Wolves Beat Writers Reflect on KG's Flaws

St. Paul Pioneer Press
May 12, 2007
Section: Sports
BODY SHOTS: KEVIN GARNETT

Eyes: In "Rocky III," Apollo Creed told Rocky Balboa to regain "that eye of the tiger." K.G. needs to find the same thing in the fourth quarter. Generally, Garnett appears content to let somebody else take the big shot at the end. Could you imagine Michael Jordan doing that? K.G. has been labeled a superstar, but true superstars want the game's outcome in their hands.


Ears: Garnett certainly can't complain that his ears hurt from all the noise made by raucous crowds at Target Center this season. The decibel level was down all season because Garnett and the Wolves struggled to finish 32-50. What Garnett should hear is more reality from Wittman and less coddling from management. He needs to hear from the front office that he needs to take the team's failures personally and stop waiting for help.


Heart: Nobody has accused Garnett of lacking heart ... but should we? Something inside him is lacking, because too often he shoots jumpers instead of driving to the basket. Garnett could have increased his 22.4-point scoring average this season had he drawn more than 6.6 free throws a game. He was 17th in the NBA in scoring, but only two players shot fewer free throws a game -- 6-foot-5 Ray Allen (5.6) and 6-7 Joe Johnson (5.5).


Star Tribune
June 28, 2007
Section: SPORTS
Patrick Reusse

Garnett let little Troy Hudson deliver the fourth-quarter daggers Monday, content with one more selfless game on his way to the Hall of Fame. Garnett had 24 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, but he never forced a thing Monday at the Garden. He never does.

I'd trade all those emotional displays we see from KG in the fourth quarter of a close game for a single non-stop foray to the basket in the final seconds. What we get is the 16-foot jumper that bangs off the iron, followed by Kevin's familiar, head-hanging walk off the court.Yes, he shows up and gives it an effort every night, and he has an enviable all-around game. But it doesn't change this: If Garnett was as good in the clutch as a Duncan, James, Wade or Bosh, the Wolves wouldn't have returned to the 30s in victories.