Ball Don't Lie - NBA

Ball Don't Lie

Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:30 pm EDT

Tanks for the memories

By Kelly Dwyer

I really don't know where to go with this post. 

I mean, I know the point of it, but ripping on Glen Taylor's comments about "KG tanking it" move beyond "shooting fish in a barrel"-territory. I feel like I'm about to write a post about how the Sun is pretty necessary, or why striking a puppy isn't good for anyone.

I could go all big picture with it, and point out how Glen Taylor wasted the prime of one of the best players in NBA history, tested the faith of one of the more frustratingly-loyal players in modern sports history, and essentially questioned the competitive integrity of one of someone who has been charged with being too damned competitive, and too full of integrity for his own individual good.

Or, I could go small picture, and point out what I remember: Garnett obviously working through a quad injury in the last two weeks of the 2006-07 season before shutting it down, how it was easy to see how such an injury led to his 37 percent shooting in his last five games as a member of the Timberwolves, even though it couldn't stop him from averaging 17.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

Maybe I could point out that it was Joe Smith's contract debacle, and the needless batch of paperwork (what idiot writes this stuff down? This idiot writes this stuff down), that hamstrung Minnesota's chances at a title more than Garnett's contract situation. The Spurs also tended to pay Tim Duncan quite a bit of money over his prime, and it hasn't stopped San Antonio from being in the title hunt every year.

I could wonder aloud as to just why in the hell the Timberwolves would think that a .500 record with this pathetic roster would smack of underachievement, and what could possibly lead them to believe that firing coach Dwane Casey with the team running with a 20-20 would be a good idea.

I could point out that Casey's replacement, Randy Wittman, went 12-30 to finish the season.

I could ask about Kevin McHale's fascination with shooting guards in a point guard's body, and why he decided to trade for, draft, or sign Rashad McCants, Marko Jaric, Randy Foye, and Mike James all in a 14-month span.

I could ask what everyone thought of Garnett - obviously in need of a few weeks' rest - dragging his left leg around during the dregs of Minnesota's 2004-05 season, while still playing 82 games and leading the NBA in PER.

I could ask anyone who would listen why Taylor passed on calling out Marko Jaric for sitting out the final four games of the season last year. Or, at the very least, for not adhering to a consistent shaving pattern.

I could ask the Timberwolves what, exactly, they saw in a 28 year-old Michael Olowokandi in 2003? What about this guy screamed "POTENTIAL!" to Mr. McHale?

I could ask McHale if he's seen Rasho Nesterovic's recent game logs.

I could ask McHale if he ever thought Ndudi Ebi could come close to approximating what Josh Howard did in four years at Wake Forest.

I could ask him if he ever took the time to wonder just how good Elden Campbell and Eddie Jones would look in a Timberwolves uniform in 1999, instead of just freaking out at how cut Tom Gugliotta would look in a Lakers uniform.

I could ask Mr. Taylor if he knows what it's like to be worn down. If he knows what it's like to share a huddle with Ricky Davis, or if he knows what it's like to have to cover defensively for a steaming pile of "don't care," also known as a "Mark Blount."

I could ask him why he feels a need to hang on like this. I could point out that McHale made the best trade possible in this instance - picking up cap relief and a 23 year-old stud who is already averaging 21 and 11 per game. I could point out that the KG trade was the best possible move for both sides; it didn't net the Wolves Tyson Chandler, Luol Deng, and a chance at Brandon Roy, but considering the context of the summer of 2007, it was a blockbuster for the Timberwolves, too.

I could wonder about the sort of underlying and unspoken feelings that tend to result in an inappropriate, unsolicited, and downright stupid slam at the best thing that has ever happened to Glen Taylor's franchise.

I could form the post around what I know to be true, more than just about anything I've ever known about the game that I love: that a couple times a week, I am beside myself with glee at the prospect of getting to watch Kevin Garnett play basketball, and that I am incredibly lucky to be alive and aware during his time on Earth.

I could then ask Glen Taylor how it felt to be the biggest tool in the NBA at this point. Pre-contrived apology, of course.

I don't know about this post. I have to get something up by 2:30, but I think I might just tank it and go watch last night's game again. KG was pretty good in that one.

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53 Comments

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  1. Anejy
    1. Posted by Anejy Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:42 pm EDT

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    i agree with you, i would say there are only few ( very very few) players in the NBA right now, who plays with heart.. who lives basketball.. and who comes everynight and gives their 100% to the game. among them Garnett is #1. I would say others are Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson
  2. curtis
    2. Posted by curtis Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:18 pm EDT

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    So, what you're saying is that McHale and Taylor couldn't organize panic on a sinking ship?
    The way that curmudgeon threw Garnett under the bus is just sad.
  3. gobig_or_gohome300
    3. Posted by gobig_or_gohome300 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:10 pm EDT

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    Thank you, KD.
  4. Roger Mason Jr. = Hero
    4. Posted by Roger Mason Jr. = Hero Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:09 pm EDT

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    What if the puppy was asking for it?
  5. Jono Bacon
    5. Posted by Jono Bacon Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:36 pm EDT

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    There are few franchise player who can carry a team on their backs. KG is not one of them.
    It doesnt make him a bad player but not a 1a guy who will deliver in crunch time. He doesnt have that type of game. Dont get me wrong, if I want to built a championship team, I'd want him to be a part of it but I'd want a Kobe, a Wade or a shooter like Nash to be the guy in the crunch.
    Then again, how many real go to franchise guys are there really in the league?
    Lots of guys are paid like franchise players are paid like it though.
  6. KD
    6. Posted by KD Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:48 pm EDT

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    I'm sorry, but I can't get behind that line of thinking.
    How many game-winners have you ever seen Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, or Yao Ming hit?
  7. kobe8
    7. Posted by kobe8 Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:55 pm EDT

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    Oh give me a freaking break, I'm not gonna say that KG EVER tanked it but if the owner felt that way then he has every right to say what he wants - "I apploude Glenn Taylor for saying what he felt" - it's his team and he's pays the paychecks - he has every right to say what he wants.
  8. Bob
    8. Posted by Bob Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:10 pm EDT

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    thanks kd. the 04-05 timberwolves season got me into nba basketball, and i have been a kg fan ever since.
  9. spiderman123422
    9. Posted by spiderman123422 Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:36 pm EDT

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    I can't believe Taylor would bring up the past, while KG is now leading the Celtics to championship hopes. The only reason he said that was because he has no class.
    I only hope that more players would have the class and integrity as KG did. He never publicly asked for a trade like many other players do. To try to slander KG now is just pointless and childish.
    Also, to my response to #5 post... KG DID carry the franchise on his back and HE was the only one doing so. KG has been ranked #1 in effeciency as a player for years playing as a Timberwolves. It just shows how little help he had. The only time they finally won in the first round of the playoffs was because the franchise finally got Cassell and Sprewell (Who was over-the-hill).
    So please do some research before just spitting out nonsense.
  10. KD
    10. Posted by KD Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:52 pm EDT

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    kobe8 -- and I've every right to call him a tool.
  11. Dez Dimez 37
    11. Posted by Dez Dimez 37 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:43 pm EDT

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    thanks for giving KG the love and respect he truly deserve. becuz he damn sure earn every inch of it throughout his tenure in MN. getting back to its glen's team and he pays the paycheck. yea, he own the team but if wasn't so stupid to write check to whack azz players (ex. jaric, kandi-man) instead of investing it on quality players (ex. A. I) or trust his dumbazz GM in drafting unusable talent (ex. ebi), then there won't be a discussion bout this at all becuz KG wouldn't have been traded and MN just might have a title banner hanging on the rafter of the target center.
    dez dimez 37
  12. The Narc
    12. Posted by The Narc Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:41 pm EDT

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    Umm Juan...back up. Actually, just don't talk anymore. KG, for my money, has been the best individual player in the NBA the past ten years. It is no coincidence that the Wolves first appearance in the playoffs was Garnett's rookie season. When McHale finally got him a star quality PG in Cassell, guess what happened? They went to the conference finals, had the best record in the West, and were only stopped by Shaq and Kobe...not just Kobe. Looking at his career stats...20 pts, 11 boards, 4.4 assists, averaging almost 2 steals AND blocks per game, 49.4 FG%. He is an agile, basketball minded big man, who can step out and knock it down from outside, post it low, and runs an unbelievable pick and roll. He also, in his career, averages 38 mins a game. He draws a double team constantly, and he plays injured often (as outlined above). In directly addressing your "1a" statement, yes KG is not the guy who usually gets the ball when you need to a final shot. Why? Because he is not a SG (Kobe, Jordan, Lebron,etc.). That's why. Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan...none of these guys would be getting the ball at the end of the game either. Oh, and speaking of "crunch time", why don't you review KG's career numbers in the postseason (Hint: they don't go down) Actually, just look at the line from his only game 7 - 32 pts, 21 rebs, 5 blocks, 4 steals, 47 mins. How much more clutch do you want? For me though, the biggest thing with KG is the way he handles himself. He is human, humble and team-oriented. You don't hear about him getting in gun fights at clubs or drunk driving. He doesn't seek attention. He has his flaws, but he doesn't make excuses. He does the little things and he hustles. If I wanted to point to an individual in the NBA right now, and tell a kid "Play like him" KG would definitely be the one (Along with Steve Nash). KG not a franchise guy? Then who is?
  13. AcK___
    13. Posted by AcK___ Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:43 pm EDT

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    Omg dat owner has to be smoking something . His ownership has let the fans of Minnesota down, the players , and Kevin down , the past 10 years . How you not try and add the peices to the puzzle to help KG out . Taylor , newsflash , if you didnt know you know now what it would be like when he has help . KG is the player's player , hard day in and day out . Once again he shows his maturity , by not given such an absurd comment justification . KG , Ive watch since his days at Farruget , youre the hardest working NBA player in da league , dont ever stop bro . You in muh fav 5 keep dat _ _ _ _ up ...................
  14. Mike M
    14. Posted by Mike M Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:41 pm EDT

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    Absolutely hilarous comment from an owner who caused the Wolves to lose 3 draft picks and kept a GM whose tenure was marked by 1st round exits. Also an owner who turned down a trade of Bynum, LO and kwame (if they pushed it) for KG.
    If taylor was smart he could have gotten Odom , Bynum, Kwame and then turned right around and traded Kwame + filler for Gasol and the Wolves team would have Bynum, Odom and Gasol in the front line to go with Brewer, McCants and Foye at the guards.
  15. Gregory S
    15. Posted by Gregory S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:07 pm EDT

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    I saw KG get a little blood on the shorts in one game which was shortly after signing his first big contract. Here's a guy now making 20 mil per season look at the ref and then sprint to the tunnel. The camera follows him as he is dropping his drawers as he hits the entrance. Within 30 seconds he is back at the scorer's table before the game has restarted. Name one person in ANY professional sport that would do that! When most athletes think they are bigger than the game, KG relishes in it's history and becoming part of it...not above it. He has already posted career stats that NO ONE has - yet KG is not one... He is always about team! When the lights dim at the target center and intro's are started it's almost deflating now. I can't wait til next year when KG (providing he's healthy and playing this time) comes to the Target center and the lights dim and he gets that standing O he deserves! If it weren't for KG the Timberwolves would be just another NBA team that played in Minnesota and left for greener pastures. I miss the glare, the 3 thumps to the chest, denying ANY shot after the whistle, jumping on the scorer's table after an emotional win, his undeniable respect for the players that surround him, his generosity and charity, the cloud of chalk to start a game, and most of all his heart! KG did tank it...every single minute of every night on FULL and never coming close to empty!
  16. Brodway
    16. Posted by Brodway Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:27 pm EDT

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    I agree with you Narc. Juan and KD definately do not know what they are talking about. Funny how every one talks about buzzer beaters and how if you hit a buzzer beater or clutch shot then you carry a team on your back. Not so. A clutch shot is just that a clutch shot. It has nothing to do with the contribution a big man makes in the course of a game.
    When Kobe was carrying the lakers on his back in 04-05 they got to the first round and were booted no different than KG. Kobe has three rings because he had a franchise big man just like KG called Shaquille O'neal. Funny if big men are not franchise players in the words of Mr. Juan and KD why does Shaquille O'neal have a ring since his departure from the Lakers. You think that Wade would have a ring if he did not have a Franchise Big man. I don't think so. Tim Duncan has four. You ride the back of your Franchise big man so that he can put you in a position to hit a buzzer beater or clutch shot in a playoff game. That is the job of any quality Point guard or Shooting guard to hit a clutch shot once your post players have put you in that position. There is only one man in the history of the NBA who did not need a Franchise big man to help him win the title, and that is your airness MJ. There will never be another like him and that is why the Kobe's, Wade's, and the Nashes will always need the KG's, Duncan's and Shaq's of this Game to help them get that hardware. I hope you guys never played high school basketball because if I was your center or forward and here you talk about the position like that I would disown that I ever played with you. If you guys ever played ball then you definately did not start or you definately did not help your team win a state championship with mentalities like that.
  17. KD
    17. Posted by KD Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:48 pm EDT

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    mrbrodway -- I'm defending KG. To slam him for not being "clutch" is insipid, when big men (historically) are never the best at winning games with one or two seconds on the clock.
    To rip on KG for not being "clutch" is moronic when he has just about the same success rate as Yao, Shaq, Duncan et al. The points in the first and third quarters (before the double-teams come) count as much as the points in the last minute of the game.
    Mike M -- I don't know if I do that trade if I'm the Timberwolves. If you're rebuilding, why do you want Odom's contract clogging up the books? Better to take the 22 and 11 guy and get cap space.
  18. jacob n
    18. Posted by jacob n Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:55 pm EDT

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    As longtime Wolves fans (I watched Ty Corbin get the Wolves first triple-double back when shorts were short) I wholeheartedly endorse this column and/or service.
    I seriously wonder why? Why would you, even if it were true, air that in public? it does no good. I mean this current team has some potential, and with a little luck (re: Hoiberg slipping McHale a mickey on draft day) next year could bring compelling ball back to the Target Center for the first time since the Mailman & GP limped over Cassell's wounded leg in the 2004 Western Conference Final.
    As an addendum: In 1999 after the lockout ended the word was Eddie Jones straight up said he didn't want to play here, and wouldn't resign. Ofc that still would've been much better then losing Googs for nothing and ending up with the steaming pile of Joe Smith stupidity.
  19. Mike M
    19. Posted by Mike M Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:41 pm EDT

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    mrbroadway- key to the trade is Bynum(who you'll have a hard time getting from anywhere) + plus Kwame traded for Gasol. Odoms contract is expiring in 2 years so Taylor would have had a choice of keeping him, trading him, or just letting him go- not bad choices for a rebuildimg team.
    Wolves wouldn't be rebuiding but retooling which is a lot less risky. Big Al is pretty good but Wolves only got 1 guy instead of 3. Odom in a system other than the triangle and a coach other than Jackson is probably a 16+ 11 rebound player. Gasol should be 20/10 without playing second fiddle to Kobe. Bynum is 20 and is definitely the key and anchor (defense & offense) to Title contention.
  20. Mike M
    20. Posted by Mike M Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:41 pm EDT

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    KD- key to the trade is Bynum(who you'll have a hard time getting from anywhere) + plus Kwame traded for Gasol. Odoms contract is expiring in 2 years so Taylor would have had a choice of keeping him, trading him, or just letting him go- not bad choices for a rebuildimg team.
    Wolves wouldn't be rebuiding but retooling which is a lot less risky. Big Al is pretty good but Wolves only got 1 guy instead of 3. Odom in a system other than the triangle and a coach other than Jackson is probably a 16+ 11 rebound player. Gasol should be 20/10 without playing second fiddle to Kobe. Bynum is 20 and is definitely the key and anchor (defense & offense) to Title contention.
  21. Walker Gee
    21. Posted by Walker Gee Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:12 pm EDT

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    Applaud the owner all you want, but without real proof to support his allegations, the team owner committed slander plain and simple. Furthermore, since he is the guy who writes the paychecks that makes him a "de facto" leader. Good leaders use their position responsibly. Public criticism even if it were substantiated is NOT a characteristic of sound leadership. So take your pick, crummy leader or legally accountable and irresponsible miscreant with deep pockets. Some choices, eh?
    .
  22. j_mariner
    22. Posted by j_mariner Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:45 pm EDT

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    I've been a KG fan since his first days in the league. I've been fortunate being able to meet him and get to know him not only as a player but as a person. He has the biggest heart and a personality that can fill up any stadium. His competitive spirit and drive is compared to Michael Jordon - no one else now in the NBA can match him. While Glen Taylor has a right to his opinion, to voice it now is just plain stupid. KG couldn't tank a game, practice, interview or anything if he wanted to - it's not in his personality. Kevin McHale and Glen Taylor nearly destroyed one of the NBA's best players career by not providing him with a supporting cast for over a decade (minus the one season with Cassell & Spreewell) and to question his drive now, when he's on the path to winning a championship shows an incredible lack of class. I'd expect that from McHale, not Taylor. What's not surprising is that KG wouldn't speak negatively of the Timberwolves or Glen Taylor. The only thing on this earth that matches KG's competitive nature is his class.
  23. Robert S
    23. Posted by Robert S Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:05 pm EDT

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    I'm a Pistons fan so to say the Celtics aren't my favorite team would be an understatement. That being said how anyone expecially Timberwolves owner Taylor could say anything bad about the effort put forth from KG is insane. I would like to also applaude KG for being the better man by not coming back with any insults himself and refusing to go down that road. Way to go KG!!!!!
  24. Robert S
    24. Posted by Robert S Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:05 pm EDT

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    I'm a Pistons fan so to say the Celtics aren't my favorite team would be an understatement. That being said how anyone expecially Timberwolves owner Taylor could say anything bad about the effort put forth from KG is insane. I would like to also applaude KG for being the better man by not coming back with any insults himself and refusing to go down that road. Way to go KG!!!!!
  25. E
    25. Posted by E Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:34 pm EDT

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    Anyone who can seriously doubt KG's work ethic, dedication, heart and all around love for the game apparently has never seen him play a single minute of basketball. From the opening tip off until the final buzzer sounds, KG is playing his heart out for the good of the game of basketball. #12 is correct, you dont see KG getting arrested or into gun fights or...."accused" of rape (not mentioning any names). He keeps his nose clean and stays focused on what his JOB is, which is to win basketball games, and he does that very well. Glen Taylor needs to place the blame where the blame is due and that needs to start with himself and his management.
    BTW great post KD. Im glad to see that (mostly) everyone at least realizes what Kevin Garnett brings to the game of basketball and how ridiculous these "allegations" are from the Timberwolves front office.

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Ball Don't Lie is an NBA blog edited by J.E. Skeets. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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Kelly Dwyer, Rod Benson, Trey Kerby, Nick Friedell, Garbage Time All-Stars, Blair Johnson,

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