Kevin Garnett, 39, has been in the NBA for 20 years. One's basketball wisdom could really develop in such a long period of time. No wonder that the Minnesota Timberwolves, the franchise that originally drafted him in 1995, wants more from him than playing time.
Wolves coach and president Flip Saunders is getting the 20-year veteran's input regarding draft picks and rookie candidate screenings. He wants the power forward and center to help them make decisions on future roster improvements as well, NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk reported.
This makes Garnett a part-time player, part-time consultant. These things are said to be very much welcome to the "Big Ticket." This is a way to express his gratitude to the franchise that had been his home for the first 12 seasons of his illustrious career, and at the same time a chance to show his worth even beyond his playing years. It was something that was always in the plan, according to Saunders.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Saunders admitted that when the team re-acquired Garnett during this year's trade deadline, it was not meant to be a ritualistic move to let him spend his last season at "home" and formally say goodbye to the league, his fans, co-players, and teammates alike. It was done for a purpose, and that vision is gradually being established right now.
"The idea was that he was going to come in, play some, he would mentor," Saunders said during the interview. "We're assuming right now that he does want to continue to play and that he does want to continue to play in Minnesota."
This indicates that the fans would see Garnett for at least one more year next season. But this time around, he will not only be there to play, but also to share his much-needed wisdom and influence both to his teammates and coaches.
It is a slow transition from a roster spot to a front office position, but he will surely get there.