"I'd run through a brick wall if [Doc] wants me to"

Peter May has a feature piece on KG up on Yahoo! today.  The whole thing focuses on KG's recovery and the challenges he faces because of it.  It's a good piece... but this quote about him and Doc is really striking.

“Every time I step on the court, every time I pick up a basketball, the reason is to improve,’’ Garnett went on. “I’m like one of those old cats at the park who have a certain way about how they do stuff. When I get on the court, I work hard. And sometimes I feel Doc is tearing me back, not from not necessarily getting better, but from the workload. It’s something I have to understand. At first, I thought he was saying, ‘Hey, sit down. Get some rest.’ There’s that word again. I think I’ve done a pretty good job of listening to him and finding out what he wants from me. I’d do anything for Doc and he knows that. I’d run through a brick wall if he wants me to. He tends to say, ‘Hey, I’ll tell you when I want you do that.’ It’s about me understanding what he wants.’’’

That shows how much respect KG has for Doc Rivers.  And when your big dog has respect for you, the rest of the team has no choice but to fall in line.  That's part of why this works.  I know Paul Pierce and Doc have grown to really respect one another as well.

Back to KG...

It's an interesting piece because this injury has forced him to be something he hasn't been before.  He's had to back off when he's used to going full throttle.  He's learning patience.  If you're looking for something positive out all of this, it's that KG is learning even more about himself... which he can use to get the most out of his body in the last few years of his career.

(Hat tip: Lex)