Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen end beef at KG’s jersey retirement
In 2007, the Boston Celtics pulled off two trades that took them from the East’s worst team to champions. The Celtics finished 24-58, in 2007. Earlier in the decade, Paul Pierce led the Celtics into contention. After some tough seasons, the Celtics became annual playoff contenders.
However, despite Paul Pierce elevating himself to be one of the NBA’s best players, 2006 and 2007 saw them miss the playoffs. To keep their superstar, the Celtics pulled off two major trades. The first trade saw them land Ray Allen and the second one saw them land Kevin Garnett.
Immediately, the Boston Celtics became the NBA’s best team, winning the championship as expected. As some predicted a dynasty, the Celtics also immediately began declining, as a team. Each year, either their record got worse, or they didn’t go as far in the playoffs. In 2010, they returned to the Finals, where they lost, and 2011 and 2012 saw the Miami Heat become too much for them. During the 2012 offseason, Ray Allen joined the same Miami Heat who eliminated the Celtics two seasons in a row. Both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were angry, but KG never forgave Ray Allen.
As recently as the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen had tension. This followed Kevin Garnett refusing to shake Ray Allen’s hand, during a Heat/Celtics matchup. But the Boston Celtics honored Kevin Garnett tonight, retiring his jersey. At the ceremony, Ray Allen was present, and the “Big 3” reunited, hugging at center court. This finally put to rest the feud between Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen end beef at KG’s jersey retirement
