Kevin Garnett wore uniform number 21 for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including during the 2007 season. He wore the number throughout his original Timberwolves career before being traded to the Boston Celtics in July 2007.
Garnett entered the NBA directly from high school in 1995 and became the first Timberwolves player selected to an All-Star team. His number 21 became closely identified with the franchise because of his defense, rebounding, intensity and long tenure in Minnesota.
After joining Boston, Garnett wore number 5 because number 21 had already been retired there for Bill Sharman. He later returned to Minnesota in 2015 and again wore 21. The Timberwolves announced plans to retire his number, further confirming its importance to the organization.
The main source of confusion is Garnett’s Boston jersey. Fans may remember him wearing 5 for the Celtics, but his Timberwolves number—including in 2007—was 21.