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When news broke late Wednesday night that the Minnesota Timberwolves were in talks to acquire Kevin Garnett from the Brooklyn Nets, it was surely a big surprise considering where he is in his career and where the team is in the standings. But the move came to fruition on Thursday before the trade deadline, and the best player in Timberwolves’ franchise history will return to where he started his Hall of Fame career.
Garnett is not contributing much on the floor these days, averaging 6.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game over 42 games with the Nets this season. But he will assume the role of veteran leader for a young Timberwolves’ squad, and coming back to Minnesota paves the way for Garnett to take a post-career role with the organization. On that note, Garnett expressed interest in buying the Timberwolves once his career is over back in November, and based purely on his career earnings to this point he could buy a stake in the franchise.
Leaving any future plans aside, the Timberwolves have to be hoping Garnett is particularly a positive influence on a group of young front court players led by Rookie of the Year favorite Andrew Wiggins. But I’m skeptical that he deserves the mantle of leader, based largely on a list of actions in recent years that range from odd to downright chippy and dirty.
Back in 2011, Garnett, then with the Boston Celtics, drew attention for his dirty play against then-Phoenix Suns forward Channing Frye during a game. From stepping into Frye’s jump-shot landing to hitting him in an unmentionable area, without a fine afterward by the way, Garnett’s actions looked dirty with intent to injure an opposing player.
Around two years ago, Garnett reportedly taunted Carmelo Anthony by saying the New York Knicks‘ forward’s wife “tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios.” Anthony’s wife later denied Garnett said that about her, but even if it isn’t true the mere allegation he said it left Garnett coming off as childish.
Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press reported that the Timberwolves want to sign Garnett to a two-year contract extension beyond this season, which I don’t see being a good move. He has not averaged even seven points per game in either of the last two seasons, and he would turn 41 soon after that two-year deal ends if the Timberwolves are not in the playoffs. Garnett surely does not need to break the bank with his next (and likely final) contract, but paying him more than $1 or $2 million per season for hypothetical intangibles and leadership is unwise at best and naive at worst.
The re-acquisition of Garnett by the Timberwolves is surely a feel-good story on the surface, both in the local market and nationally from a distance. But we should not assume that “KG” is a fiery leader that fosters team cohesion, and more importantly that he’ll be a great all-around example for young players on his new/old team.
I think it was easy to gloss over Garnett’s personality flaws when he was with the Timberwolves the first time around, and rightfully so in some way since he still stands as the best player in team history. But as the talent that made Garnett special has eroded, we’ve seen behind the facade-and we’ve increasingly seen a petulant, angry, old man.
Brad Berreman is a Columnist/Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
