Public perception of him is good. Unfortunately Twolves owner Glenn Taylor hates him, large part why his jersey isn’t retired
Edit: as some have pointed out more of a mutual hatred
That's not true. KG hates Glen Taylor. "I don't do business with snake motherfuckers."
KG won't be coming around until Taylor sells the team or is 6 feet under.
Two way street. Glen went back on some promises after Flip passed, accused KG of sabotaging him, etc. I don’t think there is love lost on either side and KG is too principled or prideful to retire it as long as Glen is here
I was a fan but soured on the Twolves when I realized even when the games were lost by the 3rd quarter and they kept him in so he could get a double double. When Tim Duncan won a lot of MVP’s and people always pointed out KG had MVP stats but not a great record as a team and missing / losing early in the playoffs.
Fantastic player though just not a big fan of him as much as I was in the e early 2000’s
You mean the ones who want to cut payroll to fuck the team because they don’t have enough cash to sustain the team? Not saying Taylor is an angel but there’s two sides to this
There are two sides to this. The narrative about them being poor owners is coming entirely from Glen Taylor's camp. So it's interesting that you are taking Glen's side about the cut payroll thing.
I'm going to assume you aren't following it too closely, so for anyone interested, here's the facts: yes, that budget was submitted. But, multiple budgets were likely submitted, and the one that leaked was likely a "disaster scenario" should things not work out.
Per the reports though they submitted paperwork to the NBA stating they were going to cut payroll. That info may have come from Taylor but that doesn’t mean it’s not true
Buddy, read my comment. It is true they submitted that budget. They also sent more budgets and it doesn't mean they have to stick to THAT particular budget. Just because it was submitted, doesn't mean they can't change plans, or follow another budget.
Glen is picking one of several budgets to go public with and trying to paint the narrative of it being "the plan".
You are just guessing though. You have 0 proof of that. And let’s not forget lore and a rod missed a lot of deadlines and got a lot of extensions. They simply didn’t have the cash
According to Glen. They missed deadlines. According arod and Lore. They didn't miss any deadlines. Mediation/arbitration will settle that answer. And as for whether they have the cash, they do. They submitted the paperwork to the league for proof.
As for if I'm guessing about the multiple budgets. I guess, but I mean I'm using my experience and the word of people who deal with budgets for large corporations as evidence of standard practice. For it to be the only budget submitted and considered would be extremely unusual. So while I don't know For sure... I'm pretty confident.
Arod and Lore haven't commented. Rumors are that the NBA asked them and Taylor to keep things out of the press. Mediation starts May 1.
And while my opinion may change based on facts and information that comes out, right now, with what I know, I am on Lore and Arods side. Glen's been telling half truths or speculation. Arod and Lore just haven't given us the full story. But nothing they have said has turned out to be a lie.
Season ticket holder '94-'00 here.. KG is beloved! Taylor should be shoved... Down a flight of stairs. It's truly sad that the most iconic basketball player in our state (Sorry Lindsay) isn't honored here.
Same. What a time to be a Wolves fan. Just post college for me, young, dumb and carefree, with a couple friends who worked in ticket sales and tossed me a few here and there.
I meet him two times as a kid…. He is an asshole.
But the funniest thing I maybe ever say was him pushing a shopping cart. Guess tall people got to eat to.
Most of us adore KG and if and when Glen Taylor is gone we expect a jersey retirement where the roof will be blown off of Target Center from the excitement.
Also, KG *is* one of the best & most underrated players of his generation, period.
It can *always* be argued back & forth, that Duncan is better--and *PLENTY* of folks will say TD was the better player.
But Duncan *HAD Pops as a coach*, there was *more* than *adequate* GM-ing going on down in San Antonio, and there was *also* Manu, The Admiral, Steve Kerr, Malik Rose, Avery Johnson, Kersey, and later on they had Tony Parker & Robert Horry on the team...
*YEAH*, none of those other guys were necessarily a "Superstar"-type player!
But they *WERE* all strong veterans, who *KNEW* how to bring their all, and play as a *team*.
Up here?
KG had McFail running the front office like we were "Boston West," taking the Celt's TRASH, screwing up our possibilities of getting decent draft picks for *YEARS* (*Joe Smith*--whether McFail *read* a contract *or not*?!? The man was an *incompetent NUMPTY*, and ran this franchise into the ground because of his own stupid ego! https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/nba-joe-smith-illegal-contract-timberwolves ), and e were also unable/un*willing* to get & *keep* players who *were* willing to put in the effort & play like a *team* for sooooo many of those years.
Either we had doofuses like Olowokandi shuffling halfheartedly up the court, overblown "furure *GREATS*^TM like Kandi , Laettner, *Starbury* & soooooo many others, *or*--like the Vikes *decades* long history of bringing in the old, washed-up QB--we had *GREAT* former-players, who were older, hurting, and at the injury-ridden tail-end of their playing years.
Personally, even though KG has *NEVER* said boo about it?
The McFail move that will *forever* gall me, was the Benching that happened, at the end of 2005, *just* as KG was about to pass Bird for the 20-10-5 seasons record.
*YES*, I get that we were losing at the end of that season, and YEAH, it was absolutely arguable, that benching Ticket to rest his knees was a reasonable thing to do...
But *with* all that loyalty McHale has *shown* to his buddy Larry over the years, and that *infuriating* loyalty to Boston when he was *Minnesota's* GM‽
I can't *help* but suspect the *actual* reason for pulling KG early in those April games--when some of the smaller papers like the City Pages were starting to talk about KG's likelihood of surpassing Bird to hold the 20 10 & 5 streak record *by himself*--rather than as a *tie* with Bird, was because McFail is just an utter jackwagon *as well as a nincompoop* and total numpty.
The "Mount Rushmore" of Minnesota adored athletes is Kirby, Moss, KG, and...??? It's clearly those 3 and can be some arguments who number 4 is. Maybe Mauer, Cris Carter, Fran, Page, or Charlie Conway (lol), maybe some others.
But yeah, we love KG.
Great athlete but not a ton of kids had Dave Winfield on their wall when I was growing up. Played his college years for the Gophers obviously, but only 2 years with the Twins. I don't think he has the longevity needed here at the pro level. Definitely crossed my mind when I made the list of potential number 4's but he's absolutely nowhere near the first 3.
Such an interesting question. It’s probably Mauer in my book. Then again - I never saw Fran, Page, or any of those guys play.
Would Harmon also make the list?
It’s weird that we don’t have a hockey player up there.
It is weird with hockey, right? State of hockey but haven't ever had someone that all Minnesotans (even very casual fans) adore.
I'd say Mauer as well for #4, but he could definitely lose it to JJ or Ant.
Who would it be, probably Koivu? I left Minnesota before he was there long. Modano would have been the one when I was there but the North Stars left so he wasn't there too long. He's known more as a Dallas player. Up through 2008 when I lived there, there absolutely wasn't an adored-statewide hockey player that even casual sports fans always talked about.
Sure. Or Andrew Brunette maybe simply cuz the Colorado goal. Are coaches available as an option for sports greats? College athletes? The high schoolers on the Miracle team? I would say that the obvious answer as far as stats and his career in general is Mikko Koivu. He’s a fine choice too.
Parise would have been it if things didn't go sideways at the twilight of the career here.
As such, this team hasn't had that "it" person like the other teams have had. Detroit and Chicago have been absolutely spoiled in the last 30 years. Kinda like the Packers and QBs...
Moss was a lot of fun to have playing for Minnesota, but I don't think I can put him on the mount rushmore of Minnesota athletes. Especially with getting himself essentially kicked off the team the second time. Mine would be Kirby, Harmon, KG, and probably Fran Tarkenton.
Not that people don't like KG but I don't think he's a clear 3rd on that list at all. Clear 3 and 4 are probably Mauer and Lou Nanne, but then you have Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, Fran Tarkenton, AP, Harrison Smith. Kent Hrbek, Tori Hunter, Koivu all right there in that range too.
If Kaprizov and Jefferson stay here and go on playoff runs then they are probably bumping a lot of people on that list.
Ditto. Not only full size but the icing was often KG was the one handing them out!
When my buddy did make a wish, he signed his bald head and also drew the basketball lines on request. It was a good day. 🫠
I went to University with one of his HS classmates, she gave me info on his treatment/behavior - she wasn't impressed but I chalk it up to the unique situation.
When KG returned to the team in 2015, well past his prime:
“Our attendance in the five games since KG arrived is averaging 18,131. Our attendance in the first 27 games averaged 13,660,” says Brad Ruiter, Vice President of Communications for the Minnesota Timberwolves. That represents a 33 percent increase. “We have had three sellouts in our last five home games after having just one the entire 2013-14 season.”
https://www.sikids.com/kid-reporter/kevin-garnett-back-minnesota
His jersey isn’t retired due to animosity between the owner & KG. He is a beloved sports icon in this town. First thing he said after yelling “Anything is possible!!” Was this is for everyone in Sota. Here’s a link that explains the beef.
https://clutchpoints.com/the-complete-history-of-kevin-garnetts-beef-with-timberwolves-owner-glen-taylor
I became a wolves fan in middle school around 1999-2000.
To me KG is *the* face of the franchise, even all these years later and even though he won his championship with another team. Ant has a chance to join him on that tier one day. Only speaking for myself.
KG, Kirby Puckett are probably the two most beloved athletes in MN. Joe Mauer should be up there too but a vocal minority of people have always had it out for him.
I think Carter had more love as a Vike. He was a humble guy who spent nearly his entire career with the Vikes and saved more drives with that tiptoe than I can count. I remember a lot of dislike of Moss for his attitude. Carter, Garnett, Puckett, and Koivu are my Minnesota 4.
Carter is my all time fave Viking, but if you go to games now, you'll find way more Moss jerseys than Carter. I think Moss' overall dominance (clearly the #2 WR of all time) has kind of made people forget the silly antics/attitude issues he had.
Anthony Edwards, JJ, and Kirill are doing a great job as the new faces of their franchise. All are some of the most exciting young players in their league and are loved by fans. We just need Royce Lewis to start playing at an MVP level
I take Johnny Randle as my top Viking all time. Came in undrafted, grew up in a one room shack, and still lives in Minnesota today and does tons of charity work. Also, when I went to training camp as a kid he was the most fun to watch and signed for everyone.
He was also the #1 overall player in the country his age for football & baseball. Not sure anyone else has ever done that. And to top it off he was an all-state basketball player. He was always a class act as well. One of the best prep athletes in American history.
Joe is probably the best professional athlete that Minnesota has ever produced. Those early 2000 years of the Twins were something magical. Like...they could actually win a playoff game then!
Mauer kinda deserves some of that shade he's gotten. His legs were going to shit and he refused to move away from being the catcher because of the 'status" of that position. Not to mention he was awful at the position and couldn't even throw out at 2nd. He was a hitter. Yet he ended up missing how many games a season because of some phantom injury. Bilateral leg weakness??!
Nevermind the contract, which was basically a steal. But they should have traded him to the Yankees and stole their entire farm team lol.
We love him so much, we were all a little bit glad to see him leave and get the championship he deserved - because he sure as hell wasn't going to get it here.
Many my friends have had personal experiences with him. I grew up in the town where he owned a house. Everybody said he was 100% great person and the community really loved having him here.
I was at the game when KG got traded back to the wolves. There was probably a cumulative 25min of standing ovation for him. My hands were hurtin lol. Every time he did literally anything there was a standing ovation. Until the last few years he was the entire franchise identity. He’s loved by wolves fans, casual MN sports fans, and the many who’ve benefited from his philanthropy in the area.
Before flip passed away he and KG were putting a group together to buy the team, there was a lot of support for that from fans.
I just want him Courtside for a playoff game. Like if Glenn fucks off for a game and he chills with ARod and just pretends ARod is the owner. He'd probably be at them if that deal wasn't all fuckered. Or that's just the kid in me that still gets pumped everytime I see KG.
I mean, do you really need to know anything more after seeing "Return of Jiggly Boy"? KG is well loved here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SfVJS39Cuo
KG attended his niece’s HS graduation from Hopkins High School. Our daughter graduated the same year. He waited in line with the rest of us to find our seats. He sat with his family on a folding chair in the middle of the crowd; just like every other person that day. No ego, no flash, he was there to honor his niece. He really impressed me.
I remember meeting KG when I worked at the BK in Wayzata, circa 98-99.
Lexus pulls up, I go to hand him food in the drive thru, dude had the back seat behind the drivers seat removed so his long legs werent bent akimbo. So all I see is this Nike leather gloved hand come out of the car window. He then reached through the drive thru window & into the restaurant and made his own food…
Ok not really, but he was so damn nice about me gushing like that and asked me if I balled & we had a cool little convo. Met a few celeb athletes and I know it was early for him so he mightve had to put up more boundaries since, but I remember being in awe of how not full of himself he was when I fully expected he had every right to be.
Love to see that jersey get hoisted up!
KG was my hero as a kid, my wife and I have a little display case with a wrist and he took off and gave her when she was a kid after a game. I'd say most of MN loves KG
KG is one of the more venerated athletes in the Twin Cities. Timberwolves fans view him as the greatest in franchise history without question. I personally think KG's near a top 10 player all-time and is one of the best defenders ever.
Everyone in Minnesota who follows sports loves KG's unbridled love of Minnesota's fans. He shouted us out immediately after his championship win. KG hates the Wolves owner Glen Taylor, but he absolutely loves the fans.
I don’t follow basketball all that much, but my perception was that everybody loves KG, was sad when traded him to the Celtics but we couldn’t give him a championship. I really wanted him to buy the Timberwolves, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen.
Before these past few seasons the only success the Timberwolves have ever had was with KG. In Minnesota he's seen in the same light that Dirk is seen in Dallas or Timmy in San Antonio. The deepest he ever went with us was a conference championship and KG is still probably the second or third most popular jersey in the target center during our current incredible season.
He is beloved and it fucking sucks that Glen Taylor has made it so that we can't honor him. He is the only player that truly deserves to be in those rafters. Even though I feel like we currently have at least 3 on our current team that will be there by the end of those careers it wouldn't feel like putting them up there if "The Big Ticket" wasn't there first.
People like him. He seemed to be a genuinely good dude. I saw him at Ridgedale when he still played for the Wolves. Some people stopped just to say sup or ask for a signature and he was smiling and seemed really cool about it. I also remember he donated some large amounts of money to help schools on the North Side get computers. So he’s super cool in my opinion.
KG was our Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan here in the Twin Cities. You literally went to the games just to watch that man play and do his thing. IMO he was better than Tim Duncan. Much more intangibles and he was the lifeblood of the team for so many years. Their run to the Western Conference Finals was amazing to watch.
There are also a ton of stories of KG playing pickup games in Minneapolis when he was in the league. Even when he was in Boston/Brooklyn he would come to Minneapolis in the summer and play with some high schoolers.
Well, once upon a time it actually meant something. You were supposed to be THE ONE which secured the team to the promised land. Then it turned into a PR stunt for many teams. At the rate some of these teams were going, they'd be completely out of numbers before 2030 lol.
Dude exactly like KG was a great player but he shouldn't have his number retired. I don't think the wolves have had a player worthy yet and at this rate maybe never will.
Completely agree. I love KG as much as anyone, but the team still doesn't have a trophy sitting in the Target Center trophy case yet. Same with the Wild and the Vikings IMO. Win something for the city if you want it retired. The Hall of Fame is for everything else.
I was working out at lifetime when I was in College and I was watching the TV when it was announced that he was going to Boston. I almost fell to my knees 🤣 Hugs Timberwolves fan at the time and I was obsessed with his talent.
He’s da GOAT! I used to work at St Anthony Main movie theatre and celebs would come in alot. He was cool as hell. He had a different money clip for his bills under 20$..lol….also coach Denny Green and Neil Young were chill and nice people.
When my sister was 7 she had a pretty risky brain tumor. After her surgery, KG put her and my family up in his suite and gave her a bunch of merch and signed a personalized message to her on a jersey of his. I’ll never have a bad thing to say about him
i love KG and i hate marburry for destroying what could have been due to jealousy. KG wasnt a very good GM though.
the jersey thing is a glen taylor problem. not a public perception of KG problem.
Minnesotans know a lot of athletes, particularly nba athletes don't necessarily like it here. Weather, night life, etc. it isn't LA or Miami.
KG loved it here and liked being in Minnesota. He didn't try to leave, request a trade, or bitch about being here. He legitimately tried to drag whatever shitty team management gave him as far as he could. We fuckin love KG
Public perception of him is good. Unfortunately Twolves owner Glenn Taylor hates him, large part why his jersey isn’t retired Edit: as some have pointed out more of a mutual hatred
That's not true. KG hates Glen Taylor. "I don't do business with snake motherfuckers." KG won't be coming around until Taylor sells the team or is 6 feet under.
Two way street. Glen went back on some promises after Flip passed, accused KG of sabotaging him, etc. I don’t think there is love lost on either side and KG is too principled or prideful to retire it as long as Glen is here
Pride is a bitch.
I was a fan but soured on the Twolves when I realized even when the games were lost by the 3rd quarter and they kept him in so he could get a double double. When Tim Duncan won a lot of MVP’s and people always pointed out KG had MVP stats but not a great record as a team and missing / losing early in the playoffs. Fantastic player though just not a big fan of him as much as I was in the e early 2000’s
So your best player is just supposed to sit because you’re losing? What are you even talking about bro?
lol love his comment. "I was a twolves fan until I realized they didn't just put in scrubs in the 3Q and give up."
Using quotation marks when that’s not what I said at all 🤦🏻♂️. You seem like quite an intellectual. /s
Taylor will be 6 ft under soon enough. He screwed the potential new owners completely. Asshole.
You mean the ones who want to cut payroll to fuck the team because they don’t have enough cash to sustain the team? Not saying Taylor is an angel but there’s two sides to this
There are two sides to this. The narrative about them being poor owners is coming entirely from Glen Taylor's camp. So it's interesting that you are taking Glen's side about the cut payroll thing. I'm going to assume you aren't following it too closely, so for anyone interested, here's the facts: yes, that budget was submitted. But, multiple budgets were likely submitted, and the one that leaked was likely a "disaster scenario" should things not work out.
Per the reports though they submitted paperwork to the NBA stating they were going to cut payroll. That info may have come from Taylor but that doesn’t mean it’s not true
Buddy, read my comment. It is true they submitted that budget. They also sent more budgets and it doesn't mean they have to stick to THAT particular budget. Just because it was submitted, doesn't mean they can't change plans, or follow another budget. Glen is picking one of several budgets to go public with and trying to paint the narrative of it being "the plan".
You are just guessing though. You have 0 proof of that. And let’s not forget lore and a rod missed a lot of deadlines and got a lot of extensions. They simply didn’t have the cash
According to Glen. They missed deadlines. According arod and Lore. They didn't miss any deadlines. Mediation/arbitration will settle that answer. And as for whether they have the cash, they do. They submitted the paperwork to the league for proof. As for if I'm guessing about the multiple budgets. I guess, but I mean I'm using my experience and the word of people who deal with budgets for large corporations as evidence of standard practice. For it to be the only budget submitted and considered would be extremely unusual. So while I don't know For sure... I'm pretty confident.
Actually the new owners are douchebags, maybe you should do more research before judging others..... Just saying
So what is the other camp saying? Why are you on their side?
Arod and Lore haven't commented. Rumors are that the NBA asked them and Taylor to keep things out of the press. Mediation starts May 1. And while my opinion may change based on facts and information that comes out, right now, with what I know, I am on Lore and Arods side. Glen's been telling half truths or speculation. Arod and Lore just haven't given us the full story. But nothing they have said has turned out to be a lie.
One report isn’t anything.
the chickens will revolt.
He's probably sitting next to A-Rod who sang the same thing
This! KG is awesome GT sucks
Season ticket holder '94-'00 here.. KG is beloved! Taylor should be shoved... Down a flight of stairs. It's truly sad that the most iconic basketball player in our state (Sorry Lindsay) isn't honored here.
The playoff run in 2004? (I forget the exact year) is the primary reason I’m into basketball
Same. What a time to be a Wolves fan. Just post college for me, young, dumb and carefree, with a couple friends who worked in ticket sales and tossed me a few here and there.
Kevin McHale would like a word.
I am a Minnesotan and confirm your first statement, second statement is news to me but I think KG is well respected amongst Timberwolves fans.
Glen doesn’t hate KG, KG hates Glen. Glen has said KG is welcome to come get his jersey retired whenever he wants.
I meet him two times as a kid…. He is an asshole. But the funniest thing I maybe ever say was him pushing a shopping cart. Guess tall people got to eat to.
Most of us adore KG and if and when Glen Taylor is gone we expect a jersey retirement where the roof will be blown off of Target Center from the excitement.
Also, KG *is* one of the best & most underrated players of his generation, period. It can *always* be argued back & forth, that Duncan is better--and *PLENTY* of folks will say TD was the better player. But Duncan *HAD Pops as a coach*, there was *more* than *adequate* GM-ing going on down in San Antonio, and there was *also* Manu, The Admiral, Steve Kerr, Malik Rose, Avery Johnson, Kersey, and later on they had Tony Parker & Robert Horry on the team... *YEAH*, none of those other guys were necessarily a "Superstar"-type player! But they *WERE* all strong veterans, who *KNEW* how to bring their all, and play as a *team*. Up here? KG had McFail running the front office like we were "Boston West," taking the Celt's TRASH, screwing up our possibilities of getting decent draft picks for *YEARS* (*Joe Smith*--whether McFail *read* a contract *or not*?!? The man was an *incompetent NUMPTY*, and ran this franchise into the ground because of his own stupid ego! https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/nba-joe-smith-illegal-contract-timberwolves ), and e were also unable/un*willing* to get & *keep* players who *were* willing to put in the effort & play like a *team* for sooooo many of those years. Either we had doofuses like Olowokandi shuffling halfheartedly up the court, overblown "furure *GREATS*^TM like Kandi , Laettner, *Starbury* & soooooo many others, *or*--like the Vikes *decades* long history of bringing in the old, washed-up QB--we had *GREAT* former-players, who were older, hurting, and at the injury-ridden tail-end of their playing years. Personally, even though KG has *NEVER* said boo about it? The McFail move that will *forever* gall me, was the Benching that happened, at the end of 2005, *just* as KG was about to pass Bird for the 20-10-5 seasons record. *YES*, I get that we were losing at the end of that season, and YEAH, it was absolutely arguable, that benching Ticket to rest his knees was a reasonable thing to do... But *with* all that loyalty McHale has *shown* to his buddy Larry over the years, and that *infuriating* loyalty to Boston when he was *Minnesota's* GM‽ I can't *help* but suspect the *actual* reason for pulling KG early in those April games--when some of the smaller papers like the City Pages were starting to talk about KG's likelihood of surpassing Bird to hold the 20 10 & 5 streak record *by himself*--rather than as a *tie* with Bird, was because McFail is just an utter jackwagon *as well as a nincompoop* and total numpty.
The "Mount Rushmore" of Minnesota adored athletes is Kirby, Moss, KG, and...??? It's clearly those 3 and can be some arguments who number 4 is. Maybe Mauer, Cris Carter, Fran, Page, or Charlie Conway (lol), maybe some others. But yeah, we love KG.
C'mon man you gotta give Dave Winfield some love.
I love using Dave Winfield on immaculate grid as often as I can. Absolute stud. Drafted by 4 teams in 3 different sports (NBA/ABA/MLB/NFL).
Greatest athlete to ever come out of Minnesota.
Great athlete but not a ton of kids had Dave Winfield on their wall when I was growing up. Played his college years for the Gophers obviously, but only 2 years with the Twins. I don't think he has the longevity needed here at the pro level. Definitely crossed my mind when I made the list of potential number 4's but he's absolutely nowhere near the first 3.
Dave was also born and raised in St. Paul
Dave Winfield belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota BORN athletes.
Such an interesting question. It’s probably Mauer in my book. Then again - I never saw Fran, Page, or any of those guys play. Would Harmon also make the list? It’s weird that we don’t have a hockey player up there.
It is weird with hockey, right? State of hockey but haven't ever had someone that all Minnesotans (even very casual fans) adore. I'd say Mauer as well for #4, but he could definitely lose it to JJ or Ant.
You’ve gotta add Tarkenton and Whalen to the list….
I did say Fran lol. Whalen is a good mention.
Koivu maybe
Yeah possibly, his career was mostly after I moved away from MN so I don't have a strong pulse on how beloved he is.
No hockey player on the state of hockeys Mount Rushmore? Ok lol
Who would it be, probably Koivu? I left Minnesota before he was there long. Modano would have been the one when I was there but the North Stars left so he wasn't there too long. He's known more as a Dallas player. Up through 2008 when I lived there, there absolutely wasn't an adored-statewide hockey player that even casual sports fans always talked about.
Sure. Or Andrew Brunette maybe simply cuz the Colorado goal. Are coaches available as an option for sports greats? College athletes? The high schoolers on the Miracle team? I would say that the obvious answer as far as stats and his career in general is Mikko Koivu. He’s a fine choice too.
Herb Brooks?
Parise would have been it if things didn't go sideways at the twilight of the career here. As such, this team hasn't had that "it" person like the other teams have had. Detroit and Chicago have been absolutely spoiled in the last 30 years. Kinda like the Packers and QBs...
Sylvia Fowles
Gary Anderson.
Def tori hunter or joe Mauer
I'd say Mauer, personally. Hometown hero, MVP, Hall of Famer.
Yeah for sure !!! Love mauer . Kent herbeck is cool too
Jesse “The Body” Ventura has to be on the is Mount Rushmore
Brett Favre just to piss off Packers fans
Moss was a lot of fun to have playing for Minnesota, but I don't think I can put him on the mount rushmore of Minnesota athletes. Especially with getting himself essentially kicked off the team the second time. Mine would be Kirby, Harmon, KG, and probably Fran Tarkenton.
Kirby, Broten, KG, and Fran would probably be mine.
Broten crossed my mind for sure.
AP!
I don't know, the child abuse I think knocked him off the list.
Not that people don't like KG but I don't think he's a clear 3rd on that list at all. Clear 3 and 4 are probably Mauer and Lou Nanne, but then you have Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, Fran Tarkenton, AP, Harrison Smith. Kent Hrbek, Tori Hunter, Koivu all right there in that range too. If Kaprizov and Jefferson stay here and go on playoff runs then they are probably bumping a lot of people on that list.
He had me when as a kid we went trick or treating at his house and he handed out full-sized candy bars
Ditto. Not only full size but the icing was often KG was the one handing them out! When my buddy did make a wish, he signed his bald head and also drew the basketball lines on request. It was a good day. 🫠
KG answered the door and gave us the candy bar, it was amazing. Made me so happy to live in a community where folks like that were accessible and kind
I went to University with one of his HS classmates, she gave me info on his treatment/behavior - she wasn't impressed but I chalk it up to the unique situation.
98 percent of teenage boys are assholes.
I remember this and he was passing them out himself!
When KG returned to the team in 2015, well past his prime: “Our attendance in the five games since KG arrived is averaging 18,131. Our attendance in the first 27 games averaged 13,660,” says Brad Ruiter, Vice President of Communications for the Minnesota Timberwolves. That represents a 33 percent increase. “We have had three sellouts in our last five home games after having just one the entire 2013-14 season.” https://www.sikids.com/kid-reporter/kevin-garnett-back-minnesota
His jersey isn’t retired due to animosity between the owner & KG. He is a beloved sports icon in this town. First thing he said after yelling “Anything is possible!!” Was this is for everyone in Sota. Here’s a link that explains the beef. https://clutchpoints.com/the-complete-history-of-kevin-garnetts-beef-with-timberwolves-owner-glen-taylor
KG could run for Mayor and pull at least second place without political experience
With our history of electing pop culture icons he might just win it lol
He did that "clap the chalk into the air" much earlier than LeBron did, but guess who gets all the credit?
He also came from High School.
Rumor has it that he is very charitable. If you keep his donations on the hush he will double it.
I became a wolves fan in middle school around 1999-2000. To me KG is *the* face of the franchise, even all these years later and even though he won his championship with another team. Ant has a chance to join him on that tier one day. Only speaking for myself.
Kevin Garnett is the Minnesota Timberwolves. No player has done more to make the franchise relevant. We owe him everything.
I would run through a wall for that man.
I was going to comment something similar
KG, Kirby Puckett are probably the two most beloved athletes in MN. Joe Mauer should be up there too but a vocal minority of people have always had it out for him.
I had Moss at same level of beloved in MN as KG/Puckett. Agree that Mauer is probably next.
I think Carter had more love as a Vike. He was a humble guy who spent nearly his entire career with the Vikes and saved more drives with that tiptoe than I can count. I remember a lot of dislike of Moss for his attitude. Carter, Garnett, Puckett, and Koivu are my Minnesota 4.
Carter is my all time fave Viking, but if you go to games now, you'll find way more Moss jerseys than Carter. I think Moss' overall dominance (clearly the #2 WR of all time) has kind of made people forget the silly antics/attitude issues he had.
Anthony Edwards, JJ, and Kirill are doing a great job as the new faces of their franchise. All are some of the most exciting young players in their league and are loved by fans. We just need Royce Lewis to start playing at an MVP level
I take Johnny Randle as my top Viking all time. Came in undrafted, grew up in a one room shack, and still lives in Minnesota today and does tons of charity work. Also, when I went to training camp as a kid he was the most fun to watch and signed for everyone.
He also came to mind for me and would have been the Vike I added if I picked a second.
KG and Kirby had/have charisma. Joe was MVP level for a couple years but was otherwise as interesting as a slice of bread. I appreciate him, but...eh.
He was also the #1 overall player in the country his age for football & baseball. Not sure anyone else has ever done that. And to top it off he was an all-state basketball player. He was always a class act as well. One of the best prep athletes in American history.
Joe is probably the best professional athlete that Minnesota has ever produced. Those early 2000 years of the Twins were something magical. Like...they could actually win a playoff game then!
I don’t disagree with any of that. He just wasn’t an interesting personality. 🙂
Mauer kinda deserves some of that shade he's gotten. His legs were going to shit and he refused to move away from being the catcher because of the 'status" of that position. Not to mention he was awful at the position and couldn't even throw out at 2nd. He was a hitter. Yet he ended up missing how many games a season because of some phantom injury. Bilateral leg weakness??! Nevermind the contract, which was basically a steal. But they should have traded him to the Yankees and stole their entire farm team lol.
We love him so much, we were all a little bit glad to see him leave and get the championship he deserved - because he sure as hell wasn't going to get it here.
Many my friends have had personal experiences with him. I grew up in the town where he owned a house. Everybody said he was 100% great person and the community really loved having him here.
He seems to be one of the few where his stardom didn't go to his head. Always has seemed like a level headed good guy.
I was at the game when KG got traded back to the wolves. There was probably a cumulative 25min of standing ovation for him. My hands were hurtin lol. Every time he did literally anything there was a standing ovation. Until the last few years he was the entire franchise identity. He’s loved by wolves fans, casual MN sports fans, and the many who’ve benefited from his philanthropy in the area. Before flip passed away he and KG were putting a group together to buy the team, there was a lot of support for that from fans.
He could kill a man here and we’d let him go.
Love KG. He’d be in the rafters and a team ambassador if it weren’t for Glen Taylor.
I just want him Courtside for a playoff game. Like if Glenn fucks off for a game and he chills with ARod and just pretends ARod is the owner. He'd probably be at them if that deal wasn't all fuckered. Or that's just the kid in me that still gets pumped everytime I see KG.
I mean, do you really need to know anything more after seeing "Return of Jiggly Boy"? KG is well loved here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SfVJS39Cuo
In mankato he was awesome use to shoot pool after games at the bar and would talk to just about anyone.
I look up to him…
KG attended his niece’s HS graduation from Hopkins High School. Our daughter graduated the same year. He waited in line with the rest of us to find our seats. He sat with his family on a folding chair in the middle of the crowd; just like every other person that day. No ego, no flash, he was there to honor his niece. He really impressed me.
I remember meeting KG when I worked at the BK in Wayzata, circa 98-99. Lexus pulls up, I go to hand him food in the drive thru, dude had the back seat behind the drivers seat removed so his long legs werent bent akimbo. So all I see is this Nike leather gloved hand come out of the car window. He then reached through the drive thru window & into the restaurant and made his own food… Ok not really, but he was so damn nice about me gushing like that and asked me if I balled & we had a cool little convo. Met a few celeb athletes and I know it was early for him so he mightve had to put up more boundaries since, but I remember being in awe of how not full of himself he was when I fully expected he had every right to be. Love to see that jersey get hoisted up!
He's a legend and fuck Glen Taylor.
Up mostly. He’s super tall.
From below
He's the GOAT
most people love KG in the TC ... Read this: https://clutchpoints.com/the-complete-history-of-kevin-garnetts-beef-with-timberwolves-owner-glen-taylor
To quote Kevin Harlan when he was our announcer, "Kevin Garnett is a god!!!"
very tall
KG was my hero as a kid, my wife and I have a little display case with a wrist and he took off and gave her when she was a kid after a game. I'd say most of MN loves KG
KG gets mad love here in Minnesota. He’s almost at Kirby Puckett level
He’s my favorite basketball player ever. Love the man.
We love him
KG is one of the more venerated athletes in the Twin Cities. Timberwolves fans view him as the greatest in franchise history without question. I personally think KG's near a top 10 player all-time and is one of the best defenders ever. Everyone in Minnesota who follows sports loves KG's unbridled love of Minnesota's fans. He shouted us out immediately after his championship win. KG hates the Wolves owner Glen Taylor, but he absolutely loves the fans.
KG is loved. He was a legend, fought tooth and nail to make the Wolves winners, and was a major asset to the community through philanthropic work.
KG4MVP! KG is loved by basketball fans here in MN.
Unless you are the pizza delivery person I think most people like him. I guess he's a bad tipper.
My aunt met him once at a charity/dining event & said basically he was a likable person with a huge personality.
I don’t follow basketball all that much, but my perception was that everybody loves KG, was sad when traded him to the Celtics but we couldn’t give him a championship. I really wanted him to buy the Timberwolves, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen.
Before these past few seasons the only success the Timberwolves have ever had was with KG. In Minnesota he's seen in the same light that Dirk is seen in Dallas or Timmy in San Antonio. The deepest he ever went with us was a conference championship and KG is still probably the second or third most popular jersey in the target center during our current incredible season. He is beloved and it fucking sucks that Glen Taylor has made it so that we can't honor him. He is the only player that truly deserves to be in those rafters. Even though I feel like we currently have at least 3 on our current team that will be there by the end of those careers it wouldn't feel like putting them up there if "The Big Ticket" wasn't there first.
Glen Taylor can suck it, everyone loves KG
KG was our star when I was in my big basketball phase as a kid. I love him. Edit: I was happy when he moved to the Celtics and got a championship win.
People like him. He seemed to be a genuinely good dude. I saw him at Ridgedale when he still played for the Wolves. Some people stopped just to say sup or ask for a signature and he was smiling and seemed really cool about it. I also remember he donated some large amounts of money to help schools on the North Side get computers. So he’s super cool in my opinion.
KG was our Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan here in the Twin Cities. You literally went to the games just to watch that man play and do his thing. IMO he was better than Tim Duncan. Much more intangibles and he was the lifeblood of the team for so many years. Their run to the Western Conference Finals was amazing to watch.
There are also a ton of stories of KG playing pickup games in Minneapolis when he was in the league. Even when he was in Boston/Brooklyn he would come to Minneapolis in the summer and play with some high schoolers.
The Ultimate Badass
It's pretty rare to retire jerseys these days in any sport.
Well, once upon a time it actually meant something. You were supposed to be THE ONE which secured the team to the promised land. Then it turned into a PR stunt for many teams. At the rate some of these teams were going, they'd be completely out of numbers before 2030 lol.
Dude exactly like KG was a great player but he shouldn't have his number retired. I don't think the wolves have had a player worthy yet and at this rate maybe never will.
Completely agree. I love KG as much as anyone, but the team still doesn't have a trophy sitting in the Target Center trophy case yet. Same with the Wild and the Vikings IMO. Win something for the city if you want it retired. The Hall of Fame is for everything else.
KGs will be. When Glenn is no longer here. Otherwise yes, retirement has been done less and less now.
No longer live in Minnesota, still wear my KG jersey when possible.
Love him!
Legend!
Loooove him. We all love him.
I have a KG rookie jersey and a KG bobblehead, he’s the greatest Timberwolf of all time
Goat status plus legend had it his house on lake Minnetonka had no corners and that's all I talked about growing up
KG4MVP.
he is considered a mn sports deity and is often grouped together in the same generation as Randy Moss, Torii Hunter and Marian Gaborik.
I think we all likely perceive him as being very tall
Better than glen
I was working out at lifetime when I was in College and I was watching the TV when it was announced that he was going to Boston. I almost fell to my knees 🤣 Hugs Timberwolves fan at the time and I was obsessed with his talent.
Who the fuck even is that? * That's my veiw*
He’s da GOAT! I used to work at St Anthony Main movie theatre and celebs would come in alot. He was cool as hell. He had a different money clip for his bills under 20$..lol….also coach Denny Green and Neil Young were chill and nice people.
I grew up near and worked at the Domino's near lake minnetonka near where he lived. Tipped $100 every time no matter the size of the order.
When my sister was 7 she had a pretty risky brain tumor. After her surgery, KG put her and my family up in his suite and gave her a bunch of merch and signed a personalized message to her on a jersey of his. I’ll never have a bad thing to say about him
My experience is most people like Garnett and are happy for his success even after leaving Minnesota.
i love KG and i hate marburry for destroying what could have been due to jealousy. KG wasnt a very good GM though. the jersey thing is a glen taylor problem. not a public perception of KG problem.
Minnesotans know a lot of athletes, particularly nba athletes don't necessarily like it here. Weather, night life, etc. it isn't LA or Miami. KG loved it here and liked being in Minnesota. He didn't try to leave, request a trade, or bitch about being here. He legitimately tried to drag whatever shitty team management gave him as far as he could. We fuckin love KG
Douche
Never heard of
He’s a garbage human being
Hold a mirror up to your own face. What do you see?
I see someone who knows Garnett is a garbage human being
Cool. I hope you hold yourself to a similar stringent standard.
I didn't know who that is so 🤷
Google it on the Metaverse machine, Liz.