Garnett shuts down speculation that he could coach Celtics
Kevin Garnett's bid to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves fell through, but if he's looking for another option to pass the time, a certain NBA fan base has an idea.
With Brad Stevens being promoted from head coach to President of Basketball Operations, the Boston Celtics are looking for a new head coach. While there are several names with experience available, Celtics fans want Garnett on the sidelines.
The idea was sprouted by The Athletic's Jeff Howe and quickly became trending on social media. With Garnett in the news after criticizing Kyrie Irving for stomping on Boston's center court logo, many including Barstool Sports' Jerry Thornton believe Garnett can provide the toughness that helped the Celtics win the NBA Championship in 2008.
Who's with me on Kevin Garnett as Celtics head coach? Sure, he has no experience. Yes, it's stunt casting. The kind I normally hate. But Brooklyn isn't going to have a free ride down the lane all series long on KG's watch. Do it pic.twitter.com/WToAXP4Bwd
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) June 2, 2021
It wasn't long until the Celtics fan base was green over the idea of Garnett patrolling the sidelines.
Kevin Garnett showing up at Robert Williams room after being named the Celtics Head coach. #Celtics #KevinGarnett #nba pic.twitter.com/Ft5RcXKjWF
— Joche (@jochemap) June 2, 2021
Kevin Garnett as head coach next yr when Kyrie comes to Boston pic.twitter.com/T6SXXUfP2c
— Treday757 (@avg_gamer_tre) June 2, 2021
If the idea of Garnett becoming a head coach is random, that's because it is. Garnett has no head coaching experience, but neither did Nets head coach Steve Nash, who just defeated the Celtics in an Eastern Conference playoff series.
The idea of Garnett eventually becoming a coach was floated out when he returned to Minnesota in 2015...and was quickly shot down during his introductory press conference.
“Hell nah," Garnett said. "A coach is what I won’t be. You can’t talk me into that. My sister’s pretty good at talking me into things. My daughters are pretty good at persuading me to things … but you can’t persuade me to coach. That’s a big ‘H-E-L-L N-A-H.’ Nah.”
Unfortunately for Celtics fans, Garnett reiterated that stance on his Instagram story.
A more likely scenario is Garnett being involved with the Timberwolves under the new ownership group of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore.
While Garnett is not involved in the group currently slated to buy the Wolves, there's a chance Garnett could join as a minority owner once Lore and Rodriguez take over from Glen Taylor.
Until then, Timberwolves fans will just want Garnett's No. 21 jersey hanging in the Target Center rafters.
