Kevin Garnett's deja vu debut in Minnesota
Ex-Boston Celtic and Banner 17 Champion, Kevin Garnett made his "homecoming" debut for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Leading into the "event," Garnett was definitely his characteristically enthusiastic self about the transition back to his rookie roots.
It’s perfect. If you have a story, this is a fairy tale. This is a perfect ending to it. This is how you want to do it. I know these are the declining days of my playing days, but I think I have so much more to bring. This is the perfect situation. This is full-circle right here.
Garnett even called on LeBron James as reference material regarding his career move AND during KG's re-introduction to the Minnesota fans, James tweeted out a reaction.
Kevin Garnett, at his welcome back to 'Sota presser: "I figured if LeBron can go home, (s---), why can't I?"
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 24, 2015
Sending chills through my body watching the TWolves annonce KG to the home crowd during intros! #Crazy #NoPlaceLikeHome #StriveForGreatness
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 26, 2015
These views from inside the Target Center give a good indication of what LeBron alludes to in his tweet.
Holy crap guys. https://t.co/eHOFkQ1qef
— Steve McPherson (@steventurous) February 26, 2015
Another one of Garnett's memorable soundbytes regarding his return to Minnesota focused on what he hopes to offer the younger generation of guys on the Timberwolves team.
As reported by Dan Myers at the Sports Xchange, Garnett said:
I'm here to share my experiences and my journey and instill confidence in these young guys and show them, not just how to work, but how to work effectively and just give myself to this team.
From the looks of things during their 97-77 win against Washington, he is already living up to his word.
As is routine on Garnett's part and as Celtics fans can attest, KG enjoys the home court crowd and the crowd enjoys him. There's no question, they are happy to have him back in Minnesota and it would seem the feeling is mutual. Teammate, Ricky Rubio also joined in the frenzy taking to Twitter postgame to express his excitement.
Shirtless Wolves Fan Dances For Kevin Garnett, KG Laughs & Waves https://t.co/lTR45tKJst
— The Cauldron (@TheCauldron) February 26, 2015
Kevin Garnett on his first game back with #Twolves at Target Center: "The energy in the building was ecstatic."
— Andy Greder (@twolvesnow) February 26, 2015
"It felt like my rookie year" - KG
— MN Timberwolves (@MNTimberwolves) February 26, 2015
Great atmosphere at TC tonight. Awesome to have BigTicket back. Part of the family. Welcome back KG! pic.twitter.com/AJ1jt171Ih
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) February 26, 2015
Steph sidebar: As part of his first game back with the team that drafted him, Garnett was slated to face his (our) old friend, Paul Pierce. I was definitely looking forward to typical on-court exchanges between the two.
After getting a little banged up in Tuesday night's Wizards game, Pierce had this to say about his role against Minnesota:
#Wizards @paulpierce34 to @cmillscsn on playing tomorrow in Minnesota, "can't break steel" pic.twitter.com/qcQmrTjhmL
— Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC) February 25, 2015
Unfortunately, despite his confident-laced comment...Pierce was deemed a late scratch and did not see the floor for the Minnesota game. Even in the absence of them sharing the court on Garnett's famed night, it's still fun to look at how the Big Ticket and the Truth's paths have crossed.
Follow Steph on Twitter @stephmbenz