Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett’s Next Project?
Before I begin any sort of commentary, I would be remiss in not at least acknowledging the sublime, almost inhuman offensive performance put on the Minnesota Timberwolves by the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
While the box score tells a tale of ruthless efficiency, it still doesn’t do the game justice. The Pelicans scored 139 points while essentially taking the entire fourth quarter off. They scored 139 points while attempting only 16 free throws; they made 56 field goals. They were 15-of-20 from three-point range.
More from Hoops Habit
- The 5 most dominant NBA players who never won a championship
- 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
- Meet Cooper Flagg: The best American prospect since LeBron James
- Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
- Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout
The Wolves made 29 field goals and, honestly, didn’t play that poorly. The lack of identity and experience was evident without Thaddeus Young, although it was fun to watch Andrew Wiggins take on a more aggressive role.
For anyone that watched that performance, I’m sure you were as mesmerized as I was. I simply feel privileged that I was able to see it.
Before Friday’s game, though, there was a report from Yahoo! Sports’ Marc J. Spears that claimed former Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett hoped to someday be the owner of the team. That was a shock to me; I figured that he could talk about love and respect for the franchise and it was hardly more than token speak. Maybe it is only that, what you’re supposed to say, but then I remember back to when Garnett was in Minnesota. He was, and is, emotional, but he just oozed authenticity. He was genuine. And that didn’t change when he changed teams.
As a Wolves fan I remember wanting, even more than the trade return, Garnett to be in a situation where he could legitimately compete for a championship. He deserved that more than any player in the NBA. And that night they clinched the championship, I cried a little along with him.
We’ve seen, though, that being an owner is serious business. It isn’t just being a familiar face or a ceremonial presence. The skepticism around Michael Jordan’s ownership lasted for years, and I think it did some damage to his legacy, albeit in a different realm. Only now, after considerable trial-and-error, is he being looked at as a legitimate member of that group.
So is this a reasonable goal for Garnett? I don’t see why not. And I think anyone associated with the Wolves or the fans should be excited at the prospect. I know that I would be interested to see how it would change the perception that Minnesota isn’t a destination spot for players.
I wonder whether it could start a domino effect of former high profile players looking to form a group to buy a franchise. I could see that becoming a trend. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this business, given the insane values that NBA franchises, even ones in smaller markets, are currently selling for?
People need to remember that there aren’t a lot of Steve Ballmer’s out there. Garnett would be part of a group where he could buy a majority stake. And you don’t think the league would be thrilled to add another minority owner to the league in the wake of jettisoning Donald Sterling? There is no doubt in my mind that would be near the top of Adam Silver’s wishlist.
My wishlist? I’m pondering the possibilities of Garnett as principal owner, wooing free agents with stories of shared NBA experiences and even cautionary tales of going to teams with owners not as, um, “plugged-in” with the needs of the modern player. I think I like that possibility.
For Garnett to say all this says a lot about how he feels about both Minnesota and this franchise. He loves Flip Saunders and credits him for his development as a player. He still wants to be a part of NBA after he leaves. He’s loved here. Imagine what his legacy would be if his ownership could change the Timberwolves narrative among the league. That might dwarf any on-court accomplishment he’s had in an incredibly storied career. And that’s no small statement. Let’s hope this thing is more than just talk.