pierce's last assist to Angie. Seeing his No. 5 slowly rising, how many memories came to his mind, Garnett couldn't help but cry. The North Shore Gardens Arena is star-studded and we've seen another legendary career come to an end.
Seeing the three of them embracing this moment, we will truly feel that our youth is back!