National Basketball Association

Saunders: Garnett will remain in NBA after retiring, possibly in Minnesota

Published Nov. 7, 2014 4:00 p.m. ET

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MINNEAPOLIS -- Notoriously private, sometimes distant and always superiorly focused, Kevin Garnett doesn't keep a glut of personal confidants.

But he's happy to see two of them, around since the beginning of his rise to greatness, back with the organization that played host to it.

"It's refreshing," the No. 1 name in Timberwolves history told the New York Post, discussing the return of coach and president of basketball operations Flip Saunders and assistant Sam Mitchell to the Twin Cities. "I know those are great basketball minds, great basketball IQs, two guys that are really competitive, teaching young guys. I think the league needs more of that.

"I thought when the league got rid of a lot of veterans it took away a lot of dignity and professionalism with it. It's good to see those guys back."

Saunders and Garnett grew extraordinarily close while teaming to lead Minnesota to eight straight playoff berths, culminating in 2003-04 when it reached the Western Conference finals and Garnett gleaned MVP honors. Mitchell, hired by Saunders this past offseason after he assumed head coaching duties, was a teammate of Garnett's for the prodigious power forward's first seven years in the league.

During his 12 years in Minneapolis, Garnett played in 10 All-Star games and made eight first-, second- or third-team all-NBA squads. He still holds franchise records for points, field goals made, field goals attempted, free throws made, free throws attempted, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, steals, games played, games started and minutes. And he still keeps a summer home in the area.

Drafted fifth overall in 1995, Garnett ranks ninth in NBA history in games played (1,382), fifth in minutes played (49,026), 10th in total rebounds (14,243) and 14th in total points (25,666).

"Everybody knows I have a special relationship with him, and I love to watch him play," Saunders said ahead of the Wolves' 98-91 victory Wednesday at Brooklyn, Garnett's current home. "Whenever you play against him it's like playing against your son, in some aspects."

The pair still communicates frequently, enough to the point Saunders feels comfortable saying Garnett, 38, will stay in the game in some capacity after retiring. Saunders has encouraged Garnett to look into a consultant or ownership role, he told KFAN 100.3.

Could that happen in Minnesota?

"I wouldn't put that out of the question," Saunders said.

The Wolves' trade of Garnett to Boston in 2007 was a messy separation. "The Big Ticket" didn't necessarily want out at first, but grew frustrated with the club's direction after it failed to re-sign Latrell Sprewell and traded away Sam Cassell. The deal put Garnett in position to win a championship in 2008, but some fences may require mending before Garnett would reunite with Minnesota in an official capacity.

In any case, Saunders doesn't think Garnett will coach. "He would not be able to deal with people that don't have the same passion and work ethic that he has," Saunders told KFAN. "I think it would drive him really crazy and he'd really have a tough time."

Besides, there's enough of that moxie left in the tank for at least one more season.

Four games into his 20th season, Garnett averages nine points on 42.1 percent shooting and 9.3 rebounds per game. He went 1-for-7 with 11 rebounds Wednesday but looks like a much more energized, aggressive player than the one who tallied 6.5 points and 6.6 boards per contest last season, fueling speculation the end of his illustrious career may be nearing.

No matter how this season plays out, that discussion will continue. It's the last year of Garnett's current contract, though Saunders wouldn't be surprised if the 6-foot-11, 220-pounder extends his playing days.

But whenever they do come to end, Saunders says he's enamored with the idea of welcoming KG back to the fold.

"When people talk about the Minnesota Timberwolves, there's no question that Kevin Garnett is the name that comes up," Saunders said. "That's who they talk about. Kevin Garnett was an MVP here. He was an all-pro player for many years. Didn't win a championship, but he brought the organization to where it was.

"My hope is that -- even though when he left, there might have been some bitter things -- that he'll eventually come back into the fold and really know how much the people -- not just in our organization, but in Minneapolis -- really respect him for what he's done."

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