Kevin Garnett: Legendary NBA Forward's Greatness Proven by Latest Milestone

Boston Celtics star forward Kevin Garnett is a Hall of Fame player, one of the 15 greatest to ever play the game and one of the rare players who affects the game in a profound way on so many levels.

While it's easy to see why Garnett is so talented by just watching him play, a deep look into his statistical brilliance clearly shows just how spectacular his career has been.

This past weekend against the Denver Nuggets, Garnett's five assists put himself in an elite group in which he's the sole member.

Garnett became the first player in NBA history to score 20,000 points, grab 10,000 rebounds, dish out 5,000 assists, steal 1,500 passes and block 1,500 shots in a career. 

It's safe to say that Garnett is the most complete player in NBA history.

When the Celtics won the 2008 NBA championship when Garnett joined forces with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in Boston, the reason for the team's rise back to prominence was because of Garnett.

He totally transformed the culture of the Celtics and his determination to get better, even in the later stages of his career, was contagious to the rest of his teammates.

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"When you see a player that's as good as he is, working so hard all the time, treating practices like games, you can't help but work harder," Celtics guard Avery Bradley told CSNNE.com. "I pride myself on having a great work ethic, but KG … his work ethic is on another level. That's what makes him such a great player."

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It's safe to say, that very few players work as hard as Garnett, and because of his tireless work ethic, he's been able to compile some unbelievable statistical totals.

At 6'11", it's amazing that Garnett has been able to rack up so many assists and steals. Of all the players in NBA history who are 6'11" or taller, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has more assists (5,660) and only Hakeem Olajuwon has more steals (2,162).

When you look at the best players in basketball right now, only Miami Heat forward LeBron James has even a slight chance to join Garnett as the only players to ever amass these statistical totals. Just one single player, that's it.

The NBA has it's players who specialize in scoring, rebounding, defending, giving energy, blocking shots and being a leader. Garnett gave the Minnesota Timberwolves, and now the Celtics, all of those things in one package, every night.

While Garnett has dominated the stat sheet throughout his career, the effect he's had on his teammates and his role as a leader is also world-class and cannot be underestimated. Celtics guard Keyon Dooling has been in Boston just one season, and already thinks that Garnett is the best teammate ever.

Via WEEI.com:

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“Words can do him a disservice, because he means that much to our locker room. He’s the guy,” Dooling said. “He’s the guy who’s willing to have the tough conversations. He’s the guy who’s willing to accept responsibility. He’s the guy who’s quick to lift his teammates up. He’s the guy who’s quickest to divert attention or the praise from himself and praise others.Kevin Garnett is the best teammate in the history of the NBA. You’ve never seen a superstar teammate who truly loves and cares about every guy on the team. It’s such a pleasure.”

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Garnett does whatever it takes to win, whether it's diving on the floor for a loose ball, playing hurt, taking the game-winning shot or moving to a new position like he's done this year with his move from power forward to center.

Even in Minnesota, as the Timberwolves finished season after season of mediocre play, Garnett still brought incredible energy and a desire to win and help his teammates each night. No pouting, no trade requests to a big market, just 100 percent effort and focus.

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“Have you ever seen him before a game not drenched in sweat?” Dooling said. “Have you ever seen him, no matter how hard it is for his body, have you ever seen him not bring his energy, his motor and his enthusiasm? He always brings that. That’s what you’ll remember about Kevin Garnett. He’ll be missed when he’s gone from this game. You won’t appreciate what he does night in, night out, in practice, in the locker room. He’s a once-in-a-century player.”  

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Appreciate Garnett while you can, whether you like the Celtics or hate them. It doesn't matter, because Garnett is what every basketball player should be whether you are a 5'8" point guard or a seven-foot center—a hard-working player willing to do everything possible to win.

If the NBA's players played with half the passion, energy and desire to win that Garnett has for his entire career, then pro basketball would be far more enjoyable to watch.

Follow @NicholasGoss35