Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett was among the many people in attendance to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the NBA Emirates Cup championship game this week. In honor of his special guest, Giannis reflected on his own experience with Garnett and their summer workout training sessions that helped develop his game.
“I had a week of workouts with him. He was sweating more than me. I was the one working out…best experience of my life,” Giannis told Kevin, via NBA. “I just want to say, man, it was a pleasure working with you, bro.”.
Kevin Garnett has long been retired from the NBA but his legacy as one of the all-time great big men stands tall. The 15x All-Star was drafted 5th overall in 1995 and retired after 21 seasons with career averages of 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game on 49.7% shooting.
Besides his elite defense and versatile interior offense, Garnett was known for his ruthless competitiveness and Giannis saw it for himself firsthand during their private workout. Even now, Garnett will outwork everyone just like he did during the prime of his career with the Celtics.
Earlier in Giannis’ career, back in 2017, he met with Garnett, and the two spent hours in the gym honing their craft. To this day, Giannis still has a great respect for Garnett and it’s no secret that he’s molded some of his own game after the former Timberwolves star.
So when the two reconnected at the Emirates Cup championship game this week, it was truly a full-circle moment for the NBA that neither side will forget.
So while Garnett is no longer around to defend his legacy, he gets to live on through a guy like Giannis Antetokounmpo, who he helped train up in the ways of interior-oriented basketball.
Of course, with one championship already in the books, Giannis has already attained the highest possible award in the NBA but he’s not ready to stop now. At just 30 years old, Giannis is already a 2x MVP, NBA champion, Finals MVP, 8x All-Star, and 8x All-NBA defensive player. Over 11 years in the NBA, he’s averaging 23.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 54.8% shooting.
This season is on track to be one of the best of his career so far but the job is not finished after winning the Emirates Cup. Now that the Bucks have gotten a taste of success again, there’s no looking back and they must keep the pressure on in order to keep this positive momentum.
This season, with averages of 32.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game Giannis is already on track for a place in the MVP conversation. And if he’s learned anything from Garnett over the years, it’s that his work ethic will ensure that his team remains competitive.
After making history as the second NBA Cup winner, the Bucks head to Cleveland for a game against the Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse at 7:30 PM EST. On Thursday, December 19th, the Bucks are set for a game against the Washington Wizards at home, at 8:00 PM EST. After a brief time off, the Bucks head to United Center to battle the Chicago Bulls at 8:00 PM EST.
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