Ticket

In so many ways, the best basketball player on the planet reminds me of my all-time favorite basketball player. Both had physical gifts that exceeded the true expectations of their positions. Both entered amidst strong franchise expectations; one to rebuild the identity of a long-standing franchise and the other to legitimize a franchise in its relative infancy. Both have also endured their share of criticism as being the most talented player on the roster would invite to anyone. Both have been the best offensive option for many years while having to still maintain a strong defensive presence and rebounding prowess. Both men were/are part of franchises who took too long to get help as the championship windows began to shut.

It is far-fetched to some to compare Minnesota's Kevin Garnett to New York's legendary Patrick Ewing, but in learning this game as much as I have over the last thirteen years, those parallels are hard to ignore. The Big Ticket, at the hard-to-believe age of 29 after ten years in the A, has been more than the franchise, but other than former Viking Randy Moss, is the only reminder that Minnesota has professional sports and really is one of the fifty states. Remember his adidas commercial prior to his 2003-04 MVP season? 23, 10 and 5. A seemingly lanky, 6-11 small forward out of high school showed that he could and would play all five positions on the floor. Just ask Steve Nash how willing he is to d-up against shifty point guards. Developed strength that allowed him to make the move to power forward without compromising his speend and quickness. His greatest nemesis, Tim Duncan was heralded as the best at the position, primarily because of his unstoppable, but ordinary fundamentals... oh, and because he's won a few more playoff series, including three NBA Championships. What did Timberwolves management do to help out KG? Well, long after letting a young (and both men were young, trying to make their mark) Stephon Marbury walk away and barely co-existing with Wally Szcerbiak, Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell were brought in to not only exit the first round, but contend for the Western Conference. Prior to that, Michael Olawakandi decided to cash in on his mediocrity and lack of able centers in the market. Of course, they were a few perimeter shots and stronger post play away from facing Detroit in 2004. Complete implosion last year made most fans and insiders wonder if the most skilled and affable forward in the league would ever get a shot at the NBA crown, let alone the playoffs.

Ewing was the most hyped prep and college player of the early eighties. The Hoya Destroya made Georgetown more than relevant, he made them national champions in 1984 (and made two other appearances before entering the A). Theorists are still working on finding out how the team with the third-worst record ended up being the New York Knicks and just happened to win the league's first lottery in 1985. Rookie of the Year, 11-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist (you know, when the Olympics themselves actually meant something). 21 points, 10 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.45 blocks over seventeen years. Who'd've thought that the Bill Russell-redux would become one of the premier jump shooting big men in league history? Post up moves and thundering jams were replaced with 18-footers from the right side of the key as the Big Fella's knees slowly gave in. Substituted brute force for that sure thing shot. His greatest nemesis: (H)Akeem Olajuwon, who was also his biggest collegiate foe, probably would suit some lists considering the 1994 Finals. Shaq was still learning how to use his frame when both men were in their prime. David Robinson was given more respect because he was more media-friendly and kept San Antonio relevant prior to Duncan's arrival. And there were those Jordan and Pippen guys somewhere in there. Few realize that the Knicks were held in championship regard because of potential: the potential of Ewing, Bill Cartwright and Bernard King to dominate the middle, defend, score, rebound and knock around some bodies. King only played six games with Ewing in the only two seasons they were together. The hired help soon after: Charles Oakley, Xavier McDaniel, Rolando Blackmon, John Starks, Anthony Mason (and his wonderful haircuts, one-handed free throw form and barfights), Derek Harper, Hubert Davis, Herb Williams... round two of "Save Patrick" included Sprewell, Allan Houston, Larry Johnson, Chris Mills, Marcus Camby, Kurt Thomas, Terry Cummings, Buck Williams, Herb Williams (why not), Chris Childs, Charlie Ward, Doug Christie, John Thomas, Walter McCarty and the list continues. While he came close many times, Patrick limped away from the Garden without so much as a chance to contend for the playoffs.

Three seasons ago, I began to see the links between Garnett and Ewing as KG once again lost in the first round. The questions began to mound up, but folks expected Minnesota to rebound strong for the '04-'05 campaign. Yet, completely missing the playoffs and firing Flip Saunders was not expected. The Joe Smith fiasco long ago cost them draft picks until picking up Rashad McCants in this year's draft, but there's not much to this team that says contender. Does KG stay or go? Because of the contract, the only options are let it run or trade him. Of course, New York is in the mix, but so are Detroit, Indiana, New Jersey (who should have went for him long ago), Dallas and several others that want a piece. It will be very interesting to see what happens. No matter where the final years of Garnett's career, he is not only the missing link for many franchises, but he is the reason for the Timberwolves still existing in Minnesota. No question that he is one of the most charasmatic and philantrophic players in the A, despite this myth of the image problem. Sure thing for the Hall of Fame as the Basketball Hall of Fame is the only of the major sports that does not make winning titles the number one criteria. I just hope that he isn't taken for granted like Ewing was in New York.

Say What?!?!: I'm not really a big Hot Stove fan in terms of the much-ado-about-nothing fashion of it all. Which is why I was surprised to find myself excited about the Florida Marlins wanting to win the World Series... did I say that right? Seriously, if Josh Beckett pitches like he's pitching against the Yankees thirty times a season, the Red Sox have the second-best rotation in the majors next to the World Champion White Sox... did I say that right? Mike Lowell picked up that contract last season based on a pending stadium deal in Downtown Miami, but as one can tell with his trade, the Marlins aren't going to have those new digs. However, for Boston, Lowell should be able to pick up his offense thanks in part to Fenway's dimensions. Oh, and I'll be taking bets on where the Marlins wind up... Las Vegas?!?!