Kevin Garnett, the lockout and Boston Celtics title aspirations - NBA Special Report
When the season was still going on, there was talk of an old veteran retiring. The retirement though was not projected at the end of the 2011 season, but that of 2012. However things have changed since then as the league has entered
a lockout.
That in turn could hasten up the retirement of the battle hardened player and alter the landscape of the NBA drastically.
How can one old fellows retirement alter the landscape of the NBA you ask?
Well it can, when the player in question is a future Hall of Famer who goes by the name of Kevin Garnett.
The 34 year old is the undeniable backbone of the current Boston Celtics team. There is no question that Garnett is not what he used to be and he looked increasingly tired, exhausted even, as the season went on.
However Garnett’s decision to retire or not to retire during the current lockout can have a telling effect on the 2011-2012 season, if and when it gets underway.
In a lockout season, which is sure to shortened, the veterans have a distinct advantage. They are not exhausted when the playoffs come, and this Boston Celtics side with aging future Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and
Ray Allen can really hurt anyone in their way as they will be a serious challenger for the NBA World Championship, the 18th in the franchise’s history.
Key to that however is Garnett. He is not at his best on offense, but he hasn’t been since he arrived in Boston back in 2008. Garnett wasted away his prime carrying the franchise in Minnesota. The Minnesota Timberwolves drained
the player but he revitalized himself in Boston, at least on defence.
Garnett pulls out the big offensive performance when his team needs it, but it is on defence that he has made all the difference. Kevin Garnett is a behemoth on defence, he always has been. His will, his energy, his commitment
and his nous are unmatched in the league, even at 34 years of age. How many other 34 year olds made their 9th appearance on the NBA All Defensive First Team in history?
But it’s not just about himself. It’s the leadership Garnett brings. Since his arrival in Boston, the franchise has been transformed. Kevin Garnett immediately told the world after arriving that this was Paul Pierce’s team, but
he has played the lead role behind the scenes. He brings the best out people. Even greats like Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have elevated their defensive games in the presence of Kevin Garnett. His tenacity is infectious and the whole team looks to him when the
going gets tough, and Garnett leads by example.
He also helps players out on offence. Garnett is always guiding traffic, and making players better around him. Rajon Rondo has grown into one of the premier point guards in the league playing alongside Kevin Garnett. Would he have
done so if Garnett hadn’t been in Boston? Would the Celtics have won their 17th NBA World Championship if he wasn’t here? Would they have gone to the Finals in 2010?
If Garnett retires, there is no way that the Celtics can mount a charge for a coveted 18th NBA World title. They will be keeping their fingers crossed.
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