Kevin Garnett – Passion of a Warrior

It happened way back this season, the game when Kevin Garnett taunted Jose Calderon while he was dribbling the ball across the court.

Some have called for a “taunting foul”, some have disparaged Garnett for being a “bully”, while others have talked about the great passion that Garnett has for the game.

To me, Garnett is just an overgrown kid who enjoys playing basketball above all and hates losing above all – the symbol of ultimate competitiveness. He, not Pierce, not Allen, stands alone on the top of the green pyramid which demolished the Lakers in the finals last year. His passion is contagious, and it never lets down. He’s the guy who kisses Rondo’s head when he’s playing well, and makes “Big Baby” cry when he doesn’t.

Talk about the big three all you want, it’s Garnett who transformed the Celts last year. I know, Pierce had great games against the Cavs and some against the Lakers. Allen had some great games too, despite his slump mid-way through the playoffs. I am also aware that both of them played consistently well throughout the season to earn the all-important top spot before the playoffs. But it is Garnett’s basketball exuberance summed up in his screams after Game 6 against the Lakers: “Everything’s possible,” and “What can you say now” which made Perkins a rock-solid center and Rondo one of the most exciting young point guards in the league; that same exuberance which had helped Pierce refocus on his defense and Ray accept being the third offensive option on the team.

What else can I say now? After you see Garnett talk about his feelings while playing the game all you can wish is to once, only once, feel the same while working for your living.

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Maurice Garnett (born May 19, 1976 in Mauldin, South Carolina) is an American professional basketball player for the NBA’s Boston Celtics. After graduating from Farragut Career Academy, he was the fifth player drafted in 1995. He became the first NBA player drafted directly out of high school in 20 years. His accomplishments include being voted Most Valuable Player of the 2003-04 season, NBA Defensive Player of the Year of the 2007-08 season and being named to twelve All-Star teams and eight All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams, respectively. He is also the all-time leader in NBA seasons played with averages of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Read more ->