Kevin Garnett is Already Terrifying His New Teammates
It’s safe to say Kevin Garnett’s reputation precedes him.
The once-again Minnesota Timberwolves power forward has yet to take the court with his new (old) team, but members of the locker room are already looking toward his arrival with equal parts dread and excitement.
Flip Saunders, who coached Garnett from 1995 through 2005, warned his players of Garnett’s impatience with nonsense, which apparently includes cell phone use on game night.
“As one of our veteran guys told our young guys yesterday, ‘Hey, listen, when KG walks in the locker room your phones better be tucked away, because if they’re not, they’re going to get thrown in the toilet on game night,’’’ Saunders said.
At least one young player has taken the Garnett horror stories to heart. Reigning dunk contest king and current occupant of Garnett’s old locker Zach LaVine told a Pioneer Press reporter he was so worried about owning the 6’11’’ veteran’s real estate he offered to swap. Garnett declined.
“I wanted him to sit there. I said, ‘I’ll move!’ But it’s going to be great for me; I know that. Future hall of famer, man, everyone wants to get to his level. He was playing in this league before I was born!’’
The Timberwolves sit at just 12-42 coming out of the All Star Break, with the Garnett trade made less to make Minnesota into a legitimate contender than provide veteran leadership for a young, talented core that includes LaVine and 2014 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins.
Garnett will not play with Minnesota when it resumes play Monday in Houston, but will make his return Wednesday at home against Washington.
h/t – Pioneer Press, via New York Daily News
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