Flip Saunders on Kevin Garnett

by Matt Watson on Dec 19, 2007 1:31 AM EST

Saunders talked a lot about Garnett after practice today. He called him the most versatile player ever to play the game, and it's hard to argue the point. Saunders told the story about giving Garnett his first NBA start. It, ironically, was in Boston late in KGs rookie year. "I played him almost the whole game," Saunders said. "I took him out late and as he walked by me he said, 'Thanks for playing me so much, coach.' Things have kind of changed since then."

More from Flip: "Here's the number one thing about KG. There is nobody in the game that respects the game as much as he does. When people respect the game like he does, I always say the basketball gods will shine upon you and good things will happen. If you respect the game, it will come back to you and it has come back to KG three-fold.

Funny story. It'd be even funnier if it were true. Garnett's first NBA start actually came on January 9, 1996 in Los Angeles -- the Lakers won that game 106-104, and KG played only 22 minutes. (The only time the Wolves played in Boston that year was on December 22, 1995, when KG played 19 minutes off the bench.)

It's not the first time Saunders has told a revisionist history in regards to KG, but whatever, I still agree with the second part, which was kind of the whole point of his comments. KG is one of the game's good guys and as fans we're better off with him being surrounded by talented teammates.

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I mentioned this over at the RedsArmy blog:
http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba-news/garnett-mcdyess-ejected-as-pistons-outlast-timberwolves-in-double-ot-ar38642.html

I know the McNicest player in the league has forgiven and forgotten, but has Garnett? Stay tuned, Pistons fans. :)

by Mike Payne on Dec 19, 2007 2:05 AM EST reply actions

Nice! I’d forgotten about that, but it’s definitely getting a reminder post …

by Matt Watson on Dec 19, 2007 2:09 AM EST reply actions

That’s the thing about these reporters, Matt. Anyone with a column and a notepad can quote somebody without checking up on the story. That’s why we’ve got bloggers, to check on the facts of the story to make sure that it’s accurate. Newspaper reporters just don’t understand what it takes to get to the bottom of tough news stories, they just sit there, starstruck, as coaches and NBA personalities hold forth, never thinking that the information they get might not be accurate.

McCosky questions the credibility of bloggers, huh?

by PDXPistonsFan on Dec 19, 2007 2:09 AM EST reply actions

Nitpicking: does anyone anywhere know the meaning of the word “ironic?” If KG had his first start against Boston, it’s a coincidence, not irony.

by Rob G on Dec 19, 2007 6:42 AM EST reply actions

seriously, i’ve heard enough arguments about the definition of irony to last me a lifetime thank you.

by Kyle on Dec 19, 2007 10:33 AM EST reply actions

its ironic that we’re discussing the definition of irony.

by Mike Payne on Dec 19, 2007 12:28 PM EST reply actions

I don’t really mind Saunder’s over-playing his own role in developing KG. I mean really how entertaining would the TRUTH actually be?

“Develop what? The kid was obviously psycho talented when he got here. Throw in the fact that I can’t coach my way out of a wet paper bag and it becomes obvious that not even mediocre NBA coaching/talent/really sh*tty weather could stop that kid. He’s a manbeast. Also Flip Murray has nekkid pictures of me with a 13 year old cheerleader so THAT’s why he plays so much in the fourth okay? Get off my pompador!”

by PistonsGirl4Life on Dec 19, 2007 9:58 PM EST reply actions