Seeking Happy Medium In Assessing the Franchise Savior

by Steve Weinman on Jun 17, 2008 12:00 AM EDT in NBA Articles

A Daily Babble Production

Where do we as fans draw the line between realism and pessimism? Between objective observation, homerism and anti-homerism? Between realistic believer and hope-abandoning doubter?

These are the questions I've been with which I've been wrestling since the end of Game 5 in Los Angeles on Sunday night -- particularly with regard to the annointed franchise savior himself, Kevin Garnett.

These are questions that have been somewhere in the back of my mind for some time now, but the fourth quarter -- and ensuing response on this board -- brought them to a head.

Within minutes of the conclusion of Sunday's game, a CB member had created a thread titled "KG Choked This Game Away." Not 45 minutes later, "The official support Kevin Garnett thread" had emerged as well. I tell you this not because I'm obsessively concerned with every last word written in the forums here but because the thoughts espoused in these two seem to adequately represent the two prominent perspectives on addressing Kevin Garnett.

It was all predictable enough. In parts of both threads, there was some griping about Garnett's performance in the fourth quarter of Game 5, and there was the expected "How can you talk that way about the guy that got us here?" in response.

This is where it gets dicey for me.

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It seems that at times we have reached a double standard with Garnett that is too unfair because he is the newcomer and anointed savior. Perhaps I read it wrong, but I've gotten the vibe throughout the season and especially the playoffs that any criticism of Garnett is going to lead to guilt trips of the "This team wouldn't be here without him" variety.

As a fan, I've even felt that guilt on the occasions when I've gotten frustrated with KG's play this postseason. The fact is that it's hard to be too upset at a guy who messes up from time to time when he happens to be the guy responsible for enabling a complete 180 of the basketball culture in a city, a guy who completely reinvigorated a franchise and a fan base and is in large part responsible for making so many fans deliriously happy this season.

There is no question here about any of that. It should be a given that we fans know we're watching a future Hall of Fame power forward, one of the best ever to play his position. A terrific offensive player and possibly an all-time great in his impact on the defensive end of the floor. A man who has done unbelievable service to the green this season. One would hope that we're beyond the point of the silly comparisons between the stat lines of Garnett and Al Jefferson, the youngster the team traded away to get him this season. Watching the two play has made it clear that the latter is a promising and likable young player, but the gap between him and the current power forward in green is enormous.

Kevin Garnett has earned all the support we Celts fans have this season.

But it should be possible for us to support KG without him being -- in the words of my pal Soap -- a sacred cow.

As so many have already pointed out, Kevin Garnett did not play good basketball on Sunday night, particularly down the stretch. While his stat line looked respectable, he went 4-of-6 in the first quarter and just 2-of-5 the rest of the way. He looked like he caught a bad case of nerves in two trips to the foul line down the stretch, and his discomfort offensively was evident. He didn't move his feet well and didn't demonstrate great vision on the offensive end of the floor throughout the evening. Pau Gasol gave him a rough time on the defensive end. Though Garnett had 14 rebounds (including 7 big ones on the offensive end), there were certainly a couple of occasions on which he didn't box out, choosing instead to simply jump for the ball, often with just one hand, which led to KG getting a piece of the ball at best but not corralling the rebound, which gave the Lakers a few unnecessary extra possessions. It wasn't his best night.

We're fans. That means that we watch the game, wish for certain things to happen -- and often believe in them, no matter the odds -- and then we talk about what we saw and what we'll wish for next time around. That's the cycle.

It would seem then that we should be able to talk about what has already transpired with these players with honesty and objectivity without feeling some sense of guilt for 'abandoning' that player or this team. As fans, part of our role is to always be believing that the next time out will be the time when everything clicks, and our team takes care of business. That's a given.

I'm a Celtics fan and a Kevin Garnett fan by extension. I have the utmost faith in this team and player and believe that both will show up tonight in Boston to win the green its first championship in 22 years. But that shouldn't prevent me from doing my best to truthfully assess what happened last time out. In my book as a fan, the past is for rationality and the future for imagination.

So why do I still feel like there's something wrong with being frustrated with KG?

And what about the on-going concerns of ours? How do we reconcile our unabashed love for KG with the fact that -- like everyone else ever to set foot on a court -- he has his flaws? You've heard them all before: Too reliant on the mid-range jumper, not as comfortable as he should be going to the low block, possibly unselfish to a fault with the ball in his hands. How can those sorts of questions become topics of discussion amongst fans without the "How can you say that about our guy?" indignance starting?

Finally, to finish my assortment of questions, why does it feel like there is such a double standard here? Sure, there are plenty of homers everywhere who can't stand a bad word about anyone on their team, but it seems like KG's 'sacred cow' status is at times different from the rest of the team -- including his co-stars. Paul Pierce could win an NBA Finals MVP award if all goes well this week, and this team wouldn't be here without him either. Or Ray Allen, who has been absolutely huge at times during the latter portion of the playoffs. Yet it seems that we as a group of fans are far more willing to give players like Pierce and Allen grief for their flaws while finding ways to absolve Garnett from significant public complaint. Is it because he's the bigger deal of the two newcomers? Because he was the guy during the regular season and this is simply a perk that comes with the territory? Or am I only mistakenly perceiving that critique directed Garnett's way is met with more sensitivity than most other thoughts on the Celts players?

I'll heed the cycle: watch, wish, talk, hope. I watched Game 5 wishing for a win. Thought Kevin Garnett wasn't very good in that game and made that clear in public writing. But I also know what KG means to this team, and I'll be rooting for and believing in him and the green to the death tonight.

But what works for one dope of a writer doesn't necessarily go for everyone. So this one's on you, folks, if you don't mind helping sate my curiosity. Where are the lines of realism and fanhood drawn? What is your happy medium?

And here's hoping we'll have absolutely nothing of this sort to talk about tomorrow morning.

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Comments

I think people’s volatile opinions reflect two cultural phenomena:

1. the anonymity of the web amplifies the hypercritical nastiness (because there is no cost associated with it, this is even true in the public forum of TV, consider how little commentators like Stephen A Smith bring to any discussion, yet saying it loudly makes it so in the mind of his viewers.

2. The other is extreme lack of perspective (you referred to this in your “cycle hypothesis” I’d call it the “how quickly we all forget hypothesis.” As I recall, this was a 24 win team last year. How can anyone complain because one or more of the players had an imperfect game.

I can’t believe how many people are so upset about Sunday night’s game. Heck, we should all be thrilled that we get to watch another game, considering the high probability that the Celtics will win and further embarass themselves and Phile the wonder-coach.

These are the halcyon days my friends, enjoy them and quit pissing an moaning about little things. Show some of the maturity that Paul Pierce has shown all year, including the last press conference where he refused to take the bait and simply complimented Bryant on a good play. He’s the one that has to go out and play his butt off again tonight, we’ll all be sitting around drinking beer, hollering at the top of our lungs and being happy we get to savor one more game in this fantastic season!

Go Celtics! Go PP, Go KG, Go RayRay, Doc, and everyone else!!

by LonelyTXCelt on Jun 17, 2008 4:10 AM EDT reply actions

oops that line was supposed to say: and watch the Lakers further embarass themselves… you knew what I meant.

by LonelyTXCelt on Jun 17, 2008 4:13 AM EDT reply actions

Yes LonelyTXCelt, exactly!

Jeff, there is a difference between being frustrated “along with Kevin Garnett” by his off game(s) and being frustrated with Kevin Garnett. I feel bad for him and hope he ends this series on a high note. I will not, having watched Game 5, say he “choked.”

Here’s why:
1. No way I could do better.
2. No way we would be there without him.
3. I look at his cumulative effort this season and continually ask, “How much more can this man give?”
4. He has made everyone on his team better. Just look at Pierce. I have always admired his offensive game and a legit All-Star, but thought of him as thin-skinned and a poor team player. Now I see a bona fide superstar who leads by example and who has outplayed “the best player in the world.” Pierce was not that player until Allen and Garnett came to town.
5. KG’s own assessment of his play is honest. He played poorly. I hope he doesn’t play that way again.
6. If you are looking to accuse someone of choking, who was that wearing yellow and blowing a record lead in Game 4? In that same Game 4, who was that standing tall with his team?

To criticize KG for a rough outing in one game is myopic. He’s our guy. We are Celtics fans. We can say he had an off game, even a really off game. He’s OUR guy. Close as he is to perfect, ultimately even KG is human. Recognize where we would be without him then get out their and support him and the rest of the team!

It’s still us against them — not us against us.

by Thruthelookingglass on Jun 17, 2008 6:40 AM EDT reply actions

by Roy_Hobbs on Jun 17, 2008 8:41 AM EDT reply actions

kg is a warrior. without perk down low he is caught in all the pushing,banging, holding that does not free him up to move loosely about which is when he is dangerous. if ever a team needed home court reffing, it’s the c’s.

by nazzbo on Jun 17, 2008 8:49 AM EDT reply actions

I think it’s completely fair to criticize KG for poor performances, so long as you don’t lose sight of the big picture. KG is playing poorly on the offensive end right now, and is failing to dominate a matchup with Pau Gasol where he clearly has the advantage. KG got to the hoop at will in the first half of Game 1. Since then, he hasn’t even tried. I think people can point that out, as it’s a clear flaw in our offensive execution.

Many fans take the position that KG and Paul Pierce are beyond reproach, while everyone else (including Ray Allen) are set up as the consistent targets of scorn. While I appreciate the contributions of all our players, I think all of them should be criticized when deserving of such, and they should be praised otherwise. KG underperformed in Game 5 — by his own admission — and fans should at least be able to discuss whether it’s an ongoing concern.

by Roy_Hobbs on Jun 17, 2008 8:54 AM EDT reply actions

Expectations.

Kevin Garnett arrived in Boston with a lable of “saviour” written all over him. He was a storied power forward, considered to be one of the best in the history of the NBA. He became a member of an equally storied franchise, one that had been immersed in 20 years of frustratingly average to below average performance. The Celtics fans expected He would lead the team to the next title.

In our desire to win the whole shebang, we get disappointed when we see mistakes made that get in the way of our goal. We expect super-human performances, even perfection, because we care so much about winning banner 17. These expectations of perfection are natural, but not realistic, and we need to catch ourselves when we make them. Some of us do, and some don’t, and that is evident by the excessively negative comments directed at KG.

That is not to say, as Steve did in the article, that KG should be beyond criticism. As stated earlier, KG is a huge reason why we have arrived on the doorstep of 17. His defense has not disappeared, only his offense. As good as KG is, like any human, he can get better….and he knows it. Hence his agreement with the reporter’s observation of needing to take it to the hoop more forcefully.

But getting better doesn’t happen overnight, especially with a player who has had his game style locked in for more than 10 years. I think KG should work on being a more powerful forward in the off-season, Clifford Ray can be a great help, and I would bet that KG does exactly that. I bet we see his game with an added dimension next season, maybe even a bulked up physique to throw at the Gasols and Odoms next year.

But what we have NOW, is the current KG, a top 50 all-time NBA player, who is trying his heart out to win a championship for our beloved Celtics. He isn’t perfect, matter of fact it might turn out that his incredible intensity that served as the leadership of a 66 win team, has gotten past the boiling point in the playoffs and finals, and has gone from helping him to being a hinderance. He is also human, and as much as fans hate to see it, we humans can suffer through times where we just don’t perform at our highest level. Nothing can be done about these times, and there is no telling when they will strike. As said before, its guaranteed that as much as it bothers us fans, KG is doubly troubled, at least.

So I think KG should be cut some slack….whatever happens this year (and this year is still looking freaking awewome!), I feel that next years Celtics are going to be an improved team over this year’s, at least in team chemistry and understanding each other’s games. Can I get a Wooohoooooo?

by twistedmisfit on Jun 17, 2008 9:00 AM EDT reply actions

KG “sacred cow” status isn’t just out of balance with every other player on this team, it’s greater than every other player in this league.

Someone above wrote “beyond reproach” …. truly amazing how KG is on a different pedestal than every other player in the league when it comes to criticism.

by Who on Jun 17, 2008 3:39 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry, IÂ´m late.

IÂ´ll tell you what my problem with the recent KG criticism is:

We only need one win. Has KG ever responded well to pressure? So why put even more on him? We as the fans definitly have an impact on the pressure put on the players, since the Internet connected fanbase and media much more than in the past.

I am all for fair criticism, no matter which player. IÂ´ve criticized them here and there during the regular season and they early playoff rounds myself.

But this is not the time to put even more pressure on guys like KG and Rondo, who, for whatever reason, seem to either donÂ´t respond well to too much pressure or need the support from their homecrowd and media, as evidenced by the difference in performances on the road and at home.

tbh, I have no idea what it really is. But what I do know is that we sound an awful lot like Lakers fans after game 4.

Threads about the parade. Threads about Free Agents. Threads that already reflect this season.

And after game 5, threads about how KG “choked” this game away, just like Lakers fans who were willing to throw Kobe under the bus after game 4. Are we already that spoiled?
This one makes me especially sad, since I really donÂ´t think he choked in this game. Even MJ missed 3 free throws in a finals game, IIRC.

Yes, his performance wasnÂ´t all peaches and cream, as KG puts it, but how can you criticize his point production when Pierce goes for nearly 40 points? Has anyone ever seen a team with a 40 point scorer and two 20 point scorer, and if yes, how often? Has this team ever had such a performance during the 66 win regular season?

These expectations are over my head, seriously. We all heard that KG exhausts pretty fast, he canÂ´t play 48 minutes like Ray did, and weÂ´re at the end of a long season.

How come that everybody is willing to label KG as a “choker”(pretty sad term, btw), when he was the one who made some crucial shots and tip-ins in game 4, and was the one who tied game 5 90-90? How is that choking? He canÂ´t take over all the time, otherwise we wouldnÂ´t need Ray or Pierce at all.

I think we all, as NBA fans in general, are a bit spoiled by the MJ and Shaq era. We all expect our superstar to be the ultimate killer in the finals, and KG is just not the type of guy to do that. Did Bill Russell dominate every finals he played in on the offensive end? How did Kobe play this series, the allegedly best closer in the game?

I am not trying to defend KG, IÂ´m not one of his groupies. I was one of the guys who didnÂ´t want to trade Al Jefferson for KG last off-season. In fact, I always thought of KG as overrated prior to this season (yeah, pretty dumb, hm?). As I said, I am all for fair criticism.

All I think is that this is simply not the time to criticize the mental skill set of our superstar. Please, keep this for until after the finals, just like the threads about the parade…

by Casperian on Jun 17, 2008 7:04 PM EDT reply actions