The NBA lost two of the greatest power forwards in its long history, recently. Tim Duncan retired after a lengthy and decorated career with the San Antonio Spurs. After a lengthy debate period, Kevin Garnett joined him, retiring as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While both have decided that their playing days are behind them, Garnett and Duncan could still be involved with basketball for years to come. If Doc Rivers has anything to say about it, they will be.
The Los Angeles Clippers head coach was asked about Garnett, his former player in Boston, retiring and had the following response (via Jackie MacMullan of ESPN):
“I would have absolutely been interested in bringing him here. You always find a place for a guy like that, whose voice in the locker room is so strong, so clear, so impactful.
“He’s such a great teacher in practice. He should start a course in leadership. The NBA should designate who the best player is on each team and then they could bring Kevin in and he could teach them how to be the best player and the best leader. Better yet, they could bring him and Tim [Duncan] in and they could teach it together and show people how it can be done in two completely opposite ways.”
KG was recently spotted at the Clippers’ training camp and has also been linked to the Cavs as a potential assistant coach. Duncan also appeared at the Spurs’ camp.
So perhaps what Doc is saying isn’t completely crazy. Both Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan can have a role in the league moving forward and they may be open to it.
