Kevin Garnett is not just one of the greatest power forwards in the game; he's also one heck of a character, as most know about his trademark intensity and how it spilled over to his teammates and the entire organization. However, behind this tough guy look is a man who truly loved his teammates, no matter how long they've been together.
The great Kevin Garnett
According to his former coach, Flip Saunders , The Big Ticket easily formed an unbreakable bond with his new teammates. The friendship was so tight that KG was willing to shell out money for those who got cut or traded.
"He hates change," Saunders said , per Bleacher Report. "If he had a chance, he'd keep 20 guys on the roster, and he'd pay those last five guys we had to cut. … He'd become attached to somebody in one week and didn't want them to leave. So you'd always have to talk to him and kind of reason with him why you might be trading someone. And it's funny because many times the lower-end guys are the guys he has more of a soft spot, to try to help those guys out even more."
This is a side of KG fans have never seen. Even in the media, Kevin is painted as a no-holds-barred type of player. A ferocious beast who screamed at his teammates' ears just to drive home a point.
But being too intense won't win hearts. In basketball or any team game, one must learn how to get along with teammates and navigate through different personalities. Garnett would not have become a great player and an NBA Champion if he didn't have people skills.
Related: Julius Erving believes no player is similar to him in the modern NBA: “I was a small forward, but I really played like a power forward”
KG's unselfishness
This image of the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year as an unflinching beast may be the exact opposite of who he is as a teammate. While most superstars wanted to pad their stats, KG wanted his teammates to be in the limelight .
Doc Rivers claimed Garnett passed the ball so much that it adversely affected their offense. For the playbook to be effective, the 15-time All-Star had to look for his shots and not distribute the ball as often as he wished.
"Kevin was so unselfish. As a player, there were many times that I had to give them a number before the game as far as you have to take this many shots for us to win," Rivers said .
KG is truly one of the most unique players in NBA history. He entertained us with his crazy antics during his playing years. And now as a media guy, the great power forward is still making us smile through his great takes and infectious personality.
Related: Kevin Garnett reveals Michael Jordan's early-career retirement advice: "You’re not going to recognize none of it"
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