Thibs congratulates KG: 'One of the best ever to play the game'

It was shaping up to be a happy reunion, but Kevin Garnett decided to retire after 21 seasons instead of hearing hoarse screams of "ice" from the sideline.

When they were on the Boston Celtics, then-assistant coach Tom Thibodeau built his famed defense around Garnett. The scheme, combined with Garnett's all-consuming talents, helped guide the Celtics to two Finals runs and the only title of Garnett's illustrious career.

Having Garnett around this season would've been a tremendous benefit for Thibodeau's ambitious plans to make a contender out of the precocious Timberwolves. Save for perhaps Joakim Noah, nobody mastered Thibodeau's defense better than Garnett. He would have made for an excellent teacher.

But alas, the Big Ticket is gone, and his former coach Thibodeau had nothing but superlatives to offer in a statement released Saturday:

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Kevin for all his great accomplishments and contributions to the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves organisation, and for me personally with the Boston Celtics.

Kevin combined great talent with a relentless drive and intelligence. I will always cherish the memories of the way he led the Celtics to the 2008 NBA Championship. His willingness to sacrifice and his unselfishness led us to that title.

Kevin will always be remembered for the way in which he played the game. His fierce competitiveness, his unequalled passion for the game, and the many ways in which he cared about this team was truly special.

KG is without question the all-time best player to wear a Minnesota Timberwolves jersey, and he is one of the best ever to play the game.