On the day Kevin was raised to the rafters, he buried his beef with Ray Allen.
As part of the ceremony celebrating Garnett's six years with the franchise, he pointed out Allen, who was sitting in the front row of the assembled guests, for his being present after years of acrimony between the two.
Garnett said it was good to see Ray Allen here. It is good to see you. You next, dog.
Allen grabbed both of them in a bear hug as the crowd erupted in applause.
It was a moment that brought an end to the rift that opened up when Allen chose to sign with the Miami Heat. It was a move that ended a five-year run for the three stars that brought Boston a championship in 2008 and ushered in a new era of stars congregating in the NBA in an attempt to best them.
Doc Rivers, who coached the 2008 title team, said that Allen being in attendance was a big one.
Very, very happy for Kevin, and really cool that Ray came today.
Allen was sure he would make it to the event. For a long time, he wasn't sure a reunion would be possible.
Allen said he was very happy to be a part of the day, as he said the two of them were able to have a breakthrough after being together in Cleveland for the NBA's 75th anniversary celebration.
Allen said that he doesn't like being on the outside. It was always difficult for me to connect with the people I spent time with in Boston.
Just because I moved away doesn't mean that friendship ends. I got the sense that the people here felt how Kevin felt, so it was centered around me and Kevin. The people accepted me after he accepted me. That was the feeling. I was happy we were able to do that and people could see we won with this guy.
It felt like a long time ago when the number of Garnett was finally raised to the rafters, the 23rd that has been retired during Boston's illustrious history.
When asked if this moment was something he had seen before, he said, "Antoine Walker pulled me to the side and he just gave me some great words of wisdom and I took that into the press conference."
I have a championship, but I also have immortality in the ceiling, you know what I mean? It's safe to say I manifest this.
The Boston Celtics returned to the top of the NBA in 2007, thanks to the arrival of Kevin Garnett in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In his six seasons with the team, he made five All-Star teams, was a first-team All-NBA selection in 2008 and also made four All-Defensive Teams.
Even though the Celtics lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Dallas Mavericks before the ceremony began, the enthusiasm and excitement in the arena was still there.
The game was a warm up act for the main event. The first of three standing ovations he received during the game itself came when he was first acknowledged on the JumboTron during the first media timeout.
After Jaylen Brown dunked in front of him, Garnett got up and celebrated with him before Brown ran back down the court to defend.
Since he couldn't attend the ceremony, Rivers delivered a video message.
Rivers said that every coach in America should have the chance to coach Kevin Garnett, the greatest teammate to ever play the game.
The ceremony began with Hall of Fame play-by-play commentator Mike Gorman talking about the first time he saw Kevin Garnett play in a preseason game.
Gorman said with a smile that he wanted to give Danny Ainge a hug.
When Allen and Garnett arrived in separate trades during the summer of 2007, their time in Boston was rejuvenated as they had been friends with each other since high school.
"Antoine Walker, before I came here, he pulled me to the side and he just gave me some great words of wisdom and I took that into the [introductory] press conference. The first thing I did after the press conference was come in here and look up at the rafters. I just manifested, not only a championship, but being immortal in the ceiling, you know what I'm saying? So safe to say I manifested this." Kevin Garnett
"We appreciated you, man, you brought a sense of culture to this city that was desperately needed." said Pierce, who was one of eight members of the 2008 championship team in attendance. Celtic Pride was brought back by you. I would like to thank you for being a teammate, a friend, a brother, and for speaking for everyone in the crowd and every player that had an opportunity to play with you. Thank you.
Isiah Thomas, who was booed by the Celtics fans when he was drafted by the Wolves in 1995, was included in a video of people applauding.
The 2008 champion went through an interview with Brian Scalabrine, who is now the color analyst for NBC Sports Boston.
It was an interview with a colorful start.
He got out of his seat and hit his chest as the crowd erupted into yet another.
He and Scalabrine shared stories about their playing days together, and about the legendary passion and drive that helped Garnett become one of the game's all-time great players.
With the help of his daughters, he raised his jersey to the rafters.
I was listening to the videos and everything in here and I kept hearing that the players made me better, and I like to think that.
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