Kevin Garnett, regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA history, recently reflected on his initial encounters with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is currently considered the league’s premier power forward. Despite facing each other five times between 2013 and Garnett’s retirement in 2016, Garnett revealed he barely noticed Giannis until witnessing the star’s remarkable physical transformation during a preseason game in Minnesota.
Kevin Garnett’s Unforgettable First Impression of Giannis
In an exclusive interview with the Milwaukee Bucks‘ media team, Garnett recounted his early matchups against Giannis Antetokounmpo, explaining that the young player initially failed to leave any strong impression.
“Well, I had played against Giannis a couple of times, and I think the first couple of times I played him, I didn’t even remember. It wasn’t anything that made me kind of, you know, stick out to remember the kid or anything. I don’t even recall it… to the point where it wasn’t an impression,”
Garnett explained.
Garnett’s perception changed during a preseason game in Minnesota, where Giannis’s physical evolution caught his attention. He described the moment:
“It wasn’t until the third time, or I think I was a little older. I think it was in Minnesota. I think we had a preseason game against Milwaukee, and I could tell just how he looked like Bruce Lee. He looked super ripped.”
He added that Giannis appeared very different physically and mentally that night:
“He looked different… His posture was straight up. He looked super.. You know what I’m saying? So when I saw that, that was my first interaction with him in this preseason game.”
From Respectful Timidity to Fiery Determination
Following his retirement, Garnett was invited by Jay Kidd to work with Giannis, who specifically requested his mentorship. Garnett shared,
“And then obviously the next year I retire, and then I get a call from Jay Kidd to ask me if I can actually come in and work with him because Giannis had requested to come in.”
During their first sessions, Garnett noticed a reserved and respectful demeanor from Giannis.
“So then my first impression of him is that he was very respectful and he was very um timid.. When I would you know talk to him, and when I would say certain things to him, he wouldn’t look me in the face would he would look down, he would you know he’d be listening.”
Gradually, Giannis started to gain confidence under Garnett’s guidance.
“And then I start making him look at me…I’m giving it to him, and then he’ll just nod his head and look, and then as I started working with him a little more, I noticed that he had a fire that he wanted to let out.”
Statistical Evidence of Giannis’ Dominance Over Garnett
Although Garnett claims to have initially overlooked Giannis, their five matchups during the regular NBA seasons tell a different story. Despite Garnett being in the twilight of his career, Giannis outperformed him in four of those games, securing victory in three. Giannis averaged 12.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game against Garnett, while Garnett recorded 6.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks.
This statistical disparity highlights Giannis’s all-around superiority on the court during their limited time competing head-to-head, underscoring his rapid rise as an elite player.
The Impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Body Transformation
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s physical development is widely regarded as one of the most impressive in NBA history. Garnett’s reference to Giannis’s “Bruce Lee” transformation captures how the star’s enhanced strength and posture instantly changed the way opponents perceived him.
This transformation not only improved Giannis’s performance but caught the attention of veteran players and mentors, paving the way for his growth into an NBA superstar. Garnett’s eventual mentorship role reflects Giannis’s willingness to learn and adapt, adding another dimension to his game.
As Giannis continues to evolve, his journey from a relatively unnoticed rookie to a dominant force with a strong work ethic highlights the significance of physical and mental growth in professional basketball.