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.