Kevin Garnett wasn’t just on his game on the court against nemesis Joakim Noah but he was just as sharp off of it, talking about everything from his battle with Noah “The Nobody” to a potential labor stoppage next season, his future and his respect for “ring brother” Brian Scalabrine.

Sounding a very philosophical tone, Garnett said he is not looking for any sympathy for the nagging injuries he’s played through but rather just trying to enjoy himself as long as he can and as long as the NBA is still in business.

On Friday against the Bulls, Garnett showed the dominant form from the 2008 championship season, scoring 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting while grabbing 17 rebounds in Boston’s 104-92 win at TD Garden.

Garnett’s loudest statement wasn’t about silencing Noah but rather enjoying the moment.

“Especially with the lockout coming up, who knows if this is my last year or if we don’t play next year what it’s going to be,” Garnett said. “So I’m trying to enjoy the guys now, you know.”

He also addressed questions about his rivalry with Noah, the only player he refused to greet on the court just before tip-off Friday.

“I’m going to tell you something about people, man,” Garnett began. “Everybody has an opinion, and obviously, he had one. I’m not entertaining nor addressing nobodies. I’m not even entertaining them. I’m focused on basketball and these wins and trying to make this team better. Other than that, I’m not on anything”

Asked specifically if he considered Noah a “nobody”, Garnett smiled, winked and said more with less.
like he did with Detroit’s Charlie Villanueva and Milwaukee’s Andrew Bogut exactly a month earlier at the Garden.

“Next question,” he responded.

“I’m not dealing with nobodies anymore,” Garnett said back in November of his on-court run-ins with Villanueva and Bogut and the criticism that he is a “mean” player.

But most of all, he sounded like a veteran who was just enjoying getting his health back so he could show off his considerable talents, talents that will take him to Springfield someday and the Hall of Fame.

“Anytime you win, it’s enjoyable, to be honest with you,” Garnett said. “Playing with Shaq, some of the new guys, JO…I’ll be glad when he gets back. I’ll be glad when Perk gets back….Delonte. We have a real vibrant team and I love our team. I don’t like it, I love our team. I love our guys and this is the first time in a long time I’ve allowed myself to actually enjoy them. But I do have a certain way and a certain style that I like to be when I hit the court. Shaq gets a smile out of me very now and then, but for the most part I’m still me.”

But perhaps the funniest and most telling quote of the night came when he was asked about seeing Brian Scalabrine for the last time this year at TD Garden. Scalabrine got into the game in the final minute during “Gino Time” to chants that even KG had to respect.

“I love Scal to death,” KG said. “Right after the game, always go and show him respect. That’s my [championship] ring brother. But Gino’s my dude.”

7 Comments for “Kevin Garnett tunes into his ‘unplugged’ side”

1. Bryn Says:
   December 4th, 2010 at 10:22 am

   He called Bogut a nobody? wasnt the smartest move considering Bogut dominates him badly, abuses him, embarrasses him. Then again, garnett is a disgrace to the male race.

2. red Says:
   December 4th, 2010 at 11:18 am

   In response to Bryn:

   There is no such thing as a male race. If there were, Garnett would dominate and be one of the top athletes in it.

3. .eric Says:
   December 4th, 2010 at 8:11 pm

   You are obviously a real nitwit

4. Common Sense Says:
   December 6th, 2010 at 3:11 pm

   Put Villanueva or Bogut with Rondo, Pierce, and Allen and they would have a ring too. Garnett belongs in the Busch league – all that screaming and talking is a gimmick. I only see him do it when he makes a play… any play (possibly 6 times a game).

5. Steve Says:
   December 6th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

   Kevin Garnett is a 1st ballot Hall of Famer who’s heart, passion, desire, and talent is unquestioned by anyone of even limited basketball intelligence. Having said that, who are all these infantile posters commenting on a man’s game ? It’s all about 18 !!!!

6. Common Sense Says:
   December 6th, 2010 at 5:58 pm

   Would he be a first ballot HOF if he stayed in Minnesota? Give me a break! His “heart, passion, desire, and talent is unquestioned by anyone of even limited basketball intelligence.” You can say that about any PF on a Championship team.

7. Steve Says:
   December 6th, 2010 at 8:50 pm

   Yes, he would obviously be a 1st ballot HOF if he stayed in Minnesota.As I stated previously, anyone of even limited basketball intelligence would be in agreement, which you clearly don’t qualify. Your last sentence solidifies your legendary ignorance. Peace

Leave a Reply