Kevin Garnett: Takeaways from First Timberwolves Press Conference After Return

LeBron James isn't the only prodigal son making a homecoming this NBA season. 

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday for the first time since getting traded to the team he spent his first 12 NBA seasons with, Kevin Garnett joked about following in the footsteps of the Cleveland Cavaliers star, via Slam magazine's Twitter feed: 

Garnett, who entered the league in 1995 as a lanky 19-year-old straight out of high school, transformed into one of the greatest power forwards of all time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his 12 years there, he filled up box scores to the tune of 20.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. He was named to the All-NBA First Team three times and won MVP in 2004. 

It's safe to say the man affably nicknamed "The Kid" is beloved in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Another Minnesota legend, 94-year-old journalist Sid Hartman, welcomed him home, via the Star Tribune's Master Tesfatsion:

As Garnett discussed, there was no more appropriate way to finish his career than by returning to Minnesota: 

Of course, his role with the T-Wolves will be a little different this time around. Bleacher Report's senior writers Howard Beck and Ric Bucher weighed in on Garnett being a mentor figure at the 2:50 mark in the following video:

Head coach Flip Saunders (h/t Timberwolves.com's Kyle Ratke) noted how Garnett is going to be taking on more of a mentor role with the young squad. 

He talked about the team's tantalizing young backcourt as well as the former veteran he hopes to emulate: 

Unlike Mitchell, however, KG has no aspirations to transition to a role on the sidelines when he's done playing. When asked about becoming a coach in the future, Garnett was adamant in a way only he can be, via SB Nation's Twitter feed: 

The Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda gave his thoughts on Garnett's press conference: 

Really, it's not surprising. KG has always had an outspoken but infectious attitude. Whether he's on the court or in front of media, he has never been shy about wearing his emotions on his sleeve or saying exactly what's on his mind.

As the Big Ticket gets ready to make his encore in Minnesota, his respect-demanding personality should only help the young Wolves develop and take important steps forward. 

Minnesota may not be winning many games this season, but Garnett's mere presence sparks interest and increases the team's entertainment value. That was abundantly clear Tuesday afternoon.