Is it mental with KG's poor play recently?

[j804]

It looks like he's seriously worried or in fear of re-injuring that surgically repaired knee. You see it on screens he almost looks scared to set them. Also wants no part of banging and or falling awkwardly down low etc I don't know unless that's just what comes with getting old

It seems he needs to just stop thinking and go out there and get to it but that's easier said than done.

[Who]

Looks physical to me.

[Inside-Out]

I think the whole team's situtation is probably as much mental as physical.

Mentally, they haven't been coming in with the level of intensity at tipoff that we've seen in recent years.  It seems they're not up for the game...or when they get down think they can turn it on, go on a run and win.

Well...we get the run, then the fade.  

So that's a mental adjustment as much as physical.  We'll surely play better and perhaps win more (Allah be kind) when the guys are all in shape, but the mental edge seems to be gone.

[MF Doom]

I always thought if it would have been beneficial for him to add bulk/muscle to his frame these past few years. He looks so frail

[gift]

speculation alert:

i really think kg went from expecting to retire to being back on the nba court within a month.  he wasn't physically or mentally prepared.  this is why he was so upset with the lack of extra preseason games and time before the season started. he was talking retirement last year if there was a lockout, and he's just not acting the same, let alone producing the same.

i remember one play a few games ago where the ball bounced between him and another player (can't remember who, bass maybe?) and you could see, he really wanted the other guy to go get it. he hesitated, stopped, half started and then hesitated again.  he just really did not want to make the extra two strides to grab the ball if he didn't have to.

i can't blame him.  there was no risk of turnover in this situation.  i just think it shows a definite difference in the way he approaches the game at this point.

[EJPLAYA]

speculation alert:

i really think kg went from expecting to retire to being back on the nba court within a month.  he wasn't physically or mentally prepared.  this is why he was so upset with the lack of extra preseason games and time before the season started. he was talking retirement last year if there was a lockout, and he's just not acting the same, let alone producing the same.

i remember one play a few games ago where the ball bounced between him and another player (can't remember who, bass maybe?) and you could see, he really wanted the other guy to go get it. he hesitated, stopped, half started and then hesitated again.  he just really did not want to make the extra two strides to grab the ball if he didn't have to.

i can't blame him.  there was no risk of turnover in this situation.  i just think it shows a definite difference in the way he approaches the game at this point.

Which summarized in one word is "effort". He can be out of shape and still bust his hump out there. Sad.

[Q_FBE]

Probably 2/3 mental, 1/3 physical. I expect him to play better as the season goes along. If he is truly cooked physically, then I would not be surprised if he approaches Danny and Doc and tell them so.

It is tough watching KG being a mere shell of what he once was.

At some point his pride will kick in, hopefully starting tonight.

[Celtics18]

speculation alert:

i really think kg went from expecting to retire to being back on the nba court within a month.  he wasn't physically or mentally prepared.  this is why he was so upset with the lack of extra preseason games and time before the season started. he was talking retirement last year if there was a lockout, and he's just not acting the same, let alone producing the same.

i remember one play a few games ago where the ball bounced between him and another player (can't remember who, bass maybe?) and you could see, he really wanted the other guy to go get it. he hesitated, stopped, half started and then hesitated again.  he just really did not want to make the extra two strides to grab the ball if he didn't have to.

i can't blame him.  there was no risk of turnover in this situation.  i just think it shows a definite difference in the way he approaches the game at this point.

Which summarized in one word is "effort". He can be out of shape and still bust his hump out there. Sad.

There are times when the body simply won't do what the mind asks it to do.  I think that is the case with both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce right now, but as the season progresses and these guys get a few more games under their belts, I believe that the muscle memory will start to kick in and they'll start to get in better shape and find their respective rhythms.

. . . at least, that's what I'm hoping for.

I don't see anybody being lazy, though, and playing like they don't care. 

[SHAQATTACK]

Looks physical to me.

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