Kevin Garnett is the best player in Minnesota Timberwolves history. In 14 seasons with the franchise, the power forward won NBA MVP, made multiple All-Star teams, and cemented himself as one of the all-time greats. What I’m getting at is Garnett knows Minnesota well. So, when he sees all the turmoil going on with Jimmy Butler and everybody else, he’s got as much right to chime in as anybody.
Speaking with The Athletic’s John Krawczynski ($$), Garnett said he always wants the best for the organization and city, so he’s hoping the situation – Butler’s apparent distaste for his young teammates and trade demand – can be remedied.
“I’m ‘Sota for life. I’ve always wanted better for not only the city and the franchise, but Wigs, KAT, those are my guys. I root for those guys. Gorgui Dieng. Those are my guys. I’m just hoping they can get through this rough patch and everybody can get on the same patch and figure it out. It’s a s— storm up there.”
Garnett noted he’s got in tussles with teammates and coaches before, calling himself a “Tasmanian devil” who would say not so nice stuff to former head coach Kevin McHale and Flip Saunders. But, Garnett used his energy to motivate the team. Butler is trying to do the same thing but in the wrong way.
The Timberwolves are certainly in the midst of the roughest of rough patches. Butler was supposed to be the veteran, calming force whose versatility and skill elevated Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the T-Wolves organization. While Minnesota qualified for the playoffs last season, just one year after getting dealt to Minnesota, Butler seems to think they don’t play hard enough and wants out.
It would be shocking to see Butler stay in Minnesota beyond this season. But, like Garnett said, hopefully, they can get through their troubled relationship and figure things out. Otherwise, the sh-t storm is only going to get more complicated.
[theScore]
