On Tuesday, Minnesota Timberwolves owner, Glen Taylor, accused Kevin Garnett of shutting down early by exaggerating a leg injury so he could sit out the final five games of the 2006-2007 season.
Taylor suggested, "KG tanked it. I think the other guys still wanted to play. But it sure changed the team and didn't make us (as strong)." His criticism quickly made front page headlines on all of the top sports Web sites prior to Tuesday night's game between the Houston Rockets and the Boston Celtics.
How did Garnett respond?
He played basketball. Garnett put on a brilliant show against the Rockets, who came into the game riding a virtually unheard of 22-game win streak.
Did KG change his game?
Did he point out the fact that Taylor constantly shopped Garnett around the NBA during the past few years, despite his insistence that he wished to remain with the Timberwolves?
Did Garnett take the time to point out that columnist after columnist is putting his name amongst the statistical leaders of the NBA as an MVP candidate because of the "intangibles" that he brings with his intensity and motivation?
The answer to all of these questions is no.
Garnett took a page from Ron Burgundy's book and "stayed classy," only making a brief statement.
"Glen Taylor was good to me while I was a Timberwolf. I'm a Boston Celtic now. I'm not going to be going back and forth and saying tasteless things. That's not in my character. I'll let him speak if he wants to," he said.
With this comment, fans from "Stockbridge to Boston" (you better get used to my random James Taylor references now folks) finally realized that they are not dreaming. KG is a Celtic. Meanwhile, poor Timberwolves fans watched in horror as Taylor unnecessarily put his ugly finishing touch on an otherwise beautiful story of a loyal man and his equally loyal fans.
If you've ever watched a single game featuring Garnett, however, you know that he's no angel. This is a man who fights for position on the block with under three minutes left to play in the fourth quarter of blowout games. Somewhere NBA executives are rethinking television closeups of players after highlight plays because of Garnett's usual intense, expletive-laced celebrations. Garnett plays the game as hard and focused as anyone I've ever seen in professional sports.
So it should come as no surprise that KG's powerful slam in the closing minutes of a blowout against the hottest team in the NBA - which was followed by his usual "That's right mother[expletive]!" - was most likely aimed at his former friend and owner, Glen Taylor.
In the words of Keith Olbermann, congratulations Glen Taylor, "You're tonight's WORST...PERSON...IN THE WORLD!"
9 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Luigi Tollis about 1 year ago
Pretty good article. Although that dunk at the end of the game was a bit unwarranted, and not necessarily Ron Burgandy-ish (well, except when he says F-u San Diego). Plus I would say that KG's best performance this year would be the fact that he has made the team play such better defense. Hell, the C's avg 41% opp fg pct, the best in the league.
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Jonathan Colomb about 1 year ago
KG is one of the best guys in basketball. Do you know anybody else that would have stuck with the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves as long as that guy did?
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Michael Webb about 1 year ago
Absolutely. If Taylor should be upset about anything, he should demand Kevin McHale give his paycheck back.
It gets aggravating to watch owners crowing about how it's a business and they want their players to act professionally, and then run out the team pennant and cry about sportsmanship when they want the players to act like it's a game.
Typical. The players are professionals when it suits the owners and athletes when it doesn't.
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Divya Parmar about 1 year ago
This may be true, but I just don't believe it.
KG is a class guy and never whined or complained in Minnesota. This seems out of character for him.
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Sean Stancill about 1 year ago
Nice article. Its just sour grapes by Glen Taylor.
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Jon Grilz about 1 year ago
Dang, I thought this would be my one chance to write a basketball article, stupid full-time job! I still can't believe that Taylor can't let it go. Manny Rameriez got less flack for saying that he didn't care if they lost in the playoffs, there's always next season.
Let it go, Glenn!
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Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
Minnesota ownership alone is almost enough to start a nation-wide scandal:
"Are all Minnesota sports rigged?"
I'm beginning to think so...
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Max Iascone about 1 year ago
Don't fret Andrew, there's always the Vikings, who have not only looked competant at times, but like an actual contender, without Favre, the vikes can win the suddenly mediocre NFC central
more on topic though, great article andrew, keep up the good work
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Jeff Little about 1 year ago
Nice Article. Glen Taylor needs to be ashamed of himself. I guess if you pay someone $226 Mil you have the right to say what you want to say but you also allowed Kevin McHale to drag your franchise down yearly on top of that he never consistantly placed talent around KG to reach the championship level as a team. Dude's way off base, he's bent because he F'd up again and he chose KG as his scapegoat - How much farther can Glen Taylor stick his foot in his mouth. Memo to Big money Glen - Let It Go!
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