This might be a strange theory, but I wonder if the reason we see so much more trash talking is because of the improvements in TV technology. Between HD picture and sound, and tons of additional camera angles, Mic'd Up, etc., we are able to see and hear so much more. Maybe there was just as much talk going on before, we just couldn't see or hear it. Just a theory...
As for KG and the Celtics, I love KG as a player, but I am not a huge fan of his theatrics on the court. I know he is intense, but too often he reaches the point where he comes off as someone just trying to draw attention to himself. To me, there is talking and then there is showing up the other team, and he does that A LOT.