“That kid is the future of basketball.” This was Charles Barkley’s reaction after witnessing a young Kevin Garnett play his first All-Star season in 1996-97. As a veteran, Chuck had already predicted that KG would cause a stir in the basketball community. And Garnett just did that. Now, looking back at his career, nobody would disagree with Barkley’s prediction.

The lore of Kevin Garnett spreads among young hoopers, and one of them engages in a special tribute. Tagging KG on X, a young kid started the next year of school, repping the current NBA champions. “just wanted you to know my dude decided it was you who he wanted to rep on the first day of school! ☘️”

Wearing the Boston Celtics legend #5, instead of the current champions lineup, made Kevin Garnett proud. “Student of the mf year… drop the mf when you pass the message! Haaaa.. 💯 😤” One can definitely sense how hyped The Big Ticket was once he saw the young kid wear his merchandise.

Before establishing himself as the Celtics great, Kevin Garnett was the main man for the Wolves. For 12 long years, he led a franchise that may not have survived without him. In 2004, he won the NBA MVP award. He took his team as far as the Western Conference Finals. For the Celtics, he only played 6 seasons, which was half the time he spent with Minnesota. Yet the fans fondly remember that period.

Fans aboard the Kevin Garnett hype train

The user who had previously uploaded the photo of the young kid provided more context for the jersey selection. Stating that apart from the #5, there was Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and Jayson Tatum hanging in the closet. Yet Kevin Garnett’s jersey was the preferred choice of day 1. “He left Bird, Pierce and Tatum all hanging in the closet! ✊🏼”

In his 6 seasons in the Beantown, KG was able to create a culture that his peers are thankful for. Former Celtics teammate Kendrick Perkins credits Garnett for the shift in mindset and its all thanks to his rituals. Similarly, the Boston fans do know the lore, “kiddo knows ball 💪,” wrote a fan on X.

Speaking about the ball knowledge, another fan showed support for the little one’s first day, not before imparting a pun on an assignment. “Lil man understood the assignment. have a wonderful first day of school 🎒😊.” Even though KG gets a lot of love from the Boston fans, earlier this year he questioned his jersey retirement decision by the organization in 2022. But, his podcast co-host and former teammate Paul Pierce was having none of that talk.

“Your impact in Boston, changing the culture. Bringing that presence. It was a different glow in that building.” Similar to this, a fan echoed the love for Kevin Garnett. “Throwback, love it.” On record, KG was only able to help the team win the championship. But, those who watched him play know the contributions are much more than that.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.