The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> faced some tough decisions this offseason, notably letting Damian Lillard go, which left Giannis Antetokounmpo without his offensive partner. This move has raised questions about the Greek star’s future, particularly since the team has not signed yet another star offensive player. As a result, many fans doubt the franchise’s ability to win the championship. Now, an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Hall of Famer has made a bold prediction about their true capabilities.



“It’s an uphill battle in the East. When you have teams like Cleveland that has a super duper roster, I’m watching Orlando get better, you know what I’m saying. You’re going to need more than just Giannis. You’re going to need some pieces that’s consistent with what the league is doing. And yeah, I think you need to put some help around him,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Garnett</a> said, via Milwaukee Bucks Youtube channel.



After winning the championship under Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks have seen three head coaches leading the roster without apparent success. Despite possessing a highly talented roster, they have struggled to maximize its potential. Trades involving key players like Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton have produced minimal results. Now, Damian’s departure leaves a significant gap in the offense that the team has yet to fill.



<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract is pushing the Bucks toward a major roster decision</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> has managed to remain one of the best players in the NBA for several years. However, his outstanding performances have not yet led to another championship victory. Now 31, the Greek player has a contract extending through the 2026-27 season, with a player option for 2027-28. As he enters the final years of his contract, he may be pushing the Bucks to make significant roster changes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250816_BUS_473391_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-1024x576_0173baaa.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo looks down" class="wp-image-398005" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 29, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption></figure>



Throughout the offseason, several viral videos have captured the Greek player’s desire to win more championships before retiring. Many NBA insiders report that Giannis’ contract renewal discussions with the Bucks center more on the team’s long-term sports project rather than financial terms. As a result, the franchise may feel compelled to initiate moves that will restore the team’s competitiveness.


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With this in mind, the Bucks have added players like Myles Turner, Kevin Porter, Taurean Prince, Gary Harris, Jericho Sims, and Cole Anthony. However, fans remain skeptical, as Giannis Antetokounmpo still lacks an offensive partner of Lillard’s caliber. If they fail to sign more talent, Giannis’ future with the Bucks could hinge on Doc Rivers’ ability to maximize the current roster’s performance as the team must return to being top contenders.

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NBA Hall Famer makes bold prediction on Bucks’ title chances -‘You're going to need more than just Giannis’ - Bolavip US

miniaturas

NBA legend Kevin Garnett shared a courtside moment with a BYU freshman, AJ Dybantsa, during the 2025 NBA Summer League. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics icon sat next to the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025, sharing knowledge as Dybantsa starts his college career.&nbsp;



A video showed the moment in which Garnett told Dybantsa that he shouldn’t run away from the grind and put in the work to improve his game.&nbsp;



“These kids come in like, ‘Nah, I don’t want to get in.’ Nah, you need to come in and get better, bro. You know what I’m saying?,” he told Dybantsa. “You’re going to leave here and go play somewhere else, right? Okay then, the competition is right here; let’s get it.”



<h2>AJ Dybantsa compared to Kevin Garnett</h2>



Dybantsa is fresh off a gold medal win in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. He’ll now join the Cougars to try to win the national championship before he most likely becomes the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250728_BUS_449671_AJ-Dybantsa-1024x576_bcb6df26.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="AJ Dybantsa in 2024" class="wp-image-446921" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/23153004/AJ-Dybantsa.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>AJ Dybantsa #3 of Prolific Prep of Napa Christian poses for a portrait after their game against Accelerated Prep at Napa Valley College on February 25, 2024.</figcaption></figure>



Many would say there wasn’t a better player to pass on knowledge to AJ Dybantsa than Kevin Garnett, a legend that the BYU freshman has been compared to in recent times. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College basketball</a> analyst Fran Fraschilla explained the similarities between the two players.



“I’ll try to create a visual for BYUMBB fans for what to expect from AJ Dybantsa after watching him all week at @usabjnt Under 19 practices,” Fraschilla shared. “Best description is that if Kevin Garnett came back as a small forward with his intensity, athleticism &amp; his team-first style, that’s who the Cougars have.”



Dybantsa set high expectations for his team this season and KG’s advice may well help him achieve those goals.&nbsp;

Kevin Garnett has the ultimate advice for AJ Dybantsa

Kevin Garnett has the ultimate advice for AJ Dybantsa - Bolavip US

Throughout NBA history, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have been home to a roster that includes some of the league’s most iconic legends. Players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant have left an indelible mark on the league. For many players, joining the Lakers represents a golden opportunity to shine in one of the league’s biggest markets. Recently, even a former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> champion confessed to regretting not playing alongside a Lakers legend.



“I’ve often wondered what playing with (<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>) would’ve been like. Beside (Bryant), you know? What would we have been like? If playing with (Paul Pierce) was like this, then playing with (Bryant) would’ve been like what?,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Garnett</a> said, via GQ.



Although Kevin Garnett did not refer to winning more championships, he claimed victory just once, securing the 2008 title with the Boston Celtics. If he had joined Kobe Bryant in LA, he likely would have won more, since the Lakers’ legend captured five championships. His comments highlight the strong legacy Kobe left in the NBA as a symbol of hard work and dedication.



Furthermore, Kevin Garnett said he was close to joining the Los Angeles Lakers. In an interview with Dan Patrick, he explained the reasons why he rejected his arrival to the historic franchise. “What’s disturbing about the whole Lakers situation was just Kobe (Bryant) and Phil (Jackson) at the time. They were at each other pretty bad, and a new situation full of uncertainty wasn’t something that I wanted to get into,” as reported by CBS News in 2011.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250722_BUS_445522_kobe-bryant-1-1024x559_e4d56c56.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Lakers legend Kobe Bryant" class="wp-image-403675" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/23134803/kobe-bryant-1.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Kobe Bryant #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on October 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How did the Kobe Bryant–Phil Jackson feud start in Los Angeles?</h2>



In the 2003-04 season, the Lakers were defeated 4-1 by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. However, not only did they lose the championship, but it was the beginning of the rift between Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. In his book ‘Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success’, the legendary head coach confessed the reasons behind the breakup.


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“The Kobe incident triggered all my unprocessed anger and tainted my perception of him… It distorted my view of Kobe throughout the 2003-04 season. No matter what I did to extinguish it, the anger kept smoldering in the background,“ he wrote. In addition, Phil confessed that this incident was very personal to him because his daughter had gone through a similar episode.



Despite Phil Jackson’s departure from the franchise at the end of the 2003-04 season, he returned for the 2005-06 season. During his comeback, both stars reconciled and went on to secure two more championships. Had the Kobe-Phil feud never occurred, there was a possibility that Kevin Garnett could have joined the team, allowing him to play alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant.

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Former NBA champion admits he regrets never playing alongside a Lakers legend - Bolavip US

Former NBA champion admits he regrets never playing alongside a Lakers legend

Paul Pierce remains confident that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> were on track to secure another NBA championship in 2009—had it not been for Kevin Garnett’s untimely injury. Speaking on the latest episode of Podcast P with Paul George, the Hall of Famer and Celtics icon looked back on what he believes was a lost title opportunity due to Garnett’s absence.



“Yeah, without a doubt, because you gotta understand—KG missed about 30 games,” Pierce said. “You know we won 61 games? I think we would’ve won 70 games that year if he wouldn’t have got hurt. We knew we couldn’t win it without him. He was the heart and soul of everything that we did.”



Garnett, who helped lead the Celtics to the 2008 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> title, suffered a right knee injury during the 2008–09 season that ultimately sidelined him for the playoffs. Despite finishing the regular season with a 61–21 record, the Celtics were knocked out in the second round by the Orlando Magic. Orlando then went on to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2009 NBA Finals.



Pierce emphasized just how vital <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Garnett</a>’s presence was to Boston’s identity, and said the team’s core always knew their title hopes hinged on KG’s availability and leadership on the court. Garnett’s two-way dominance and emotional intensity, Pierce argued, were irreplaceable components of the Celtics’ championship formula.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“Yea without a doubt… We knew we couldn’t win it without him… It&apos;s hard to win in this league. You gotta be good and lucky." Paul Pierce says the Celtics would’ve beat the Lakers and Magic in 2009 if Kevin Garnett stayed healthy 👀 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/PodcastPShow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PodcastPShow</a>)<a href="https://t.co/QeA4AdwM2p">pic.twitter.com/QeA4AdwM2p</a>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1940833852181852491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



The former Finals MVP also touched on the role of luck in championship runs, referencing Boston’s 2010 Finals loss to the Lakers in seven games. He pointed out that center Kendrick Perkins missed the decisive Game 7 due to injury, a factor he believes significantly impacted the Celtics’ chances.


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“The next year we went back to the Finals, and if [Kendrick] Perkins don’t get hurt… That’s why we say to win it all, it’s hard to win in this league. You gotta be good and lucky,” said Pierce, underscoring how thin the margins can be in title runs.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-pierce">Pierce</a> then drew a parallel to today’s NBA, specifically the Indiana Pacers’ heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. Indiana fell in seven games after star guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles just minutes into Game 7, following a dominant start with nine quick points.



“Like Indiana—think about it… The shot bounces up, that’s part of the journey, that’s part of the luck,” Pierce said, alluding to Haliburton’s string of clutch performances that helped fuel the Pacers’ deep playoff run. According to Pierce, championship dreams often hinge on a few key moments—and a little bit of fortune.

Celtics legend Paul Pierce reveals the true impact Kevin Garnett has on the team

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Celtics legend Paul Pierce reveals the true impact Kevin Garnett has on the team - Bolavip US

NBA Hall of Famer <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Kevin Garnett</a> has never been one to hold back, and once again, the former Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics star is making headlines — this time for his excitement over an anticipated Summer League showdown between Cooper Flagg and Bronny James.



The highly anticipated matchup has already captured fan attention, and now Garnett is adding fuel to the buzz. The former MVP took to Instagram with an energetic post after receiving the Summer League schedule.



“Awwwww s**t… just got the Summer League schedule and I see that got BRONNY VS THE FLAG… FIRST NIGHT TYPE ISHHHH… yooooo the energy in the building is about to be crazy,” Garnett wrote. “YESSS, LET’S GET THIS THANG STARTED… I need to see it.”



This clash between Flagg and James is already being hyped as one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 NBA Summer League — not just for basketball reasons, but for the media spotlight each young star carries. Bronny James, the son of NBA icon LeBron James, has been in the spotlight for years. Although selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Lakers, he saw limited action in his rookie season, averaging just 2.3 points over 6.7 minutes in 27 NBA games.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="427291" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250629_BUS_429293_Cooper-Flagg-5_e8f8f28f.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Cooper Flagg in 2025" class="wp-image-427291" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5.jpg 1920w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/26133823/Cooper-Flagg-5-250x140.jpg 250w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks speaks to the media after being drafted first overall during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025. </figcaption></figure>
</figure>



However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bronny-james">Bronny</a> impressed in the G-League with the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 11 appearances. That development earned him another chance to prove himself on the Lakers’ Summer League roster, and fans are eager to see how he performs with a full offseason under his belt.


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On the other side, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> enters Summer League as the most talked-about prospect in years. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg was selected by the Dallas Mavericks after a sensational freshman season at Duke. The 6-foot-9 forward led the Blue Devils in nearly every major statistical category, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks over 37 games. Despite an ankle injury that kept him out of part of the ACC Tournament, Flagg returned strong in the NCAA Tournament and posted 27 points in Duke’s Final Four loss to Houston.



Garnett’s enthusiasm is nothing new when it comes to either player. On his podcast with Paul Pierce, Garnett praised Flagg’s game and charisma, saying, “We ain’t had no bada, cold a white boy like this in a long time.” He’s also been vocal in support of Bronny James, especially during his standout G-League performances last season.



The Lakers-Mavericks game is part of an opening-night doubleheader that also features the San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers, headlined by top prospects Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe. All 30 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> teams will compete in the 11-day Summer League event, which once again promises to offer a first look at the league’s future stars.

Kevin Garnett expresses excitement about a future matchup between Cooper Flagg and Bronny James

Cooper Flagg expresses excitement about teaming up with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the Mavericks

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Kevin Garnett expresses excitement about a future matchup between Cooper Flagg and Bronny James - Bolavip US

On Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a major step toward the NBA Finals. They went up 2-0 in the Western Conference against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite a standout performance from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-edwards">Anthony Edwards</a>. Still, the shooting guard hit a historic playoff mark.



The Ant-Man was the top performer for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/minnesota-timberwolves">Timberwolves</a> in their 118-103 loss at Paycom Center. In 40 minutes on the court, he scored 32 points (second only to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38), while also recording 9 rebounds and 6 assists.



Thanks to those numbers, Edwards became the highest-scoring player in Minnesota playoff history, surpassing NBA icon <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Kevin Garnett</a>. Anthony reached 1,065 points in the postseason, passing the former power forward’s mark of 1,049.



What’s remarkable about this record is how quickly Edwards achieved it. Garnett played 12 consecutive seasons with the Timberwolves early in his career, from 1995 to 2007, with a brief return before his retirement in 2016. During that span, he made eight playoff appearances and played a total of 47 postseason games.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250523_BUS_403763_kevin-garnett-1024x576_7c5df98e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-283001" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kevin-garnett.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett was surpassed by Anthony Edwards</figcaption></figure>



Anthony, on the other hand, is only in his fifth <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season, and this is just his fourth trip to the postseason. At just 23 years old and with only 39 playoff games under his belt, he’s already scored more points in that stage than any other player in the franchise’s history.


 

 

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Having proven his individual value in this kind of setting, the challenge now for the young guard is to lead his team to success. Last season, the team was eliminated in the Conference Finals with a resounding 1-4 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. And things aren’t looking good now against OKC: down 0-2 in the series, it will be crucial for the Timberwolves to hold strong at Target Center if they hope to keep dreaming of their first NBA Finals appearance.



Meanwhile, Edwards is making headlines not just for his performances on the court, but also for off-court controversies. This week, he was fined $50,000 for using inappropriate language during a press conference and, following the Game 2 loss in Oklahoma City, refused to speak to the media.


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Anthony Edwards makes Timberwolves history with major NBA playoffs feat in Game 2 vs OKC - Bolavip US

The Dallas Mavericks have been in the spotlight since winning the NBA Draft Lottery and securing the first overall pick. That gives them the opportunity to draft <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> — or use the pick as a powerful trade chip. NBA legend Kevin Garnett weighed in on the dilemma.



“They’re going to have to move this… You got the Flagg, bro. The name of the game is capture the Flagg. Now I think you entertain the best offers,” Garnett said on Ticket and The Truth Podcast. His co-host, Paul Pierce, immediately posed a hypothetical scenario involving <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>: “You got the opportunity to trade Flagg for Greek Freak. You’re doing it?”



KG didn’t hesitate: “I’m in, yeah. I’ll go for Greek, I’m sorry.” Pierce pushed back: “And risk the fan base?” But the former Minnesota Timberwolves power forward stood his ground. “I don’t give a (expletive). Wait until you see the Greek. Wait till the Greek gets here,” he said.



“Listen, Dallas got the now, the middle, and the later. They’re built for the now, the middle, and later,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Garnett</a> added, before stepping into the shoes of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison. “We trying to win now. I got the guns and the beam on me now. I got to win now. So the now is now.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250518_BUS_400085_Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-1024x576_79e425db.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Giannis Antetokounmpo looks down" class="wp-image-398005" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/14161925/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-Milwaukee-Bucks-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Garnett thinks the Mavericks should trade Flagg for Giannis.</figcaption></figure>



The conversation later turned to what it would mean for Dallas to part with another generational talent — just a year after doing so with Luka Doncic. While Pierce argued that fans would never accept it, KG offered a different scenario: “What if Cooper Flagg comes in here and don’t pay? You got a chance to get Giannis and didn’t take it!” said the 2008 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> champion with the Boston Celtics.


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“Bro, it’s damn if you do, damn if you don’t,” Garnett said. “You have Kyrie (Irving), Anthony Davis, two real bigs with (Dereck) Lively and (Daniel) Gafford. Bro, come on, bro. You got (P.J.) Washington, man. Man, you got a horde of dogs over there. Man (expletive) Klay (Thompson).”



Leaving the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks">Mavericks</a>’ decision behind, Kevin turned his attention to the draft pick system itself. “This was bogus as (expletive)… When Dallas got the first pick… They got to fix that,” he began. “The bad teams in the league need the players that are coming out of college, coming out of high school. Those are the teams that need the Draft.”



Garnett continued: “Even the Spurs got the second, bro. The Hornets need help. Washington, they need players. I’m being honest. Cooper Flagg in Washington, Cooper Flagg in some other place. Those franchises need that talent.”


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Dallas Mavericks receive eye-opening advice about Cooper Flagg from NBA legend: ‘I got to win now’ - Bolavip US

Yao Ming was a standout in the NBA during his years with the Houston Rockets, known for his massive 7’6” frame and dominant presence. During that era, he often went head-to-head with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Kevin Garnett</a>, who later shared a hilarious anecdote from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games while playing for Team USA.



“So listen, we had a bounty out on Yao Ming. First cat to dunk on Yao Ming? A million dollars,” Garnett recalled during a February 2025 interview on All The Smoke. “Man, we all said, we all put our hand. Listen, I think it was (Antonio) McDyess, myself, it was like six other people that had that. You know what I’m saying? Like, if we catch him, it’s a million. Cool.”



Very early in the Olympics, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/team-usa">Team USA</a> had the chance to face Ming, as their tournament debut was against China. At that point, the center was just 19 years old, still playing for the Shanghai Sharks, and two years away from being selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA Draft.



“Everybody was trying,” KG recalled of that game. “But man, Yao Ming wasn’t playing that (expletive). Boy, Yao Ming was laying people out! You hear me? Trying to lay your (expletive) out. He knew, he felt it, like, ‘Yeah, y’all trying to (expletive) on me out here.’ He fired his (expletive) out.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250517_BUS_399663_Kevin-Garnett-1024x576_f51d7087.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kevin Garnett" class="wp-image-221512" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Kevin-Garnett-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Kevin-Garnett-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Kevin-Garnett-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Kevin-Garnett-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/Kevin-Garnett.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett won the gold medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sidney Olympic Games.</figcaption></figure>



Team USA won that game comfortably—as they did most games in that tournament—and Yao Ming had a rough performance: he scored just 5 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, handed out 2 assists, and blocked 2 shots in 16 minutes on the court.


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After no one managed to cash in on the Yao Ming bet, Team USA found motivation in other challenges. “Vince (Carter) caught the boy in France (Frederic Weis),” Garnett said. “He didn’t want any problems, so I thought he was actually going to challenge it. You know, he’s 7’4”! And he curled!”



KG later theorized that Weis’ performance against Team USA played a role in his failed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> career, despite being a first-round pick by the New York Knicks in the 1999 Draft. “When I say he wiped his (expletive) in real time, boy. He wiped his (expletive) with the Frenchman, man. I was like, ‘Ooooh.’ That man never made it after that. We never heard about that man. That man buried.”



That Rudy Tomjanovich-coached squad featured NBA icons like Ray Allen, Tim Hardaway, Jason Kidd, and Gary Payton. They had little trouble marching to the gold medal, defeating every opponent in their path—including Russia in the quarterfinals, Lithuania in the semifinals, and France in the final.


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This NBA season is delivering one of the most hotly contested MVP races in recent memory, with both Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander putting together historically dominant campaigns. The debate has sparked strong reactions from around the league — including from Boston Celtics legends Paul Pierce and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Kevin Garnett</a>, who recently proposed a radical change to how the MVP award is handed out.



On the latest episode of KG Certified, the 2008 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Celtics</a> NBA champions dove into the merits of both MVP frontrunners. Garnett emphasized the absurd consistency of Jokic’s numbers, warning that not rewarding the Nuggets star would mean “throwing away one of the greatest regular seasons we’ve ever seen.”



The discussion reached a surprising pivot when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-pierce">Pierce</a> asked, “Has there ever been a co-MVP?” After learning that such a scenario has never occurred in NBA history, Garnett didn’t hesitate. “If there ever was a time for one — it’s now,” he declared.



<h2>The numbers behind the narrative</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Jokic </a>continues to lead the league in several advanced metrics and traditional stats. He’s averaging 29.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game — essentially a triple-double over the course of the season. His efficiency, vision, and unselfish play have kept Denver in strong playoff position despite the increasing pressure in the West.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250405_BUS_370387_shai-Nikola-Jokic-1024x559_c745f967.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="shai-Nikola-Jokic" class="wp-image-357741" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17195417/shai-Nikola-Jokic-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17195417/shai-Nikola-Jokic-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17195417/shai-Nikola-Jokic-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17195417/shai-Nikola-Jokic-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17195417/shai-Nikola-Jokic.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder attempts to drive past Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Paycom Center on March 9, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. </figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shai-gilgeous-alexander">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> has emerged as the engine behind Oklahoma City’s resurgence. He currently leads the NBA in scoring with 32.8 points per game, while adding 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists on highly efficient 52/38/90 shooting splits. He’s also been disruptive defensively, averaging 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game — a rare combo for a guard.


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<h2>Eyes on the playoffs</h2>



Despite their stellar regular-season production, both stars — particularly Gilgeous-Alexander — will need to prove their impact when it matters most. With the Western Conference tightly packed and teams like the Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies lurking, the margin for error is slim.



As the MVP race tightens, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> faces a compelling dilemma: Should one of these generational talents walk away with the award? Or is it time to consider a precedent-breaking co-MVP honor?

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Last week, Damian Lillard joined the list of players who will miss the rest of the season due to physical ailments. What’s striking about this is that the Milwaukee Bucks star added his name to a list that already included Victor Wembanyama, who had also dealt with blood clot issues earlier in the 2024-25 NBA season. In light of these incidents, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Kevin Garnett</a>, a Boston Celtics legend, offered his take.



“I hope the league… I’m not saying they’re withholding information, but they really need to take a deep dive into this,” Garnett said during a conversation with former teammates Paul Pierce and Tony Allen on Ticket and the Truth podcast. “This has happened to three or four players this year. You didn’t hear about this last year, and I didn’t hear about it two years ago.”



The former Boston Celtics center then shared a theory about the rise in blood clot cases. “You know what I think it’s coming from, bro? The medication,” he explained. “I’m not a doctor, but this is all I’ve learned from going through this. I’m willing to bet that is anything in the medicine… it really puts a burden on your bloodstream and a burden on your body.”



Garnett went on to describe the physical toll that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> players experience. “Listen to me, bro, you’re in so much pain after a game… All this stuff is to help the joints calm down immediately… You have to go through an extensive test just for these reasons here on how you’re not only reacting to it but if the medicine is affecting any bodily organs, if it’s (expletive) with organs you can’t take it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250402_BUS_368431_damian-lillard-1024x559_3324f3a8.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="damian-lillard" class="wp-image-363931" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25223300/damian-lillard-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25223300/damian-lillard-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25223300/damian-lillard-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25223300/damian-lillard-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25223300/damian-lillard.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts untucking his jersey after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Bucks 104-93 at Chase Center on March 18, 2025.. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Garnett weighs in on the risks of playing in the NBA</h2>



Garnett also spoke about the physical challenges that come with competing in the NBA. “The first problem with every person in the league is that he’s not hydrated. Every person that you see playing, is probably dehydrated,” he said. “That’s because you’re running 8, 9 miles a night. Imagine you play Stephen Curry, you’re probably running 11 miles just chasing him.”


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The 2008 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics continued: “So you gotta take medicine that kills or cuts off some of that inflated. And if you start taking that medicine, taking that medicine, taking that medicine, the first thing that get that is your kidneys and your liver. Because you gotta process that, and if you’re not hydrated, then it’s really…”



<h2>Wembanyama and Lillard out for the season</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard">Damian Lillard</a>, a recent case of blood clots in his calf, was forced to sit out the remainder of the season, leaving the Milwaukee Bucks without one of their stars just ahead of the playoffs. Months earlier, the same fate befell <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/victor-wembanyama">Victor Wembanyama</a>, who dealt with a blood clot in his right shoulder. This setback was a huge blow to the San Antonio Spurs and effectively ended their chances of competing this season.



Beyond the sports impact, the most important concern in these situations has been the health of the players. During the same conversation on Ticket and the Truth podcast, the hosts recalled the case of Chris Bosh, who had to retire due to a similar condition years ago. “You have to take that seriously. Blood clots are nothing to play with,” Garnett concluded.

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The 2024-25 NBA regular season is nearing its conclusion, with only a few weeks remaining before the start of the playoffs. As a result, several debates are intensifying, including the race for league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett weighed in on the conversation, adding a surprising name to the discussion, one that could rival <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/draymond-green">Draymond Green</a>.



“If I’m being honest, bro, I actually think Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) doesn’t get enough credit,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Garnett</a> said during a conversation with Paul Pierce and Tony Allen on the Ticket and The Truth podcast, when asked about Green’s chances of winning the award. “I think Shai’s offense shadows his defense. You don’t see the deflections, you don’t see his steals.”



Garnett also suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder star could achieve something historic this season. “I actually thought he was one of the very rare players who has the chance to win MVP and still be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year,” the former center noted. “He’s that active.”



On <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/shai-gilgeous-alexander">Gilgeous-Alexander</a>’s qualities, Kevin reiterated: “We underestimate steals, deflections, and (expletive) like that.” He concluded: “I like Shai, man, and I think it’s something for him to even be considered Defensive Player of the Year.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250329_BUS_366185_shai-gilgeous-1024x559_b48dab52.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="shai-gilgeous" class="wp-image-342310" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22203420/shai-gilgeous-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22203420/shai-gilgeous-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22203420/shai-gilgeous-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22203420/shai-gilgeous-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22203420/shai-gilgeous.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Shai’s numbers</h2>



Kevin Garnett makes a valid point when he discusses how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive prowess often overshadows his contributions on the defensive end. It’s understandable, given that Shai is on track to become the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s scoring champion this season, leading the league in points per game with an impressive career-high of 32.9.


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On the defensive side, the guard isn’t performing too shabby either: he ranks ninth in the league in steals, averaging 1.8 per game. However, he’s far behind Atlanta Hawks’ Dyson Daniels, who leads the category with 3.1 steals per game.



<h2>Garnett highlights other defensive players</h2>



Although the debate started around the supposed favoritism that Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has for the Defensive Player of the Year award, Kevin Garnett made it clear that he has other players in mind. “Surprisingly, I like the kid out of Denver, (Christian) Braun. He’s a lock-up artist, I’ve seen him a couple of times play some real caps and slow them down,” Garnett said, referring to the young shooting guard.



Later, KG clarified his ranking. “I think Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) should get it. I think Wemby has had eight blocks four times this year, which is unheard of in our league. That’s David Robinson-ish, Hakeem Olajuwon. It’s his award. Wemby should win Defensive Player of the Year,” Garnett stated confidently. “If not him, Jaren Jackson or Shai. Those are my three.”


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The Duke Blue Devils are the best team in the nation right now. That’s not much of a surprise, considering that they also have the best player in all of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>.



Even if he doesn’t play another minute for Jon Scheyer’s team, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has already established himself as the consensus first-overall pick in the 2025<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft.



His size and ability to score at all three levels of the court make him a deadly matchup. However, per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, his defensive prowess and passing skills remind him of Kevin Garnett.



<h2>Expert compares Cooper Flagg to Kevin Garnett</h2>



“This would be a Kevin Garnett-type impact player, although there are some differences stylistically, with Flagg displaying more traditional wing creation skill. Like Garnett, though, Flagg mixes power forward size with ball-handling and passing. He has also been a highly efficient post scorer at Duke, as well as an encouraging mid-range shooter,“ Wasserman wrote. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250320_BUS_359113_garnett-1-1024x576_2f281e61.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-355755" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves </figcaption></figure>



Judging by what Garnett was able to accomplish in his career, this is definitely a flattering comparison. And while Flagg isn’t as outspoken, vocal, and trash-talking as the Minnesota Timberwolves legend, the resemblance in their games is evident.


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Garnett was one of the most dominant two-way players in the league in his prime. And if Flagg manages to be two-thirds of the driving force he was, whoever takes him will be in for a treat.

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to NBA Hall of Famer

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to NBA Hall of Famer - Bolavip US

When players, fans or analysts debate the NBA’s all-time starting five, it’s rare for Michael Jordan or LeBron James to be excluded. Yet Kevin Garnett, the legendary power forward who won an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, made his picks without including either player.



In a 2021 appearance on MILLION DOLLAZ WORTH OF GAME podcast, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Garnett</a> didn’t hesitate to name Magic Johnson as his point guard. “Magic at one, just because he’s 6’9″, he can see everybody,” Garnett explained. 



Surprisingly, he chose Kobe Bryant over <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Jordan</a> at shooting guard. “Now I got to go MJ. Matter of fact, I’m going to put Kobe on my two. I know you’re gonna say MJ, I’m supposed to take MJ because he’s the guard, and we copied him and s—, but I got Kobe at my two,” he said.



Rounding out his starting five, Garnett included himself, Kevin Durant, and Wilt Chamberlain. Although he considered Allen Iverson, he ultimately left him off the roster. “I really want to put AI in here somewhere, but I got all the team because I’m gonna switch everything. You know what I’m saying? I’m putting KD at my three, KD’s like a real fade. You know what I’m saying? And then I’m going with Wilt. I’m playing the four,” Garnett added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250314_BUS_355748_garnett-2-1024x576_31fcadcc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-355768" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14181044/garnett-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Garnett’s backup team</h2>



Garnett also excluded Jordan and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">James</a> from his backup roster. Instead, he went with a more unconventional lineup, headlined by Pete Maravich. “My backup point guard going to be Pete Maravich,” he said. 


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“All right, then I’m going to go AI coming off the bench, because he’s buckets all day. All right? Big Dog (Glenn Robinson) at the three. Sheed (Rasheed Wallace) at four,” he continued. “Then I’m going Shaq at five. Coming off the bench. And then if I need two more to come off, I’m gonna go get VC (Vince Carter) because he was a bucket in Georgia”.



<h2>Garnett’s greatest player</h2>



Though Garnett omitted LeBron James from his starting five, he expressed deep admiration for James during a 2023 interview with Stephen A. Smith. “He’s my GOAT of all of this—the business, everything,” Garnett said. “We’ve never seen a 6’9″, 265-pound player run the joint”.



Garnett praised James not only for his on-court dominance but also for his impact beyond basketball. “He’s the vision of what every black man should aspire for,” Garnett explained. “Being a billionaire, having your own labels—he set the tone”.

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Kevin Garnett names his all-time NBA starting five excluding Michael Jordan and LeBron James - Bolavip US

At just 26 years old, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jayson-tatum">Jayson Tatum</a> has already cemented his place as one of the NBA’s elite players. Alongside Jaylen Brown, he led the Boston Celtics to the pinnacle of the league last season, consistently delivering top-tier performances week in and week out. However, according to Kevin Garnett, the small forward has yet to reach his full potential.



“When I watch Tatum, he’s learning how to take over games,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Garnett</a> said on Ticket and The Truth podcast. “I would like him to be a little more consistent on the second and third effort. Sometimes when he done get fouls he’ll melt right there and kind of complain a little bit.”



Despite offering constructive criticism, the 2008 NBA champion with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Celtics</a> was full of praise for Tatum’s growth. “He keeps developing and he’s growing his game. He looks stronger this year, he’s playing through fouls, playing through a lot of contact,” Garnett explained. “I see the growth in his game, the growth in his confidence coming down, being able to put the nail in the coffin, or hit big threes.”



KG was optimistic about Jayson’s future. “I think Tatum’s going to get even better. As he gets older he’s going to get smarter, I think his IQ is going to grow, he’s going to get better at playmaking,” Garnett said. “I’m excited for his growth and what he’s going to be. I don’t think that we’re seeing the best of him yet and I think the best of him is yet to come.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250223_BUS_342261_Garnett-1024x576_fa349b37.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315357" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/16211329/Garnett.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on February 11, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Garnett is pleased with the Celtics’ team dynamic</h2>



While discussing Jayson Tatum’s development and consistent improvements, Kevin Garnett also acknowledged the strong support system the Boston Celtics have created around the young star. “Obviously he has a a bunch of talent around him so he doesn’t have to do too much,” the former center noted.


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“I think him and Jaylen Brown do a great job of being the head of the snake of that team,” the 48-year-old icon continued. “I love all the pieces that they have up there that has created this green buzzsaw.”



<h2>Tatum’s impressive numbers this season</h2>



After leading the Boston Celtics to the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> title, Jayson Tatum has maintained a high level of excellence in the 2024-25 season. Having played 53 of 56 games, he is averaging 26.8 points (eighth-best in the league), 8.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, along with a plus-minus of +7.3—team highs in all of these categories.



These outstanding performances have earned Tatum not only the respect of analysts and former players like Kevin Garnett, but also his sixth consecutive All-Star Weekend selection, further cementing his status as one of the NBA’s most prominent young players.

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Boston icon Kevin Garnett explains what Jayson Tatum needs to improve on to reach his full potential - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a>‘s recent tenure with the Miami Heat was far from smooth. The team suspended him multiple times, with the last suspension being indefinite. This created a cloud of negativity around Butler, but NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett feels that the Golden State Warriors offer the ideal opportunity for the six-time All-Star to rebuild his image.



After Butler’s departure from Miami, his reputation took a hit, with some teams unsure about whether they would encounter the same issues the Heat had faced. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-garnett">Garnett</a>, speaking on his show “KG Certified,” is confident that joining Golden State offers Butler a fresh start.



“Going back to the Jimmy situation, the Warriors have a real coach and a real way of doing things,” Garnett explained. “If Jimmy actually wants to change the narrative around him, this is his chance”.



The former Boston Celtics <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> champion believes that Butler can make a significant impact with the Warriors, provided he focuses on basketball. Garnett emphasized that when Butler is locked in, he is a game-changer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_335128_jimmy-butler-12-1024x576_6f220d4a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-335130" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/12170337/jimmy-butler-12.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jimmy Butler #10 of the Golden State Warriors lo during the first half at the United Center. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



“If he fully buys into this system, he can change everything because, when he’s locked in on basketball, he’s a game-changer,” he continued. “Let’s just say it — when he’s focused, his impact on the game is invaluable”.


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<h2>A better version of Butler with the Warriors</h2>



Garnett also feels that Butler’s time with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Warriors</a> will help him evolve into a more mature version of himself. He pointed out that Golden State’s system will assist in that growth, although Garnett does not believe it will propel them to the top.



“When he is focused on basketball, his impact in the game is so valuable… I think we’re going to see a better version of Jimmy. At some point, we gotta expect a more mature Jimmy,” KG explained. “I think this system helps him… I don’t think it’s going to take them over the top, though”.



<h2>Leadership in the locker room will be crucial</h2>



Furthermore, Garnett believes that having championship-level leaders like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in the locker room will prevent situations similar to those Butler encountered in Miami. With Butler no longer expected to be the primary leader, like he was in Miami, Philadelphia, or Minnesota, his role on the Warriors will be different.



“I don’t know if he had championship-level leaders that he truly respected like he does here,” the legendary forward explained. “Would Joel Embiid and Maxey have said something if Jimmy acted out in Philly? When he was in Minnesota, did KAT and Wiggins have the presence to step up and check him? In Golden State, they don’t play that. Ain’t none of that s— shappening in this locker room. This is how we do it here“.

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Kevin Garnett believes Jimmy Butler can rewrite his negative narrative with the Warriors - Bolavip US

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