It appears from all the articles I have read that the deal is done to bring KG to Boston with only a few contract details to be worked out. A lot of us hate to give up Al Jefferson and it certainly seems that we are giving up a lot to get him. But just how good is Kevin Garnett, anyway?
For starters, KG is the first player ever to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists over 6 consecutive seasons. He is the first player ever to average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists over 9 consecutive seasons. And, he is the first player ever to average 18,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 4,000 assists, 1200 steals, and 1500 blocks over his career. This is impressive when you consider that none of the NBA greats before him, including, Russell, Chamberlain, Jabbar, West, or any of the other greats, accomplished these feats.
Garnett has been very durable over his 12 year NBA career. In only one season, 1998-99 did he miss any considerable time. In the other 11 seasons, he missed only a total of 22 games, 12 of which were in the last two seasons when Minnesota was taking the last 6 games of the season. That is pretty impressive. He keeps himself in top condition and should be very durable over the remainder of his career as well.
Garnett has averaged 20.5 points,11.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.7 blocks over his career. Last season he averaged 22.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 blocks in 39.4 minutes per game. He has played more than 38 minutes per game in every season except his rookie year. He has been very consistent and very durable over his career right up until this past season.
Garnett was named the MVP of the league in 2004. He is a 10 time All Star. He was named to the All NBA team 8 times. He was named to the All Defensive team 8 times. He led the league in rebounds per game 4 times and in total rebounds and was the scoring leader once. He was a member of the 2000 Olympic Gold medal winning team. But his awards were not all on the court as he won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2006.
His numbers and achievements are impressive. But if you've ever seen him play, or heard him speak, you know his character and personality are the things that make Garnett so special. KG oozes energy and emotion. His enthusiasm and passion are second to none and his drive is contagious to all those around him.
He is well liked by his teammates. Trenton Hassell had this to say about him:
"He's No. 1. He passes, rebounds, defends, scores — and there aren't a lot of players in the league who can do that. He makes the players around him better, and players feed off that. I think he is the best all-around player in the league."
and another former teammate, Sam Cassell had this to say about him:
"He is a guy who treats the 12th man on the team like he is a starter. He treats everyone the same. He's a very giving person, and you can go to him for advice, anything. He welcomed Spree and me with open arms and when we got here he said, 'I'm glad you are all here.' And that was big. Not too many superstars are going to say things like that, but that is just his makeup. You don't find that in people — not just professional basketball players, but people in general. He's not a saint, but he has a trait that a lot of people in this world don't have. I've never met anyone like him. Ticket got me coming -- and wanting to come -- to practice. I've never liked practice. But since I've been [in Minnesota], seeing what he does everyday, how hard he works everyday, man, psssh...and I'm supposed to be the veteran with two rings, right.
Kevin Garnett assumed legal guardianship of his younger sister Ashley and, a few years later, adopted an at-risk teen, Michael Mason -- aka: Lil' Hype -- to go along with his close-knit crew of friends habituating in his Minneapolis home. The fact is that there hasn't been a day since he was 13 years old that KG hasn't worked. Everything from bagging groceries to washing cars, anything legal to stay out of the system and to keep himself and Ashley fed. He started a company which will provide jobs and clothing and opportunities to many. He also started the 4XL Foundation to help develop a nationwide Internet search engine for professional mentors for young people who want to do something with their lives but have limited or no outlets or direction.
Almost everyone is familiar with Ray Allen's portrayal of Jesus Shuttlesworth in the movie "He Got Game," but KG also has a movie to his credit. He portrayed Wilt Chamberlain in the movie "Rebound." KG posted a blog about his travels last summer. He has his own official website.
It is no doubt that Kevin Garnett is a franchise player. He is one of the best all around players in the league. He is a natural leader and brings a lot of energy to the team. He is also one of the best defensive talents in the league. Even at the age of 31, Garnett will be a force to be reckoned with and will bring the Celtics to another level. He is a classy indivisual as well as a great basketball player. Even those who don't like giving up Al Jefferson have to be excited about what KG will bring to the Celtics. If you are excited about KG after that last video, you should check for a pulse. [Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
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