Garnett Happy To Be Back With Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Kevin Garnett is officially back with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the organization and fans couldn't be happier.
The best player in the history of the franchise met the media Tuesday afternoon after he was traded just before the end of the NBA deadline last Thursday. Coach Flip Saunders said he will start at power forward Wednesday night when the Timberwolves host the Washington Wizards at Target Center. He practiced with the team Tuesday morning for the first time.
"I figure if LeBron can go home, why can't I?," Garnett said jokingly. "It's the perfect situation. It's a fairy tale ending."
Garnett said a lot has changed since he left Minnesota for the Boston Celtics after the 2007 season. He's become a more mature man, a more mature player and said he hopes to be a leader to the young players on the team.
"I've learned to communicate with teammates. I understand what it's like to be young," Garnett said.
He also acknowledged coming back to Minnesota was part of a long-term plan to stay in the Twin Cities, whether it is as a member of the front office or part of an ownership group. He said he wants to win a title with the Timberwolves.
"It's always been my goal to bring a championship here. It was my goal once I became a Wolf," Garnett said.
Garnett said he wasn't happy with how he left Minnesota after the 2007 season and is happy to be back with the Timberwolves.
"I wouldn't have come back if I didn't think I could help this team get better, if there were relationships that couldn't be fixed," Garnett said. "I've learned you forgive and forget."
While Garnett will start Wednesday night, he's not expected to play lengthy minutes at any point in the rest of the team's 29 games this season. In 42 games with the Brooklyn Nets this season, he had been averaging about seven points and six rebounds per game.
"I'm not here to play 30 minutes a game, Flip and I have already talked about that," Garnett said.
On asked if he ever wants to coach, he said, "Hell no."
The Timberwolves are expecting a capacity crowd for Wednesday's game and have made arrangements for 1,000 extra seats. Fans are encouraged to get to Target Center early for the 7 p.m. game. Doors open for season-ticket holders at 5:30 p.m. and for the general public at 6 p.m.
