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Boston Celtics big man luminary Kevin Garnett doesn’t much care of the Minnesota Timberwolves raise his jersey to the rafters despite the strong ties he still has to the community.
In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the South Carolina native revealed the depths of his ongoing distaste for Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor.
Garnett had a longtime relationship with Minnesota head coach Flip Saunders, who — like KG — came into his own with the Wolves, left the team to work elsewhere, then return at the end of their respective careers.
Saunders would pass away after a bout with Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer in 2015, after which Garnett believes Taylor’s stance concerning the Boston legend’s relationship concerning plans for the Big Ticket to join the team’s ownership group changed.
Kevin Garnett on @HoopHall induction with Kobe Bryant/Tim Duncan, Minnesota/Boston years, unleashing his truths about Glen Taylor, the most difficult challenge of his basketball career, and more.
On @TheAthleticNBA: https://t.co/w6JmN9cYFB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 7, 2020
Concerning rumbles the Timberwolves might retire his jersey, the recently-anointed (though not yet inducted) Hall-of-Famer rejected the notion flatly.
“First of all, it’s not genuine. Two, he’s getting pressure from a lot of fans and, I guess, the community there,” began Garnett.
“Glen and I had an understanding before Flip died, and when Flip died, that understanding went with Flip. For that, I won’t forgive Glen. I won’t forgive him for that. I thought he was a straight up person, straight up business man, and when Flip died, everything went with him.”
“There’s no reason to complain. Just continue to move on. My years in Minnesota and in that community, I cherish,” he added.
Garnett spent the bulk of his career with the Timberwolves, only leaving in the final quarter of his career to join the Celtics in search of an elusive ring. Still, he never turned his back on the organization — at least until his falling out with its current owner.
“At this point, I don’t want any dealings with Glen Taylor or Taylor Corp. or anything that has to do with him,” said KG.
Garnett talks Kobe, Wolves, banners and more in Hall of Fame interview https://t.co/2a7oIlimDC
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 7, 2020
“I love my Timberwolves, I’ll always love my guys, I’ll always love the people who fuck with me there. I’ll always have a special place for the city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota in my heart.”
“But I don’t do business with snakes … I try not to do business with openly snakes or people who are snake-like,” finished the 15-time All-Star.
It doesn’t sound like this relationship will be healed any time soon, but then Taylor may not always be the team’s owner. With Garnett still in his early forties, there’s still time for a new face to rebuild those connections should the team change hands in the interim.
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