Kevin Garnett

Dude, Mark Jackson is THE worst male commentator going around.

 

he is pretty consistent and doesn't have any major off-court drama that some other star players have. also, remember when he got hit in the face against sacramento that one year in the playoffs i believe? anyways he didnt punch back even though he wanted. he wants to win more than anything else, and seems to always give it all. t-mac also wants to win, but at times, his drive seem to falter, thus the criticism.

 

Thank you!

 

Comparing him to Tracy, KG plays with much more intensity. No comparison. He also went to the WCFs once while Tracy has never won a playoff series. People have a short memory, but before the T-Wolves finally won a series, the monkey on KG's back was much bigger than Tracy's is now. KG lost in the 1st round 7 years in a row. He got A LOT of heat about it. IMO, the real argument is whether it's fair that the one playoff run has set him free from the "playoff loser" label he used to have.

When it comes to results, KG hasn't always been a winner, but he plays the game like one. That sets him apart from Tracy.

 

Kevin G is by far not consistent at all, I've always said he's overrated. He basically gets all the credit for the turnaround for the Celtic's season, but they don't mention how the Celtics we're trying to lose every game to get the 1st pick and how Paul Pierce hardly played even when he could. They always refer to him being professional even though he consistently does things that aren't.Hopefully somebody whoops his ass on the court one day.

 

I think because of the way he plays. Guy pours his heart out every game. He's in your face kinda guy and people like that. People like his blue collar attitude along with his All-Star talent. I agree though, the media gives this guy a free pass and also because he's a "good guy". The media just loves KG.

 

So as long as you keep ponding your chest, talking to yourself, yelling at other people, then you are golden?

 

No. I guess you are biased against him. Just watch him on the court and see how many plays he takes off on both ends of the floor. If you look at the hustle factor, KG leaves moody Tracy in the dust. My #2 gripe about Tracy is that he takes far too many plays off (on both ends).

I agree KG is overly demonstrative sometimes but that doesn't subtract from what he actually does on the court.

 

He may not always be a winner but he always play like he was one. He gives 100% each game and plays with heart.

 

Which player has ever won it alone (without another star player) other than Hakeem the dream?

 

Good post. Just because our players aren't overly demonstrative with their emotions doesn't mean they don't play 110%. I admit that McGrady does have games where it seems like he gives up, but I bet everyone, fans and media included, would be singing a different tune if he won a playoff series. Garnett hasn't been that impressive in these playoffs.

 

Just because he's a demonstrative player doesn't mean he's a winner. How about all those games he's been invisible? How about all those moments in the clutch when he's been ineffective? Just because he screams a lot doesn't mean he's a champ. Maybe when he carries his team in a Game 7 and doesn't become a role player, I'll consider his so-called 'heart' to be legit.

 

You're right he isn't a true superstar and I think he's overrated but the thing is you admitted it yourself. The guy gives 110% every play. If I needed someone to make a last minute bucket I wouldn't depend on KG but his 110% effort speaks volumes because he gives the team a chance to win with that kinda effort every night. In a league full of overpaid stars that are questioned about their effort, desire, heart what have you. One thing you never wonder about is does KG really care?

To further my point, I hate to use Mcgrady as an example but the kind kind of effort he gave in the game 6 against the Jazz the last series is the kind of effort KG gives day in and day out and on every play. The only difference is Tmac is more dominant with his scoring. Tmac has gotten a "free pass" after the effort he gave this year and rightfully so. If he gave that kinda effort all the time he would be viewed in a different limelight as well.

 

He's letting Sam Cassell live with him in Boston.
That kinda of deed shows that he cares about his teammates.

 

So one is demonstrative of their emotions and that makes him play like a winner? Tim Duncan doesn't show any emotions, so that means KG plays more like a winner than TD, right?

 

thecabbage,

I had a similar thread a few weeks back, I pretty much agree with your general gripe about how the media treats the guy. They just flat out love KG, he can do no wrong in their books. I understand the guy plays hard and "acts intense" on every play (he's the quintessential 'pound your chest after every play' guy in the league today), but my point still stands: he's a second banana type, has been and always will be. I think he's basically a Scottie Pippen type: a great defensive presence and a great all-around player, although not someone that can lead you to the promised land as the #1 guy. By his own admission tonight, Pierce carried them over the top. It's been consistently the case any time KG has had significant success in the playoffs (twice, basically). He's the most "solid" player, perhaps, in NBA history.

Anyways, I am not being critical of him, I just don't think he's of the same 'tier' as a Lebron James or a Kobe Bryant. So it would be nice if KG fans would just accept that and move on.

 

I'd like to know who in the media has put KG in the class of Kobe or LeBron. Those two guys are in a class by themselves (unless you include Wade & this year's Chris Paul). Secondly, scoring has never been his #1 priority. For his career, KG's always been a 20/10 guy who is very efficient and unselfish on offense, not dominant. Plus, he's a huge defensive presence who brings an infectious enthusiasm to his team on that side of the ball.

The effort KG gives on the court represents the best of the NBA. Don't let his outbursts blind you to that fact. This is why people often give him the benefit of the doubt.

Some of you are clearly biased against KG and can't see him clearly. Nobody is saying he's an all-time great. Nobody claims he has the talent of LeBron or Kobe. But he plays with as much heart as anyone and he cares about what happens on the floor. The man takes care of himself, is in great shape, leaves it all on the floor, takes nothing for granted, doesn't blow his own horn & eat up public adulation. For KG, it's about the team. The NBA would be a lot better off if more players had his attitude.

It's too bad his excessive displays have marred so many opinions. I can deal with guys like KG and Gilbert that are totally 100% sold out to basketball but are a little odd. It's the criminal/lawbreaker types, cheap shot artists and public chatterers that bother me the most. To each his own.