It seems like only yesterday that “Da Kid” burst onto the scenes in the Twin Cities, forever changing the landscape of the NBA. Now “Da Old Man” may be getting ready to hang his sneakers up for good. Kevin Garnett, now 40 years old, has been in the NBA for 21 seasons. Garnett is currently deciding whether to start down the road towards season 22 with the 2016-17 Timberwolves and there’s no telling what he’ll do.
Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan retired at the end of this season after having played less years than The Big Ticket. Garnett entered the league in 1995, Bryant came in 1996, and Duncan in 1997. While some may look at Garnett’s illustrious career that has left nothing to prove and say it’s time to start retirement, the Wolves forward still feels that he has one last goal to accomplish. He wants to get the Timberwolves back to the playoffs.
The Wolves are currently in the midst of a twelve season playoff drought, but with a bevy of young stars, may fans and online sportsbooks think that the Wolves will finally win their way out of the draft lottery.
“He’s a little torn, I think,” said Reggie Miller. “It’s the age-old question of mind over matter. I’m sure his mind is telling him he’s able to play. But can his body follow?”
If Garnett does end up retiring, it won’t be due to his will to compete giving out, but rather his legs. Wolves owner, Glen Taylor stated that Garnett has hinted at as much.
“So I asked the question but I didn’t get an answer that helped me. Yes, theoretically, he’d like to play. But he has some doubts of his knees holding up. I believe he told me exactly the truth.”
Head Coach Tom Thibodeau will give Garnett as much time as he needs to make his retirement decision. However, the clock is ticking as the summer heads to a close and training camp opens.