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LA Clippers: Why Kevin Garnett would be perfect for L.A.’s staff

By Tom West

Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a shot in warmups before the game with the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a shot in warmups before the game with the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Garnett has joined the LA Clippers’ training camp and Doc Rivers wants him to join the team’s staff, so here’s a look at how Garnett could help the Clippers.

Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; LA Clippers practice guest and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a shot in warmups before the game with the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; LA Clippers practice guest and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) reacts to a shot in warmups before the game with the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

LA Clippers fans received an interesting surprise when they learned that the recently retired Hall of Famer to-be Kevin Garnett attended the team’s training camp on Thursday. He was joining in with practice, working with Blake Griffin individually, and generally imparting some of his wisdom and basketball IQ with the team. Garnett returned Friday, too. It helps support Doc Rivers’ intention of bringing Garnett to the Clippers’ staff in some shape or form, as Doc has strongly expressed how much he’d like for his former Boston Celtics player to join the team.

Dan Woike of the Orange County Register reported just how pleased Doc was with Garnett’s “teaching clinic” on Thursday:

"“KG was phenomenal today. Even before practice, he had a teaching clinic that you would pay a lot to see. It’s great to have him around. He’s a great teacher. We know him as a great player. I know him as a great teacher. He’ll be really good for us. I don’t think he wants to coach. He’s not that crazy. … I think he has a teaching future.”"

In fact, Doc holds Garnett in such high esteem (as everyone should) that he’s offered Garnett, who has a home in Malibu, an open invitation to mentor the Clippers and train with them whenever he likes in the season:

"“This was as organic as it can be,” Doc said. “I just told [Garnett] to come around and figure it out. Do whatever you want and whatever he does, I’m good with it. I do think he can have a very positive impact with us.”"

Will Garnett actually leave retirement so soon for a role as an assistant coach (which sounds unlikely when considering Doc’s comments and those of Garnett in the past) or a trainer? Or anything that would get him to work with the team officially? Who knows. We can’t be sure yet. But there’s no denying him participating in the Clippers’ training so soon is at least a good sign, and an invitation to do so again if he wishes.

As we consider the possibility, here’s a look at why Garnett is a perfect fit for the staff and what he can bring to the team.

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