Celtics fans gave Kevin Garnett their special version of a hero’s welcome
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Kevin Garnett got more than he bargained for when Celtics coach Brad Stevens called a 20-second timeout with just over a minute left on Monday night. Fans took it as their cue to rise and honor the former Celtics star, while the video board played "Gino Time," a Celtics tradition depicting a dancing man from the 1970s. Fans embrace Gino and dance along with his moves, which made it one of Garnett's favorite videos when he played for the team.
Kobe Bryant’s every move is being analyzed as his farewell tour jets across America, but Garnett could be taking his own final lap while getting much less press. His return to the city where he “grew up” was always going to be an emotional one for the 20-year NBA veteran. Unfortunately it was a game he couldn’t participate in. Playing for so many years has taken its toll and left the 39-year-old unable to play in back-to-back games. A simple “DNP” wasn’t going to let die-hard Celtics fans stop from honoring one of their former legends.
The look of pure glee on Garnett’s face was unmatched. Everyone in attendance forgot about the game that was taking place and turned their attention to honor a man who will join the annals of Celtics royalty. It was a special and amazing moment, and one that might not have ever happened had Stevens not decided to make a substitution.
“I was subbing,” Stevens said. “But in retrospect it was a hell of an idea.”
The crowd chanted “We want KG!” throughout the night, despite it being impossible. It was less about wanting to see Garnett on the floor and more about letting him know that he was still wanted, still loved by these fans. It meant everything to him.
“The appreciation of not only the city, but the Mass. area, the Northeast,” Garnett said afterward, “the love is unconditional. And I’m very appreciative of it.”
Garnett went on to explain what Boston has meant to him as a city.
Sadly Garnett has been overlooked far too much this year. This is his lot for being “the other guy” who will likely retire following the 2015-16 season. He will be honored in Minnesota and Boston, but he might get ignored in arenas around the country. It would be a shame if NBA fans forgot just how amazing he has been for the game all because Kobe is garnering the limelight.
(h/t Mass Live)
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Watch Garnett’s big introduction after he was traded back to Minnesota in February
