Going one-on-one with Kevin Garnett
January 27, 2006 | 12:00am
Perennial All-Star, 2004 NBA MVP and Adidas endorser Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves is admired the world over for his superb all-around game. He can score, inside and out. He distributes the ball. He defends. He blocks shots. He’s one of the game’s best rebounders. Garnett, who is listed at 6 feet 11 inches but might very well be over 7 feet, has all the talent he needs for basketball. Many consider KG the ultimate basketball player. I had a chance to talk to KG over the phone recently at the Adidas office in Ortigas. The Big Ticket discussed his new teammates, his new coach, his toughest assignment, a visit to the Philippines and his kickass new Adidas Garnett shoe.
YOUNGSTAR: Can you describe the change your team has undergone under new head coach Dwayne Casey?
KEVIN GARNETT: Our change has been a bit of a "young" change. First off with our coach; our coach reminds me of a young Flip (Saunders). (He’s) very accountable, holds everybody accountable also, very exuberant and dedicated. He’s always watching films, always checking minutes. He’s very much a student of the game. Our team is a little bit youthful, compared to some of the teams I’ve been on. We play hard. But at this point, consistency is probably our biggest question mark.
How did the departure of Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell and the arrival of Marko Jaric affect your team’s chemistry?
When you play with guys who know how to play the game, like Sam and Spree who’ve been in so many different situations – they’ve played in different playoffs; they’ve been in the finals; Sam’s got one ring and Spree’s been to the Finals – experience is very, very big. They know in certain situations when to do certain thing in certain situations You don’t have that experience and you don’t have that know-how then that’s big. That’s a big difference.
Do you think the Timberwolves have the right pieces in place? Is there anyone in particular who you want to be a part of your team?
I don’t think we have the major pieces to go all the way. That’s just me being honest with myself. I definitely think we have the pieces to get pretty far, farther than what most people are giving us credit for. I mean, people can say what they want, we are the ones who have to go out there and do it. When it comes to people and who I want to play with, I’ll play with anybody who’s willing to win. I have no specific person but I do know that team chemistry is something valuable to anything that you’re doing. It’s a challenge, I will say that.
What’s your take on the rumors that Steve Francis is being dealt to Minnesota?
Rumors are rumors, man. You can never get by them. Until things happen, you can never believe.
What is your reaction to your former coach’s Flip Saunders outstanding start with the Detroit Pistons?
I love the fact that he’s somewhere and that he’s in a situation where he can be really appreciated. I think he’s definitely in a position to lead Detroit. I think that’s a perfect marriage. He’s got a team that knows each other and sort of polices each other. They already play defense so well. He has so many offensive weapons that I think Flip’s offense and his offensive mind can get these guys to play a whole other level when it comes to playing on the offensive end. His plays are very motions-oriented and open for high-volume scoring. It’s beautiful to watch. I’m happy for him. And not just him, for Chauncey and Rasheed. I’m happy for them.
Who is the hardest player to guard in the NBA?
No one’s easy. Shaq’s (Shaquille O’Neal) a load because he’s so massive. Timmy’s (Tim Duncan) a load because he has so many different moves. Rasheed’s (Wallace) a load. He can hit threes and still score in the box. Kobe’s (Bryant) a load just because of his confidence and his ability to make shots, big shots. No one’s easy, man. I can keep going with Tracy (McGrady)…
Who was your role model while growing up? Has that changed since you started playing pro basketball?
My role model growing up was Magic Johnson. I’ve always been a football fan so Lawrence Taylor, Tony Garcia were some of my role models growing up. And as you grow, you find a lot of likes and dislikes in the people you admire. I’ve grown to also love, when I was younger, Malik Sealy, Chris Webber. (They are) some of the people I’ve added to my list. I’m a fan, you know. I’m always drawn to people who I feel like to do some things I do or actually have the ability to draw me in to them.
Did you pattern your game after anyone, like Magic Johnson?
A little bit. His uniqueness and his size and the fact that he was able to see everybody on the court, kept them involved was something that I’ve been attracted to since I was a little kid. When I was younger, playing football, I wanted to play the quarterback just so I could distribute the ball to everybody. Playing basketball, I always wanted to be the point guard because I wanted to get the ball to everybody in the right positions and I actually worked hard in doing that. I’d feel embarrassed if I kept growing at this stage, from 5’5" to 5’6" to 5’7" but I actually grew to 6’11" and I wasn’t always able to handle the ball, wasn’t always able to have a very high basketball IQ. I learned the game from old school guys who taught the game to pass first, some of the same principles I applied to my game. Yeah, Magic Johnson was who I patterned my game after. He got everybody into it and that’s what I was attracted to.
Which game do you consider the best of your career so far?
You’re only as good as you’re last game. I’ve had some games where I felt like I couldn’t miss and I’ve had some games where I felt like I couldn’t make a shot. The game against Sacramento and Chris Webber, I was scoring back and forth. That’s one game that stands out because that was the game that got us into the Western Conference Finals. (Note: Garnett scored 32 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, had four steals, five blocks and two assists in that game.)
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I listen to a little bit of music before I go out. I start with a little bit of slow music and then as I get closer to the arena, I listen to harder, faster music. That’s pretty much my everyday ritual. I got to listen to my music as get ready to go on the court. It gets me ready, it gets me going.
How vital is your footwear in the rigors of an NBA game?
My shoes are very important. My confidence in my shoes has to be right. The technology in my shoes has to be updated. It has to be of quality. My shoes are everything. Without feet, you can’t play in the NBA. My shoes are a big part of my success just because from the standpoint of me having comfort and not having any foot problems and knowing that my feet are protected 100 percent of the time when I’m out there. My shoes are everything.
Can you tell us the innovations of your new Adidas shoe and how it helps your game?
Of the different components of my shoe, man, I start with the comfort. My comfort in my shoe I think is very, very central. I need it, hands down. I do a lot of cutting. The shoe is suited for agile people. Some people who are a bit slow too, but (it’s most suited for) guards, forwards, small forwards, people who are in need of agility. The fact that it guards your ankles and can take the cuts and when you’re cutting sharply…and you see some shoes…I’ve been in some shoes where you slide and the grip isn’t what it should be and you’re slippin’ and slidin’ everywhere. The technology is up to par. After that, the style. You want to look good while you’re running around out there. Kids who buy it can wear it off the court, wear it with a couple of outfits and be cute at the same time. Those are the three main components of what a shoe should have but this one here has all three of those and a little bit more.
Do you think your Filipino fans will ever get a chance to see you in person?
Impossible is nothing. You’ll never know. Adidas might do a tour and the Philippines might be one of the places I go to. I never thought I’d see Taiwan. I never thought I would ever see Tokyo (but I did). Who knows?
Many people consider you the most complete player on the planet and these ideal characteristics are exhibited in your new commercial. Does that put additional pressure on your shoulders?
Pressure is all about what you put on yourself every day to be who you are. As long as you are able to look at yourself in the mirror and say, "Hey, this is who I am. Love me or hate me." I’m fine with that. I think the commercial displays my different characters, from a gladiator to the basketball player to the hero. In the end I’m just a kid who just loves to play, just loves to have fun. I have all these different things inside me who make me who I am.
If there is one word to describe Kevin Garnett, what would it be?
Loyal.
How do you want people 50 years from now to remember Kevin Garnett?
I want people to know 50 years from now that I was a person that is different from everybody else, a complete player who brought it every single night, does everything out there on the floor, played extremely hard and looked like he was having some fun doing it.
For questions, comments or corrections, please e-mail me at emailcarlramirez@yahoo.com.
YOUNGSTAR: Can you describe the change your team has undergone under new head coach Dwayne Casey?
KEVIN GARNETT: Our change has been a bit of a "young" change. First off with our coach; our coach reminds me of a young Flip (Saunders). (He’s) very accountable, holds everybody accountable also, very exuberant and dedicated. He’s always watching films, always checking minutes. He’s very much a student of the game. Our team is a little bit youthful, compared to some of the teams I’ve been on. We play hard. But at this point, consistency is probably our biggest question mark.
How did the departure of Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell and the arrival of Marko Jaric affect your team’s chemistry?
When you play with guys who know how to play the game, like Sam and Spree who’ve been in so many different situations – they’ve played in different playoffs; they’ve been in the finals; Sam’s got one ring and Spree’s been to the Finals – experience is very, very big. They know in certain situations when to do certain thing in certain situations You don’t have that experience and you don’t have that know-how then that’s big. That’s a big difference.
Do you think the Timberwolves have the right pieces in place? Is there anyone in particular who you want to be a part of your team?
I don’t think we have the major pieces to go all the way. That’s just me being honest with myself. I definitely think we have the pieces to get pretty far, farther than what most people are giving us credit for. I mean, people can say what they want, we are the ones who have to go out there and do it. When it comes to people and who I want to play with, I’ll play with anybody who’s willing to win. I have no specific person but I do know that team chemistry is something valuable to anything that you’re doing. It’s a challenge, I will say that.
What’s your take on the rumors that Steve Francis is being dealt to Minnesota?
Rumors are rumors, man. You can never get by them. Until things happen, you can never believe.
What is your reaction to your former coach’s Flip Saunders outstanding start with the Detroit Pistons?
I love the fact that he’s somewhere and that he’s in a situation where he can be really appreciated. I think he’s definitely in a position to lead Detroit. I think that’s a perfect marriage. He’s got a team that knows each other and sort of polices each other. They already play defense so well. He has so many offensive weapons that I think Flip’s offense and his offensive mind can get these guys to play a whole other level when it comes to playing on the offensive end. His plays are very motions-oriented and open for high-volume scoring. It’s beautiful to watch. I’m happy for him. And not just him, for Chauncey and Rasheed. I’m happy for them.
Who is the hardest player to guard in the NBA?
No one’s easy. Shaq’s (Shaquille O’Neal) a load because he’s so massive. Timmy’s (Tim Duncan) a load because he has so many different moves. Rasheed’s (Wallace) a load. He can hit threes and still score in the box. Kobe’s (Bryant) a load just because of his confidence and his ability to make shots, big shots. No one’s easy, man. I can keep going with Tracy (McGrady)…
Who was your role model while growing up? Has that changed since you started playing pro basketball?
My role model growing up was Magic Johnson. I’ve always been a football fan so Lawrence Taylor, Tony Garcia were some of my role models growing up. And as you grow, you find a lot of likes and dislikes in the people you admire. I’ve grown to also love, when I was younger, Malik Sealy, Chris Webber. (They are) some of the people I’ve added to my list. I’m a fan, you know. I’m always drawn to people who I feel like to do some things I do or actually have the ability to draw me in to them.
Did you pattern your game after anyone, like Magic Johnson?
A little bit. His uniqueness and his size and the fact that he was able to see everybody on the court, kept them involved was something that I’ve been attracted to since I was a little kid. When I was younger, playing football, I wanted to play the quarterback just so I could distribute the ball to everybody. Playing basketball, I always wanted to be the point guard because I wanted to get the ball to everybody in the right positions and I actually worked hard in doing that. I’d feel embarrassed if I kept growing at this stage, from 5’5" to 5’6" to 5’7" but I actually grew to 6’11" and I wasn’t always able to handle the ball, wasn’t always able to have a very high basketball IQ. I learned the game from old school guys who taught the game to pass first, some of the same principles I applied to my game. Yeah, Magic Johnson was who I patterned my game after. He got everybody into it and that’s what I was attracted to.
Which game do you consider the best of your career so far?
You’re only as good as you’re last game. I’ve had some games where I felt like I couldn’t miss and I’ve had some games where I felt like I couldn’t make a shot. The game against Sacramento and Chris Webber, I was scoring back and forth. That’s one game that stands out because that was the game that got us into the Western Conference Finals. (Note: Garnett scored 32 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, had four steals, five blocks and two assists in that game.)
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I listen to a little bit of music before I go out. I start with a little bit of slow music and then as I get closer to the arena, I listen to harder, faster music. That’s pretty much my everyday ritual. I got to listen to my music as get ready to go on the court. It gets me ready, it gets me going.
How vital is your footwear in the rigors of an NBA game?
My shoes are very important. My confidence in my shoes has to be right. The technology in my shoes has to be updated. It has to be of quality. My shoes are everything. Without feet, you can’t play in the NBA. My shoes are a big part of my success just because from the standpoint of me having comfort and not having any foot problems and knowing that my feet are protected 100 percent of the time when I’m out there. My shoes are everything.
Can you tell us the innovations of your new Adidas shoe and how it helps your game?
Of the different components of my shoe, man, I start with the comfort. My comfort in my shoe I think is very, very central. I need it, hands down. I do a lot of cutting. The shoe is suited for agile people. Some people who are a bit slow too, but (it’s most suited for) guards, forwards, small forwards, people who are in need of agility. The fact that it guards your ankles and can take the cuts and when you’re cutting sharply…and you see some shoes…I’ve been in some shoes where you slide and the grip isn’t what it should be and you’re slippin’ and slidin’ everywhere. The technology is up to par. After that, the style. You want to look good while you’re running around out there. Kids who buy it can wear it off the court, wear it with a couple of outfits and be cute at the same time. Those are the three main components of what a shoe should have but this one here has all three of those and a little bit more.
Do you think your Filipino fans will ever get a chance to see you in person?
Impossible is nothing. You’ll never know. Adidas might do a tour and the Philippines might be one of the places I go to. I never thought I’d see Taiwan. I never thought I would ever see Tokyo (but I did). Who knows?
Many people consider you the most complete player on the planet and these ideal characteristics are exhibited in your new commercial. Does that put additional pressure on your shoulders?
Pressure is all about what you put on yourself every day to be who you are. As long as you are able to look at yourself in the mirror and say, "Hey, this is who I am. Love me or hate me." I’m fine with that. I think the commercial displays my different characters, from a gladiator to the basketball player to the hero. In the end I’m just a kid who just loves to play, just loves to have fun. I have all these different things inside me who make me who I am.
If there is one word to describe Kevin Garnett, what would it be?
Loyal.
How do you want people 50 years from now to remember Kevin Garnett?
I want people to know 50 years from now that I was a person that is different from everybody else, a complete player who brought it every single night, does everything out there on the floor, played extremely hard and looked like he was having some fun doing it.
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