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Kevin Garnett
#5 – Kevin Garnett – Boston Celtics
Season: 16.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 51% fg percentage, 84% ft percentage
Career: 20.2 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 4.3 apg, 49% fg percentage, 78% ft percentage
Kevin Garnett was never a name synonymous with winning until he finally kicked the monkey last year with his first NBA title. Garnett was always an elite player – a player everyone on the playground would make a team captain with the second pick because he was too good to be on a team with good players. Finally, with some serviceable help by his side, Garnett was able to put Boston back on the basketball map.
There are a lot of great things Garnett does. He sees the floor well, he’s willing to pass, and he’s also very aggressive on the defensive end. He’s one of few players in the league that makes players around him that much better. If you don’t believe me – ask Wally Szczerbiak, Sam Cassell and Michael Olowakandi. Garnett may be at the peak of his career now – but he’s still got plenty of seasons left in him; especially if he’s got Pierce and Allen by his side.
The Good
Garnett plays both ends of the floor. He commands a double-team on the offensive end and is a great face-up and weak-side defender. On the Celtics – he is the anchor on both ends, much like how Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard are for their clubs. Garnett’s got a sweet mid-range jumper but isn’t afraid to back you down and reestablish himself in the post.
The Bad
I would love to see Garnett attack the post much more. He creates mismatches with his size and skill set and should score with ease most trips down the court. Garnett’s mid-range is an effective weapon, but it shouldn’t be his primary one. Use it to keep defenders honest, but abuse the post when defenders get up on you.
The Recap
- Great help defender.
- Great face-up defender.
- Solid mid-range jumper.
- Commands a double team when down low.
Tricks and Tricks
The only thing teams can do to contain Garnett is to collapse in the post when he establish himself down low. Throw multiple defenders at him, give him different looks, and hope he didn’t get enough sleep the night before. When his jumper is sticking, you’re in trouble. When it’s not, keep him out of the paint.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Garnett is an intense player. He brings it every night and doesn’t ever expect to lose. Sure, he’s had his share of losses in Minnesota – but that didn’t stop him from taking that scrubby T-Wolves team to the playoffs and making them competitors. They had no business contending, but don’t tell KG that – he’ll get up in your face, take the ball away from you, and flush it down at the other end. I’ve seen it.
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