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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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Jan 16, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Garnett (2) hugs Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) prior to their game at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Garnett (2) hugs Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) prior to their game at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Strong relationships

The obvious factor tying Kevin Garnett to the LA Clippers is the established relationships he has.

Doc Rivers is clearly eager to reunite after being Garnett’s head coach for the Celtics’ championship in 2008, and on that team with the two was Clipper Paul Pierce. Who, after his recent announcement, will be staying with the Clippers for one final season.

If there was any extra incentive for Garnett to join a team’s coaching staff right away, rather than spending a year completely away from the game, being able to spend a season with someone close to him like Pierce could be that extra incentive.

The two had talked about retiring together, and while that may no longer be an option, Pierce would still benefit from Garnett’s companionship and he certainly wouldn’t hesitate to argue just how wise and impactful KG’s presence would be for the Clippers.

Dan Woike reported how Jamal Crawford felt when Garnett checked into the team’s practice on Thursday, and his description of “being a sponge” around Garnett would be the case for everyone on the roster, rookies and veterans alike:

"“I couldn’t stop watching him… That’s one of the best players to ever play the game. Every second you’re around a player like that, you listen to every single thing he’s saying. You’re a sponge.”"

Doc and his players know how helpful Garnett would be, both from a technical and mental standpoint. If Garnett wants to stay involved with basketball in some manner, in whatever role that may be, the long-time relationships he has with members of the Clippers is something he won’t necessarily find elsewhere.

Next, the importance of Garnett influencing the team’s mentality.

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