četvrtak, 02.08.2007.
THE BIGGEST TICKET IN BEAN TOWN: K.G. sends shockwaves through East, NBA...
TROLIST ZA SREĆU CELTICSA - DRAFT KREMA '95, '96, '98 NA OKUPU, ROSTER MAXIMALNO SKRAĆEN...
Kevin Garnett summed up the main reason he's in Boston in three simple words. At this stage in his career, he finally realized he "can't do young."
His loyalty has its limits, and when the Timberwolves started waving him as they would a white flag, he finally relented on his desire to stay in Minnesota.
"I thought this is probably my best opportunity to winning a ring and here we are, wearing No. 5," said Garnett, who was unable to retain his No. 21 because it's retired in honor of Bill Sharman. "I'm excited. It's like being in a Lamborghini doing 200 (mph) with your head out the window."
Considering Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen all missed the playoffs last season, the breeze feels great. They can all breathe again.
One month ago, Pierce was demanding a trade out of Boston if the Celtics couldn't get him help. He was tired of doing "young", too. Allen was preparing to take on a mentor role to Kevin Durant. Garnett was watching Kobe Bryant's situation carefully, while also hoping Phoenix would be able to find a way to pry him loose. It was a long shot at best.
So now, there's hope. As a result, there's also pressure.
Boston has mortgaged its future and will rely on a trio of 30-year-olds to turn its fortunes around. A team that lost 18 consecutive games at the start of 2007 is now expected to win its division. They won 24 games all of last season. Now there will be a problem if they haven't matched that total by the halfway point of 2007-08.
KEVIN GARNETT MIX by YINKA DARE...
Danny Ainge indicated he's still got shopping to do. Maybe the lure of playing with veterans chasing a ring will appeal to P.J. Brown, keeping him from retirement. It could lead to Brevin Knight taking less money to sign up. Chris Webber can't even be counted out. The allure of playing with Garnett, Allen and Pierce figures to be great recruiting tool.
"When other teams see us coming," said Allen, "you have to be afraid because you're going to have to pick your poison."
While it's impossible to predict just how effective this union of All-Stars is going to be, on paper, it seems full-proof.
Because of Garnett's presence, Pierce and Allen are going to get open shots. As the most gifted big man in the Eastern Conference, he's going to command double-teams.
And yes, Garnett instantly has become the biggest fish in the East pond.
Shaquille O'Neal, limited by age and nagging injuries, is no longer the most dominant force in the game. Chris Bosh is further along than Dwight Howard, but both emerging stars are still chasing in the footsteps of the player both grew up patterning parts of their game after.
Garnett's arrival impacts the entire conference, with members of the Atlantic Division feeling the brunt of it.
Garnett instantly becomes the worst nightmare of former teammate Sam Mitchell, whose Toronto Raptors were set to run the Atlantic Division for the next decade. A wrench has now been thrown into those plans.
He rounds out a trio that challenges Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson as the best in the East. He trumps New York's impact trade acquisition, Zach who? The Knicks look to be no better than the fourth best team in the division.
Guaranteed to be together for the next three seasons, Garnett, Pierce and Allen promise to make life in the Eastern Conference interesting. Holding up their side-by-side for the first time, you could sense Boston's famed parquet floor emerging from its slumber. It's been just another piece of wood for too long now. Meaningful games are on their way.
www.kevingarnett.com
