A couple of quite similar pieces from Mark Murphy and Gary Washburn this morning on KG’s recent improvements. A few of the highlights from each piece:
KG talking about his offensive play:
Garnett said he is so focused on defense that he almost ignores his offense because the Celtics have so many scorers. His early-season struggles have encouraged opposing coaches to allow him open jumpers. On Sunday, Garnett drained two elbow jumpers within 94 seconds to help seal the victory. Both were created from dribble penetration, once from Paul Pierce, who is constantly encouraging Garnett to unleash himself offensively.
“I wasn’t even going to it but Paul was on my [butt] on the bench about being aggressive, take the shot, take the damn shot,’’ Garnett said. “Here I’m just a piece that fits in the puzzle. And I’m thinking more defensively since I have been in here, since I stepped foot in here, put the jersey on. I am just more of a defensive player and I like that. Coming in I want to make sure defensively I am sound. When I am not forcing the issue and not thinking everything else just flows. So I think that’s all you see.’’
And Rasheed on KG’s progress:
“Some people are still worried about it. Everybody keeps asking me about it. But all it is is time. You all thought he was going to be back to the old KG, jumping out the gym [immediately]. He’s taking his time with it and every game is looking better for him.’’
From the Boston Herald
KG on his defense and lack of mobility:
“Physically I’m feeling really good, but you have no idea of the (expletive) that I go through, come in here and be Grade B or Grade A, I’m a work in progress,” Garnett said. “I just have to continue to do the things I’ve been.”
But the goal in all of this work is starting to come clear. Garnett’s game, though still rudimentary, is showing signs of something better. The irony is that his calling card – defense – may be the area still suffering from the most slippage.
“I’m trying to tell you, man, I don’t even think twice about my leg,” he said. “There’s nothing about this game that is second-guessed, my shot selection, and what Doc (Rivers, the C’s coach) wants me to do.”
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I’ve seen more of an effort by KG to help Perk out with the inside game. You can see it on paper with better FG% & more rebounds. KG can be such a bigger threat closer to the basket with easier shots, getting boards, getting to the free throw line, & putting the other teams bigs on the bench with foul trouble. Sure, he can hit the outside jumper, but that is rather one dimensional compared to all the things he can do around the rim. I like the way he seals his man & puts his hand up for Rondo. That play gets so many ez shots. Also, when KG dunks he shoots adrenalin into the team & especially the home crowd. Throw it down Big Man! He has the natural height advantage so he should try to use it down there.
I know he talks about defense first, but offensive rebounding is the best defense. If they don’t have the ball then they can’t hurt you, & it demoralizes other teams to see all those 2nd & 3rd chances–especially after playing defense for 24 seconds. Offensive rebounding just sucks the energy & life out of the other team.