The Value of Kevin Garnett to the Timberwolves

What is the true value of Kevin Garnett to the Timberwolves as the NBA’s free agency period begins?

One of my favorite days of the NBA season is upon us: the first day of free agency.

I love it. So much chaos. So many Woj bombs. So much ‘he signed for how much?!’

I’m on Twitter about three days a year: NBA trade deadline day, NBA draft night, and July 1st for the opening of NBA free agency. Unfortunately (or maybe not) for Wolves fans, very rarely is their squad involved in the nuttiness that is the first few days of free agency.

Once again, this year will likely be another quiet one. There is no KD meeting to fantasize about and definitely no banana boat emojis on the horizon.

Despite the little fanfare expected out of the Wolves during free agency, I still believe they have at least one big decision to make: what to do with Kevin Garnett?

This decision could play a huge factor on if KG continues to be a part of the organization after his playing days are over. Yes, he didn’t contribute much on the court last season and considering his mileage and age it’s unlikely he’d contribute much next season either. But his value to the team reaches far beyond his current on court abilities and I believe the Wolves should be practically begging him to come back for many reasons.

For one, KG has a legendary work ethic and according to Doc Rivers is the greatest practice player ever. Last year, Jackie MacMullen at ESPN.com wrote a great piece on KG’s intensity and general craziness.

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The story begins with how KG refused to skip a single practice, much less a game during the 2009 season. (The previous sentence would make Allen Iverson chuckle before taking another sip of an adult beverage.) At the end of Jackie’s story, Doc Rivers stated that he had to cancel a practice because KG refused to sit out and was mimicking every movement of the guy who took his place in a scrimmage. A scrimmage.

Another nice nugget in Jackie’s piece: at last year’s Summer League in Vegas the Wolves organized an 8 a.m. informal workout. Wouldn’t you know it, when the other players showed up, KG was dripping in sweat already after arriving two hours early, and chastised the other players about their commitment.

There are so many stories like this about KG.

Why does this matter? Well, the answer is obvious. With so many still developing young players on the roster how in the hell could KG’s work ethic and intensity NOT rub off on them? According to the two most prized youngsters, Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony, it definitely has.

From the MacMullen piece: “As soon as he steps into the building,” Wiggins said, “everyone feels they have to play at a higher level.”

Towns, in a first-person diary for GQ: “I think everyone needs his energy. It pushes us to be great. When you have someone who is so energetic, so passionate, that passion starts to flow through you.”

Are you still not convinced he’s worth $8 million in salary next year?

Here’s another reason: nearly every single reputable NBA franchise has a history of staying loyal to their stars long after their career is over: David Robinson in San Antonio, Hakeem Olajuwan in Houston, and every single retired Heat player ever come to mind. Hell, Magic Johnson has been calling Lakers team president Jim Buss a complete idiot for like five years but the team only recently took his honorary VP title away.

I think it’s important to note that there’s no way KG comes back to the franchise if the Wolves cut him loose this year. He was so loyal for so long to this franchise in his first stint here but he’s supposed to be okay with us tossing him aside because his playing ability doesn’t match his salary in his 22nd season? Hell nah. So for all of you just hoping he retires now and moves straight to the front office here you can forget it. He signed a two-year deal last year and he expects the Wolves to honor it.

Kevin Garnett represents an opportunity for the Timberwolves to take care of their only superstar (to date) and reap the benefits for years to come. The benefits are two-fold: one, it creates an opportunity for him to extend his on court tutelage to the young players for one more year. Seriously, I think $8 million is a bargain if just to allow him another year to guide Wiggins and Towns to greatness.