Kevin Garnett enjoys speaking at length. He frequently communicated on the court during his celebrated career, and he seems to be embracing the chance to completely share his story now. These promotional endeavors undertaken by celebrities to promote their projects can be repetitive, but Garnett seems to be genuinely enjoying the experience.
Upon viewing Garnett’s recent documentary, Anything is Possible, scheduled for release on Showtime this Friday, the full scope of his influence on the current NBA becomes apparent. He became the initial player since the 1970s to join the draft directly from high school, setting a precedent for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and others. The six-year, $126 million agreement he finalized in 1997 established records at the time for player compensation and led to the 1999 lockout and the establishment of the league’s existing salary framework. Additionally, his 2007 alliance with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in Boston represented the first “superteam” as it is currently defined, with three prominent players uniting to achieve dominance.
The film contains numerous amusing individual scenes and conversations with Garnett, his acquaintances, and contemporaries, but it is that extensive influence on the sport in 2021 that truly distinguishes itself.
Bleacher Report engaged in a conversation with Garnett via Zoom earlier this week, lasting approximately 30 minutes, in advance of the documentary’s launch. During this discussion, he reflected on his career trajectory and shared his perspective on how the present league builds upon his personal basketball history.
Editor’s note: The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Bleacher Report: In 1995, when you opted to enter the draft directly from high school, did you consider the historical significance of your decision, given that no one had undertaken that path in two decades at that point? Or were you primarily concentrating on your individual circumstances?
Kevin Garnett: To be candid, I was much more absorbed in the present moment. I wasn’t contemplating the potential ramifications 20, 15, or 10 years down the line. I wouldn’t characterize it as panic, but I encountered some genuine challenges at that juncture that necessitated decisions, and I lacked a robust support network to rely on for guidance. Consequently, I had to autonomously determine the extent of my commitment.
I proceeded to engage in gameplay, and following a few hours of participation, I played alongside Michael Jordan, with Scottie Pippen also present in the gymnasium. Subsequently, Isiah Thomas engaged in a conversation with me that significantly influenced my perspective. I was in a state of uncertainty, lacking a clear plan of action. However, after that conversation with Zeke, I gained a sense of direction that prompted me to fully commit to my intended course of action.
B/R: Did you reach out to Moses Malone or any other individuals from prior generations who transitioned from high school to seek their counsel?
Garnett: I was unable to contact Moses Malone by phone, nor could I reach or locate Darryl Dawkins. The internet did not exist at that time, making direct messaging or outreach impossible. However, I did have an extensive phone conversation with Bill Willoughby, the last person to do so before me. He shared several of his experiences, including insights into the league and its operations, as well as how individuals with injuries are treated. This provided me with a realistic view of the NBA. He played for eight years and believed he could have continued longer, but he felt that politics played a role in certain situations. He terminated his relationship with his agent and experienced several difficult situations that I felt I needed to hear about.
There are numerous captivating stories and exaggerated accounts, if you will. Therefore, I needed that equilibrium to hear some of these “reality” stories. I don’t want to give the impression that I was indifferent to what he had experienced, but I was so resolute in my own vision that it was irrelevant. I anticipated facing challenges, recognizing that achievement requires enduring hardship. Nevertheless, the conversation with Bill was immensely helpful.
B/R: What was the most enlightening detail he shared regarding life in the NBA?
Garnett: It was about how the league views you when you’re injured, akin to a horse. You’ve likely heard those terrible horse racing stories when a horse can no longer perform at its peak. He offered a “factory” perspective, emphasizing the “Next man up” mentality and illustrating how players are treated. He used his teammates as examples. I was under the impression that if you do things correctly and work hard, you’ll become an All-Star. They don’t inform you of these obstacles or potential scenarios.
B/R: Following your entry into the league, what initial experience, whether on or off the court, made you fully comprehend what you had committed to?
Garnett: The league is multifaceted. Initially, upon meeting the commissioner, he directly addressed you as if you were a young child on the verge of misconduct. David Stern was extremely resolute regarding both on-court and off-court performance, perception, and character, as well as the league’s reputation and its perception of your professionalism. I recall David’s conversation with me as being akin to a father or uncle sending you off to college, serving as a wake-up call of sorts, cautioning, “Don’t mess this up.”
And then there was the transition from a workout to my first NBA practice. A workout involves going against coaches and working on specific aspects, while a practice incorporates those aspects into the training itself. It consisted of numerous drills and running exercises, akin to being in a washing machine with everything spinning and moving at an incredible pace. After that initial practice, I remember thinking, “Wow, I’m actually here,” navigating picks and realizing there was much I didn’t know. They were in the process of transitioning me, as I had been a big man in high school. However, upon reaching the league, they deemed me insufficiently strong to play power forward, so they initially positioned me as a small forward. This presented a whole new learning curve.
But I dedicated myself to the task. I’m obsessive when it comes to perfection. I reviewed films with Kevin McHale. Every practice involved a pre-practice, the practice itself, and then what we referred to as “Lessons with Kevin.” These were extremely beneficial because they imparted moves and knowledge.
Another aspect of the NBA that I was previously unaware of was the two-a-day practices for the entire month of October. That was a novel experience for me. All of these challenges were presented to me, but ultimately, they contributed to shaping the person you see before you today.
B/R: Do you believe that your coaches’ initial perceptions about your positional limitations ultimately facilitated the expansion of your skillset and capabilities as you gained experience?
Garnett: If you observed me playing in high school, on the blacktop, or on the playground outside of a professional environment, I’m competing against guards, shorter and taller individuals, and those who are superior, quicker, stronger, and more athletic than I am. I’m facing a diverse array of players. However, upon entering the league, the expectation is to excel in a specific position and adhere to a predetermined style of play. In my case, I was capable of playing the position while incorporating unique intangibles that I possessed. I had ball-handling skills, although I didn’t need to bring the ball up like a point guard, I could navigate challenging situations. My ball-handling was sufficient to handle situations where I faced an opponent of similar build, with comparable strength but less agility. Playing on the playground proved beneficial in the NBA, as I could leverage those diverse skills to escape challenging situations.
I believe that a significant portion of my skillset, including ball-handling, three-point shooting, and overall versatility, was not fully showcased in the league. However, I think that I exhibited my abilities more in defensive situations. I preferred that approach because the unexpected became anticipated.
B/R: After establishing yourself as a prominent figure, did you mentor any subsequent high school entrants to the league, akin to Bill Willoughby’s guidance for you? While your connection with Kobe Bryant is documented, did figures such as Jermaine O’Neal and Tracy McGrady consult you during their decision-making processes?
Garnett: Yes, I made efforts to assist those individuals. Although I didn’t talk to J.O. or Tracy, I had a discussion with Kob. Kob and I engaged in a comprehensive conversation. I perceived that he possessed ambitions comparable to my own when emerging from high school. I stated to him, “You’ve got a father who played in the league. You can inquire about all of the things you’re asking me about from your dad.” However, he desired my perspective, and we maintained a friendship thereafter. Nevertheless, Tracy and the other individuals did not reach out to me.
Darius Miles, alongside Kobe, was an individual with whom I had a discussion. I saw a lot of myself in him. He had determined his course of action and desired advice. We followed paths that were similar. He originated from East St. Louis, and as a result, we connected on some Midwestern aspects. But he was a learner. I observed a great deal of myself.
B/R: How did your Sports Illustrated cover featuring Darius materialize?
Garnett: He was about to graduate high school and held me in high regard. They were intending to feature him on the cover and thought it would serve as an inspirational piece. The fact that someone admired me was a pleasant surprise. Being a role model was all new to me. These were the initial relationships that I forged with these individuals, whom I later had the honor of calling friends.
B/R: Another notable consequence of your career, as highlighted in the documentary, is the impact of your initial lucrative contract on the league, which served as a catalyst for the 1999 lockout. How do you reflect on that period?
Garnett: The owners had a strategy to extract greater value from their individual organizations. The present structure, facilitated by the increased revenue, was not yet in place; therefore, the players were made the targets. The league skillfully redirected the narrative, emphasizing that as the pivotal point of the lockout. I viewed it as simply being among the subsequent players in line.
However, that episode imparted significant knowledge regarding the league’s operational dynamics. Prior to acquiring that contract, the referees displayed considerable cordiality towards me, and I shared a pleasant rapport with them. However, after I entered into the agreement, the atmosphere shifted. During gameplay, I could detect the additional… whatever it may have been. The referees began addressing me differently, and I was portrayed as an aggressive individual, which was not an accurate representation of my character. Subsequently, I ranked second only to Rasheed [Wallace] in technical fouls. All of these previously unfamiliar experiences now came to the forefront as I became the highest-paid player.
Following that, I began to perceive matters from a slightly different perspective. I sought further knowledge of financial matters and began to engage in lockout discussions. I assumed a more active role in Players Association meetings, becoming more informed and encouraging other players to become involved and understand the dynamics of the game. I don’t think that was the case before. Michael Jordan and those other players were not involved, and they did not view it as a unified entity. I sought to ensure that my competitors, namely [Chris] Webber, [Tim] Duncan, and Rasheed, were all on the same page. I generally perceived that as the prevalent sentiment, and its effectiveness varied depending on the specific circumstances.
I recognize the origins of some of the subtleties and the standards that were established for contracts. Consequently, the situation has come full circle, and we are now witnessing substantial financial resources and opportunities for these players. Locker rooms have evolved, practice facilities are not the same, and rules have been revised. Certain practices for which we were criticized, such as the widespread use of Kinesio tape, resulted in fines. We were not afforded rest days or opportunities for load management, and we were not permitted to take days off at will. In light of the trials, tribulations, and physical discomfort you encounter, it is important to acknowledge that you are the true beneficiaries of the past. It’s heartening to see these individuals seizing the opportunities that we diligently sought and upheld.
B/R: What are your thoughts on the alternative pathways accessible to young individuals in your position who choose not to attend college, such as the G League Ignite and Overtime Elite? Are you currently consulted by young players seeking guidance on these options?
Garnett: Incredibly, I am approached by many young athletes, not solely in basketball, seeking solutions. The motivation behind my participation in this documentary partially stems from that. There is only one of me, yet a vast number of people pose countless questions, leading me to create a book or some other resource that can serve as a guide.
I endeavor to be available and transparent to the greatest extent possible. I witness young individuals facing a range of opportunities and grappling with the dilemma of execution rather than selection. I endeavor to tailor my approach to each situation. Parents can only contribute so much to these decisions. I have proposed a “big brother” program to the league, whereby young individuals can seek advice from experienced players in order to make well-informed decisions rather than entering situations that are not necessarily optimal for them. I observe the business aspect of it. I envision the NBA adopting a baseball-like structure with a minor league system that mitigates initial pressure. The G League offers a suitable avenue for high school graduates who are reluctant to immediately enter the league, providing a decent starting salary. It serves as a form of research and development for the league. I am not implying that the G League is the primary league, but I appreciate the availability of that secondary league as an option for preparation before joining the main league.
B/R: What did the Rookie Transition Program entail when you were entering the league?
Garnett: Yes, we had that experience. Although it may initially seem like a waste of time, it addresses numerous aspects of the NBA lifestyle that are beyond the scope of parental instruction. It is necessary for someone who has undergone the experience to elucidate the nuances and potential hazards.
