Ticket to Ride

One thing I already miss with my whole heart is Kevin Garnett’s press interviews. Most interviews are plagued with sporting clichés such as “We came to play tonight,” “We have to get on the same page,” and “It could have gone either way,”

But one thing about KG- he is anything but typical. Just like him, his responses were raw, honest and emotional with the occasional swear word.

I already miss KG’s analogies such as comparing developing team chemistry to cooking tortillas or feeling excitement like driving with your head out of the window.

I had always heard about the myth of KG’s intensity before he arrived to Boston.

But I learned there is so much more to KG.

His intensity is just one characteristic of what makes him so special as a basketball player and human being. It’s his honesty that makes him so endearing to basketball purists.

I can already hear the haters. “KG is dirty,” “Garnett takes cheap shots,” “He’s all talk and can’t back it up.”

I can’t disagree with you. Yes, KG does talk a lot of smack and trash. And yes, KG has had a few objectionable moments. But, like the rest of us who have all had our moments, I’m sure he has regrets for his actions. It’s hard to believe but KG is human like all of us.

But one thing you cannot deny is his honesty. And being honest is allowing yourself to be honest with your emotions.

KG is certainly emotional. Any emotion he shares is 100% pure. If he’s excited, you’ll see him pounding his chest. If he’s happy, you’ll see him laughing with his team. If he’s overwhelmed, you’ll see him crying in interviews. If he’s disappointed, you’ll see him stressed with reporters. If he feels let down, you’ll see him pout and ignore former teammates.

So what? KG is emotional and it can lead to some predicaments at times. But he is just human- just like the rest of us.

It takes strength to be honest with your emotions whether it hurts or not. There are no positive or negative emotions- it is what it is. Whoever said there aren’t disappointments in life is just fooling themselves. Ultimately, if we try to deny our emotions, we will not be able to enjoy moments of happiness either.

It’s a privilege to not only witness KG’s basketball talent, but his ability to embrace the moment is what makes him special. 

The Truth is out there in hearts and minds

So it is official- Paul Pierce is no longer a Celtic. Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry were formally introduced to the Brooklyn Nets today. 

Whoever says that you need to get over things in life doesn't know what they're talking about. You don't ever get over things but you learn to cope. Ok, ok. I know it all sounds a little dramatic. In the end, everyone is still alive and it is just sport after all. But you cannot deny that there is a real significance to certain events, and this feels like one of those moments. 

I hate trades. Wait, no I don't.

I hate trading Paul Pierce.

Trading Pierce was sacrilege - and that’s without considering Kevin Garnett as well.

I believe Tim Duncan will be the last player to ever play for one team.

I hate how the NBA makes players feel like commodities.

General managers are stockbrokers. They buy (sign) and sell (amnesty or release) players. They assess the market for the value of their stocks (players) and trade.

The Celtics are different. They treated players like humans. They’ve retired all their greats. Bird, McHale, Russell, Cousy, Havlicek, Heinsohn. That was Red Auerbach’s legacy of loyalty. The way the team humanises its players is what makes the Celtics so endearing.

Pierce is one of the all time greatest Celtics. He only won one ring but he carried an irrelevant overmatched team for years in the NBA.

But it was his personal growth that more special to witness than anything to watch. After a near fatal stabbing in 2000, Pierce was once labeled as self-centered and egotistical in declaring himself as “the classic case of a great player on a bad team.” Pierce matured into an encouraging and dependable leader of the Celtics.

Pierce should have retired a Celtic. Pierce stayed loyal to the Celtics and never asked to be traded. He should have been afforded the same luxury.

Pierce was to the Celtics what Kobe is to the Lakers. The Truth was our anti-Kobe. The Truth stood for loyalty and being a good team player that sacrificed for the greater good of the team. Whereas Kobe loves standing on his soapbox disparaging team mates and making self-proclamations on second comings and greatness.

It’s why I hate trades. Well, that’s not true. That would be hypercritical. The Celtics acquired KG and Ray by trade. 

Honestly, I’m emotional about Paul leaving. I grew up watching him not only as a player but I looked up to him as an individual who overcame so much adversity in his life both on and off the court. After being stabbed 11 times in the face, neck and back, he is lucky to be alive. 

(This article about Paul Pierce was one of the first articles I wrote and it is one of my favourites - The Truth Always Comes Out)

But then again, maybe this is the send off he deserves. I would love nothing more to see him dethrone the Heat. Even in a Nets uniform.

I can even hear myself chanting now.

"Brooooooooklyyyyyn, Brooooooooklyyyyyn". 

But what do all of you think of the trade? Am I wrong? Or did the Celtics and Danny Ainge get this right? Leave comments and please follow on twitter @joelmoss9