NBA scout: Karl-Anthony Towns 'has to embrace' Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett's value comes mostly as a personality at this point in his career.
The legend played only five games after being traded from the Nets to the Timberwolves last year, and it's not like he's getting any healthier as he approaches age 40. The Wolves kept KG around this summer because of his ability to connect with Minnesota's younger players. That's apparently obvious to everyone.
Sports Illustrated put together a compilation of evaluations on each NBA team from anonymous scouts. Here's some of what one opposing scout had to say about the Wolves, specifically regarding Garnett and rookie Karl-Anthony Towns:
It's still unclear exactly how much playing time Towns stands to receive in his rookie season, but it'll certainly be a fair amount, regardless of how the Wolves are playing. All Minnesota wants to do is develop its prospects. Having KG around is one way to do that.
If Kevin Garnett plays 50 games, I’ll be shocked. He’ll probably start the halves, but [at 39] he can’t stay out there for more than 20 minutes anymore... Having KG there is the best positive for a young guy who wants to be great. You can either let him intimidate you or you can try to match his work ethic and his intensity. Karl-Anthony Towns’s intensity turned on and off at Kentucky. KG will push him. Towns has to embrace it.
