Kevin Garnett Blasts ‘New Generation’ of Players, Reveals He Played With Heart Condition

The Hall of Famer said he played his entire 21-year NBA career with a heart murmur.

Kevin Garnett recently blasted current NBA players for their lack of toughness while revealing he played his entire career with a heart condition.

The Hall of Famer said players are doubting themselves in regard to doctors’ injury advice and believes it negatively impacts their mindset. Garnett then revealed his own heart condition as an example.

“Bro, they told me I had a hole in my heart. ‘You can’t play,’” Garnett recalled on the KG Certified podcast with former Celtics and Nets teammate Paul Pierce. “So, every year I had to get on the joint and pass this test.” 

Garnett said if he had believed doctors’ warnings, he wouldn’t have played through his condition, either. 

“I just did 21 years with two heart murmurs. I don’t wanna hear that s---,” Garnett continued. “Get the f--- outta here, doc.”

Here’s the full clip of Garnett’s comments. (Warning: NSFW language.)

There wasn’t anyone telling @KevinGarnett5KG he couldn’t play.

Hard to argue with the results after he played 21 season in the league. 🤷‍♂️

Don’t miss the latest episode of Ticket and The Truth, available now on our YouTube. pic.twitter.com/Cfmxfz3Rqf

— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) October 30, 2023

In a heart murmur, blood flows abnormally across the heart valves, according to Cleveland Clinic. A murmur could indicate a problem with the heart, but they also can be present in healthy people.

Garnett played in the NBA for 21 seasons with no mention of any such condition.