What happened to KG?

[LarBrd33]

What's your theory on KG?  Is he just going extra hard, because he's still contemplating retirement at the end of the year?  Is it simply the switch the center?  Did it just take him a significant time to recover from his injury in 09?  Has KG been sneaking to Germany with Kobe for stem cell treatment?  What's the deal?

KG was injured in 08-09 and basically missed the final 4 months of the season (including playoffs)

In 09-10 we went to the finals and lost in game 7.  KG went for 20-10 only three times that entire season (including playoffs).  It could be argued he was still recovering from injury.

Last year (10-11) -  KG had six 20-10 games... eight if you include the playoffs. 

This year (11-12) -  KG has had eight 20-10 games in these playoffs alone.  He's had 15 total 20-10 games since February 22nd.  In these playoffs he's averaging 19.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.2 steals in 37 minutes.  Is it the extra minutes?   He seems to be moving better than he has since 2008. 

Here's something interesting.  Kevin missed two games on 2/19 and 2/20 for "personal family matter".  I was listening to someone on a Simmons podcast last month (either Stein or Bucher, I think) who made a comment that "something happened" to Kevin during that little break that changed his entire mentality.  On the podcast he was suggesting that prior to leaving for "personal reasons", Garnett was mentally "checked out" and seemingly done with the NBA.  Should be noted that that was in the midst of a 5 game losing streak that eventually left the Celtics at 15-17.  Supposedly, according to that podcast I listened to, Garnett had some kind of "awakening" after that little break and has been a "changed man" ever since.  If I wasn't so lazy, I'd find a link to the podcast to share with you guys.  Interestingly enough, the first of KG's 20-10 games happened on his first game back from that "break" (the 5th loss in a row for the Celtics that left them 15-17... a game against OKC)... but after that the Celtics rattled off 5 wins in a row and never dipped below .500 for the rest of the season.  For the remainder of the regular season we were 24 and 10.   

What ya'll think?  Did KG fly to Germany to visit Kobe's doctor during those two missed games in February?... Lol.  Seriously, though... what the heck got into KG?   

[rondofor3]

I have no idea, but those are some very interesting statistics, thanks for sharing.

[clover]

The word seems to be that he and the C's are looking to get a new deal done, though because of the C's interest in salary cap flexibility it may be a relatively rich one year deal at least to start.

So I don't think retirement is driving him.  My best guess is that he's feeling better physically, but whether Kobe's doctor is the reason I've no clue.

[Who]

Jermaine O'Neal = he was shut down after those games and Garnett got to play full time as a center which opened up his game offensively + put him in a better position to grab rebounds + put him lesser (plus slower) offensive threats defensively.

[cman88]

Tanguay alluded to this as well...there was a death to someone close to KG, someone who had a big influence on him, and it changed/motivated him.


also, I think playing the center position has alot to do with it. kg is living in the post alot more...the center psition is the weakes in the NBA...theres really only 1 center in the league(bynum) who can give KG trouble...

[Celtics18]

Who knows why he's been playing so well since the All Star Break?  What he's doing this year is definitely incredible, but it's not like I ever thought he was washed up before this.

He was pretty darned good last year, but it was a strange year, and the way we went out had a lot of folks thinking this team and our older stars were pretty much done.  He and Paul spent more time this past off-season focusing on having a season than getting in shape for one.  It showed early, and most thought this thing needed to be blown up.  He's worked his way into great shape and is probably in better physical condition than he's been in since '08. 

And, that dude is one of the all-time warriors.  I see him out there going on something that frankly seems impossible.  At times you can see him just overriding what his body is telling him with heart and determination. 

I've always loved KG and his passion, but he's captured my heart as a fan in an entirely new way this season.  His place as a Celtic legend has risen to a whole new level for me.