The Literal Big Baby and KG as leader.

[Frink]

Make what you will of this. I know part of sports is toughening people up but the best coaches know which players can take the really tough treatment and who needs the occasional light touch. We'll see how Davis copes I guess.


http://blog.ingamenow.com/2008/12/07/big-baby-glen-davis-cries-kevin-garnett-pwns-him/

[coolhandgopher]

I'm not a KG apologist in the least, but I don't think he should be railed upon too much here. From what we can see on the video, he didn't directly and solely focus upon Davis in his rant against the reserves. Glen Davis' tears were unfortunate, they were captured on camera and will be a continual story now, but I think at the heart of it was KG imploring his teammates to play hard. Perhaps he saw something in the game or previous practices which concerned him as far as the backups not bringing the necessary intensity required to repeat their championship.

I agree that being a leader doesn't mean chewing someone out and embarrassing them, but sports is often a different animal in this regard-the physical intensity carries over to emotional intensity. I do feel bad for Davis in this situation, he was frustrated by the tongue lashing and now his reaction is framed forever and lesser men will crucify him for his instinctual reaction.

[Frink]

I'm certainly not going to pin all that on KG. I will say that KG's intensity is what makes him a great player but sometimes it goes too far.

[MNSnowman]

actually, I meant to post this link when I first read it but it got misplaced.

I first thought this thread's headline might have referenced this story by Steve Aschburner in CNN/SI a few days ago:

The divergent paths of KG and Steph (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/steve_aschburner/12/05/garnett.marbury/index.html)
I have to admit I thought Stephon made a huge mistake at the time he left the Wolves and still think about what might have been had he been more mature.

[Frink]

There's no better guy to write about that situation than Aschburner. He was a very good beat reporter and close to the situation.

For what it's worth I agree that leaving the Wolves was the first step down the wrong road for Steph. As a basketball fan it's really a shame. As much as he annoys me I must admit Marbury is an absolutely stunning talent and the NBA would be a better place if he had lived up to his potential.

[UpnorthGo4]

KG is all about KG. Everyone else, and everything else, is secondary to him. I don't miss him at all. He was part of the problem when he was here.

[MNSnowman]

I don't miss him at all. Yes, the post-Garnett Timberwolves have been compelling ... simply compelling. Those poor, poor Celtic fans don't know what they've gotten into with him on the team. :rolleyes:

[weezy]

You won't find too many players more unselfish than KG. Does his intensity go overboard at times? Yes, I suppose (remember when he punched Rickert in the face?) but he is most definitely not selfish.

[GophersInIowa]

KG is all about KG. Everyone else, and everything else, is secondary to him. I don't miss him at all. He was part of the problem when he was here.

I'm starting to think you just hate the wolves. Why do you even post anything about them?

You are right though, it's so obvious we are much better without him. :cool:

[Gopher4Life]

Upnorth,

Have yu ever watched a game?

[jamiche]

KG is all about KG. Everyone else, and everything else, is secondary to him. I don't miss him at all. He was part of the problem when he was here.

KG took his "me first" attitude to Boston and damaged a historic franchise. If it weren't for KG the Celtics might have had the opportunity to draft Kevin Love this year!

[Gopher4Life]

Nobody wants to win more than KG. It's hard to fault him for that passion.

[Goph4phan]

Gotta agree with G4L here.

If even half of the NBA played with the passion and effort that KG does night in and night out, people would actually watch. KG wants to win. Sometimes he might be a little over the top, but its for a good cause, not pouting on the bench because he's a multi million dollar stud not getting his way...

I hope he wins several championships.