In interview in China, KG talks Rondo, coming back to Boston and more

It's a good thing Kevin Garnett is promoting a new shoe in China.

Garnett has never really been one to speak openly about his emotions about current or former teammates, unless it's in some battle-fueled rant about kicking ass or bar fights. He is even more reclusive in the offseason, often quietly walking off into the sunset without a peep until the next season starts. But with Garnett on promo duty, he's forced to give interviews and of course the dominate topic the Big Ticket is asked about is his time in Boston.

Thanks to Jay King of MassLive for transcribing the quotes. You can read the whole thing and see the video here.

Garnett was asked about his return to Boston:

I haven't thought about it. I'm pretty sure it will be emotional, very similar to when I went back to Minnesota and I was with Boston. I'm anticipating coming to the Garden as an emotional one, but more memorable than anything. My years in Boston will never be forgotten, I'll take those memories with me to my grave.

Garnett said his best memory in green was winning the title, of course, and his worst was losing it in 2010.

He also keeps in touch with the youngins he played with on the Celtics:

All of them, Avery Bradley, Courtney Lee, I kind of shouted out to all of them and told them that the move was what it was, and that there wasn't any love lost between me and those guys. It's just business. Those guys will be forever with me. If they ever need me then I'm right there. I called (Jared Sullinger) to make sure he was alright, I heard he went through a little difficulty (so I wanted) to make sure he was okay. I've been calling to make sure Rondo's okay, I've been checking on him because I know he's getting back for the season. But those are just things I do to people that I'm close to. I reach out to Courtney Lee and Avery Bradley every now and then to make sure they're okay.

Garnett said the biggest thing he taught Rondo was leadership:

I feel like one of the things I always tried to stress to him is, when you're a leader, you lead by example. It's not a lot about what you say, it's a lot about what you do.

He also believes Rondo can be the guy in Boston to make the team a winner again:

Absolutely. I'm sure he's going to push them to make the team better, and (president of basketball operations Danny Ainge) is going to do just that. The franchise has always been used to winning. They have a new coach and new system up there, so I'm thinking that's going to be a plus. I wish them all the best, man. I have no ill will towards anything in Boston.

You gotta love these quotes as rare as it is for Garnett to speak so openly. His love for Boston isn't surprising as Garnett always gives his all into whatever team he is play for.

It remains to be seen if Garnett's advice about leadership to Rondo will translate without the point guard's two future hall of famers by his side to guide him along. If Rondo does start playing and leading like the superstar he has the potential to be, then Garnett will be right on the money about the sometimes volatile point guard leading the team in it's quest for banner 18.

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