Why Kevin Garnett Couldn’t Have ’Tanked It’
March 18 08
The Associated Press reports on Minnesota owner Glen Taylor accusing Kevin Garnett of not giving his best late last season:
Taylor’s remarks came after practice, as the Wolves’ strong play down the stretch was being discussed. Taylor took exception to a local newspaper columnist who suggested it was time for the Wolves, who are 16-50, to start losing to improve their draft slot.
Taylor said the columnist "said a little bit last year was that we sort of like tanked it. I don’t think that. I don’t like that so much. I don’t like that. "It was more like KG tanked it. I think the other guys still wanted to play."
KG, of course, is Garnett, who missed the last five games of the season with a leg injury and watched his team lose its final seven games. Garnett was traded in the off-season to Boston.
My Very Quick Take: I have trouble believing this accusation. And two things are worth noting.
First, no teammate, coach, GM, fan, or security guard has ever accused The Big Ticket of slacking. Not for a minute; not in summer league, training camp, or practice. If anything, Garnett is criticized for giving too much effort and being too intense. I can’t see a scenario where he’s ’tanking it’ or faking an injury.
Second, Taylor gains nothing making such a claim. The Garnett era is done; his comments, even if true, look spiteful. High profile free agents will remember Taylor’s words when considering signing with Minnesota. In other words, it just became harder for the Wolves to attract outside talent.
Is Taylor right? Let us know in the comment box below if you could ever see Garnett tanking it? Click here to read Oly Snador’s NBA Blog. Image courtesy of photographer jpellgen at flickr.com.
