Kevin Garnett has been the force that has transformed the Boston Celtics from league doormat to serious title contender every season. Since 2007-2008 KG has been the man that defines the Celtics with his intense nature and incredible pit bull like mentality. It is KG that is firing up the team with his chest thumping and constant trash talk going. The only way to truly describe it is he brings the swagger to Boston. Case in point was last season. The team really did not have the swagger until KG picked up his defensive game in the playoffs. KG was at about 70 percent and still managed to help carry Boston to within a breath of an NBA title. This season KG looks recovered and is attacking the NBA like a man trying to get back a year that he lost. His play has Boston once again at the top of most lists to be NBA Finals bound. However, enjoy it while you can Celtics fans because this might be the last season that anyone sees KG play basketball again.
KG is 34 and entering the last year of his contract next season. The problem is the NBA is threatening a lockout. If the NBA does, then KG is dropping hints that he may not return. Many could easily see a man that has battled recent injuries like KG winning one more ring and then saying I am done. Go out a winner and let the fans discuss his mark on Celtics history seems like a great ending to me.
However, I cannot see KG leaving. The man is just too competitive. I cannot see KG walking away if he has anything left in the tank. He will return, especially if Doc Rivers, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce return. The man knows that with Rondo and Danny Ainge adding the needed parts, the Celtics are a team in the title hunt. I cannot see KG ever being satisfied with winning only one or two rings if he believes they can win one more. What fuels KG is the next title run, not previous ones. Besides, can anyone really see KG just sitting around his house or finding a hobby? I also doubt that he could keep from dropping F bombs so commentating basketball games or offering analysis is out. He seems a little too intense to coach. No, the man is a basketball player and until his tank is empty he will play. Judging by this season his tank has a lot more left in it.
Maybe KG is semi serious. Maybe he is just using this to add fuel to his motivational drive to help Boston win Banner 18. Maybe this talk is all premature because David Stern, the owners, and the players know they need to get a deal done and the sides will get it done. Either way this much is certain, KG will not be here forever. Life after KG will not be the same. I trust that it will be better than before KG came with Ainge rebuilding around Rondo. However, I doubt the same swagger will be surrounding this team. Gone will be the intense KG screaming and shutting down whomever he guards. Gone will be the explosive KG dunking off feeds from Rondo. Gone will be KG intensely challenging his teammates for more out of themselves and celebrating their successes. That means enjoy every minute KG has left folks whether it is one, two, or three more seasons. There will never be another quite like him in Boston. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!!!!!!
