Kevin Garnett's hyper-intensity and focus are legendary and known to generations of NBA fans. As a player who never took plays off in any given game, KG influenced many who came after him. Former Chicago Bulls player Tyson Chandler was one of them, and he recently explained why KG was his idol during his time in the NBA.
Approach to the game
Tyson entered the NBA straight out of high school and was paired with fellow prep-to-pros star Eddy Curry in those early 2000 Bulls squads. Team management envisioned the duo to become a twin-tower combo like Tim Duncan and David Robinson, but it never fully materialized. However, what Tyson took away from his early days in the Association was a different type of education, especially after battling KG on the court.
"I just respected the way he approached the game, his intensity. I just loved the way he played the game, like that's what I try to pattern after; he never cut the game short," Chandler said.
The two played against one another in 32 games, with Tyson emerging victorious in 17 of them. Still, KG bested Tyson in almost every major category except blocked shots, and "The Big Ticket" always competed with the highest intensity.
"No matter what he came and showed up, he never cut the game short. When I got to the league, he still didn't disappoint. He brought it every single night. That's what I've always respected about him," Tyson shared.
Rude awakening
However, Tyson vividly recalls his encounter with KG during a preseason game. Overwhelmed by the mere presence of his idol, Tyson's moment of elation was abruptly shattered by a barrage of expletives from KG. The seasoned pro aimed to impart some hard-earned wisdom to the young players.
"KG come down on the side, he was like, 'These motherf**kers, these high school mother**kers think they can f**k with me?! Nah, f**k that! I'm motherf**king Ticket!'" Chandler said. "I was like, 'Oh my God. Is he talking to us, Eddy?'"
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