How many times have you heard a crowd "boo" a former player who returns to his old court for the first time after a trade? I guarantee you this: you will NEVER hear that sound when Kevin Garnett steps onto the floor of the Target Center in Minneapolis.
KG was the heart and soul of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Target Center is the 'House That KG Built.' Kevin has made only one appearance at the Target Center since his trade to the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he did not play due to an injury. He did, however, take the floor to greet the fans. And the fans greeted him in return with an outpouring of appreciation and support, bringing tears to the eyes of the future Hall of Famer.
Now, Kevin Garnett is a champion. During his post game interview with Michele Tafoya, KG gave a shout out to his people in "Sota." I am one of those people and , believe me, there are legions of us. In the month since game 6 of the Finals I've heard people in Minnesota and Wisconsin (yes, Cheeseheads are KG fans, too) comment on KG almost daily. If I happen to be wearing a piece of Celtic clothing, it's a given that I'll be approached by a fan to talk about the Finals. In every single instance the conversation has turned into a KG Love Fest.
Timberwolves fans were heartbroken to see him go, but we also knew that there was no chance of Kevin ever achieving his goal if he stayed in Minnesota. So, we said, "goodbye" with a lump in our collective throats and immediately ordered the NBA League Pass so we could watch our kid play in Boston. With blurry eyes and heavy hearts, we endured the "I Remember" commercial over & over again, but were glad the fans in Boston were embracing our guy.
The Boston community has much more than just a remarkable athlete in their midst; they also have a true humanitarian. KG is devoted to 'giving back' and although he doesn't like his volunteer work & charitable contributions publicized in the media, I can tell you, from personal experience, that he left Minneapolis a better place than he found it. But his activism has always extended far beyond the borders of Minnesota. He is part of Oprah's 'Angel Network' and has donated money to build homes for many Katrina victims. I'm sure the City of Boston is now reaping the benefits of his kindness and generosity as well.
Minnesota loves Kevin Garnett. Like proud parents, we were sad to see him leave home, but we delight in his every achievement and are thrilled that he has found success in Boston.
And next season, when KG steps onto the Target Center Court for the first time in his Celtic jersey, this Minnesotan (among many) will be there, wearing Celtic Green #5, cheering him on.
KG was the heart and soul of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Target Center is the 'House That KG Built.' Kevin has made only one appearance at the Target Center since his trade to the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he did not play due to an injury. He did, however, take the floor to greet the fans. And the fans greeted him in return with an outpouring of appreciation and support, bringing tears to the eyes of the future Hall of Famer.
Now, Kevin Garnett is a champion. During his post game interview with Michele Tafoya, KG gave a shout out to his people in "Sota." I am one of those people and , believe me, there are legions of us. In the month since game 6 of the Finals I've heard people in Minnesota and Wisconsin (yes, Cheeseheads are KG fans, too) comment on KG almost daily. If I happen to be wearing a piece of Celtic clothing, it's a given that I'll be approached by a fan to talk about the Finals. In every single instance the conversation has turned into a KG Love Fest.
Timberwolves fans were heartbroken to see him go, but we also knew that there was no chance of Kevin ever achieving his goal if he stayed in Minnesota. So, we said, "goodbye" with a lump in our collective throats and immediately ordered the NBA League Pass so we could watch our kid play in Boston. With blurry eyes and heavy hearts, we endured the "I Remember" commercial over & over again, but were glad the fans in Boston were embracing our guy.
The Boston community has much more than just a remarkable athlete in their midst; they also have a true humanitarian. KG is devoted to 'giving back' and although he doesn't like his volunteer work & charitable contributions publicized in the media, I can tell you, from personal experience, that he left Minneapolis a better place than he found it. But his activism has always extended far beyond the borders of Minnesota. He is part of Oprah's 'Angel Network' and has donated money to build homes for many Katrina victims. I'm sure the City of Boston is now reaping the benefits of his kindness and generosity as well.
Minnesota loves Kevin Garnett. Like proud parents, we were sad to see him leave home, but we delight in his every achievement and are thrilled that he has found success in Boston.
And next season, when KG steps onto the Target Center Court for the first time in his Celtic jersey, this Minnesotan (among many) will be there, wearing Celtic Green #5, cheering him on.
