Kevin Garnett has toyed with the idea of retirement in the past. He and Boston head coach Doc Rivers have often joked about the idea of Garnett retiring. It was rumored that last season might have been his final one, but then he signed a new three-year deal, putting any talks of his career coming to a close to an end. However, after the Celtics beat Chicago Wednesday night, Garnett made a comment to the media that have many believing he is done.
"This is definetely my last All-Star Game. Ya'll don't know what I know," Garnett said.
Could the cryptic statement mean Garnett is retiring? Let the speculation being. It could certainly mean that Garnett just no longer wants to play in the game in the future. Maybe he believes he is no longer good enough to make the squad. Garnett went on to add that the All-Star break is a fun experience, but it seems to be more for family and friends than for him.
When Garnett signed that new three-year deal, he thought he was getting three more runs with the Big 3. Then, Ray Allen left for Miami and Rajon Rondo went down with a knee injury, putting him out the rest of the season. Not exactly what Garnett was hoping for. Trade rumors have begun to circulate around him as the Celtics need to get younger if they have a hope in competeing against Eastern Conference rivals, the Miami Heat.
Would Garnett rather retire than uproot his Boston life to start over with another team? Danny Ainge may no longer believe that he can rely on aging Garnett and Paul Pierce to carry this team into the post season. Both Ainge and Rivers have insisted that no big changes are coming to the team at this time.
While Boston struggled at the start of the season, they have played well the last three weeks going into the break. Garnett is currently averaging 30 minutes a game, with15.1 points per game with 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Not bad numbers for the 36-year old foward. The Celtics are currently 8-2 in their last 10 games, sitting at seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
