Danny Ainge: Age taking its toll on Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett – NBA Update
President of Boston Celtics Danny Ainge has said that star forward Kevin Garnett’s fight with age is a worry for him and the team while hinting that it could even force the player to retire.
Garnett is at a crossroads as it is, with his contract with the Boston Celtics coming to an end, the legendary forward has to decide whether to stay with the team he won his only NBA World Championship with or look for pastures anew. All the while retirement
also remains to be on the mind of the fiercely competitive Garnett, and Ainge believes he could well make the decision.
Ainge brought Kevin to Boston five years ago and he has seen the tremendous work done by the veteran over the years. He knows Garnett doesn’t want to become a bit part player, and that would be a big factor in any decision he makes about retirement.
"KG has said over and over again, he doesn't want to go out not being a significant player. He doesn't want to be eaten alive by new young players. And you can see his will," Ainge said. "But, at the same time, I don't think people realize how hard it is
for him to get ready to play. It's really draining for guys that age, to just prepare to play -- two or three hours worth of treatment, stretching.”
Garnett rolled back the years this post season as he guided that Celtics to an unexpected appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. The forward’s play was effervescent for a team down to its bare bones and showcased just why he has been Boston’s lifeline
for years now.
Although Kevin’s mind is as sharp as ever, there is no question in Ainge’s mind that his body is not what it used to be.
"The days are different than when you are 25 or 30 and you just sort of wake up from your nap and show up to the gym and play. The wear and tear.”
The Celtics though are still hopeful that Kevin will come back and join Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo on the roster, with Ray Allen, the last of the Big Three, looking set to leave the franchise.
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