The Minnesota Timberwolves is teeming with fresh faces capable of bringing in huge changes in the NBA team. One of the most notable entries in the Andrew Wiggins squad is Karl-Anthony Towns. The first overall NBA draft rookie finds himself under the guidance of Kevin Garnet. The NBA veteran, who has been known for his subtle way of mentoring budding basketball stars, serves as an inspiration for the young Towns.
Apart from Towns, however, another young NBA star is benefiting from the Kevin Garnet school of basketball. When the Sacramento Kings signed Rajon Rondo in the NBA offseason, it was with the expectation that he will provide a highly needed veteran support in the young core. As the season progresses, the former Boston Celtics star continues to show his efficiency as Cousins' mentor. However, Rondo disclosed that he did not learn all his tricks alone.
According to the former Dallas Mavericks star, he owes a huge part of his successful NBA career to Garnet. The 39-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves player served the same role Rondo is now playing for Cousins. That is, Garnet was then Rondo's big brother in the early parts of the latter's career. With Garnet's support and guidance, Rondo grew into the player he is today - a determined and focused leader.
"That was part of the reason I wanted to come here," Rondo said of his decision to sign with the Sacramento Kings, according to NBA.com. He went on to share, "If I didn't have a guy like KG in my ear all the time, a coach like Doc (Rivers), who knows where I'd be in this league -- if I'd even be in this league. I've been wanting to play with Cuz for four or five years now. I think he's the best big -- he is the best big in the game. And with a little bit of direction, even as far as his knowledge of the game, he can take even a bigger step in this game. I'm enjoying it. He's listening, he's embraced it."
For his part, Cousins declared his acknowledgement of Rondo's intentions. The young Sacramento Kings star also shared that he intends to follow the lead of the veteran. He also disclosed his respect and admiration for Rondo, praising his hard work and focus in the hardwood court.
"I know his intentions," Cousins shared. The Sacramento Kings star added, "His intentions at the end of the day are the same as mine. I can never have a disagreement with a guy like that. Every night we try to go out and do whatever it takes to win the game. You have a guy like that on the floor with you, it's hard to have disagreements. I know his heart is to win the game. That's why he's the most unselfish player I've ever played with."
Meanwhile, some fans are hopeful that a Rondo-Garnet reunion might happen soon. Given the praises of Rondo to his fellow NBA veteran, followers of the two perceive it to be a sign of the former reaching out to the latter. Moreover, the diminishing minutes of Garnet with the Minnesota Timberwolves might just push him to reconsider.
However, leaving the said team might not be easy for Garnet. At the moment, the NBA veteran has yet another young basketball star eagerly looking up to him. If Garnet leaves the team, Towns will be devastated over the loss. In fact, the rookie, as well as his father, had been quite vocal over their appreciation of the vet's efforts in the growth of the young star.
"Nothing he does surprises me anymore," said Town of Garnet in an interview with GQ. He added, "KG is one of a kind. He's not one of a kind once every other day or week. He's one of a kind every single day, and that's what makes him special."
