Kevin Garnett reveals his reason for not attending a Timberwolves playoff game

There is little question that Kevin Garnett is still the greatest player in the 35-year history of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is at the top of the franchise leaderboards in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, triple doubles, win shares, and a host of other statistical categories.

From the time he was drafted by the Timberwolves in 1995 until his departure in 2007, Garnett gave his all for Minnesota. Few other players in NBA history have represented their team with the kind of passion, tenacity and competitiveness that KG embodied. His love for the city and franchise led him to returning to the team to end his pro career.

That love is also the reason he remains such a big supporter of the Wolves to this day, as he takes on the challenges the next stage of his life brings. Appearing on a recent episode of All The Smoke with his friends Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Garnett was asked about a topic that has become common in Timberwolves spaces recently.

KG explained his absence at Timberwolves playoff games on All The Smoke

With KG being such an adament supporter of the Wolves, many have been wondering when he will return to Minnesota to attend a playoff game. After all, there has never been a better time for him to make an appearance with the kind of run the team is having. Garnett's answer was one related to personal commitments.

"I don't want to come off like some bandwagon cat," he said. "I'm always in spirit ... I just can't up and be somewhere these days like my younger days, I have responsibilities ... But I'm here in spirit. I watch these games, I sit down, I'm really locked in, I don't miss no Timberwolves games ... I have a real intimate connection with those guys, talking to those guys and caring for those guys, so I'm watching with a different intent than I'm watching a lot of other teams."

For those who know what Kevin Garnett is about, this feels like a very on-brand response. He has his own personal and professional commitments, but Wolves fans can rest assured he is watching closely from a distance. His love and support have not wavered, despite what the outside appearance may be.

Kevin Garnett will attend Game 5 on Thursday

While KG has still not attended a playoff game in Minnesota as of this writing, it seems he will be in the building in short order. Appearing on NBA Today on ESPN on Wednesday, Kendrick Perkins revealed that he has been told Garnett will be present at Game 5 of Timberwolves versus Mavericks on Thursday night.

It is a long time coming for KG, who has not returned to Target Center since retiring due to an ongoing disagreement with team majority owner Glen Taylor. It is for the same reason that Garnett is yet to have his jersey retired by the franchise.

But getting The Big Ticket back in the Twin Cities for what will be a massive Game 5 is still a huge development. The Wolves may have a little extra motivation to get the job done with the legend in attendance.