“I Can’t Stand It,” NBA Legend Kevin Garnett Blames Europeans for Flopping Culture

Former NBA star Kevin Garnett criticized Europeans for bringing flopping.

“I Can’t Stand It,” NBA Legend Kevin Garnett Blames Europeans for Flopping Culture

Kevin Garnett (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Former NBA champion Kevin Garnett is often regarded as one of the greatest power forwards to ever play the game of basketball. Drafted as the number five pick in the 1995 NBA draft, Garnett came from an era where players were known to be “tough” and flopping was not a common occurrence. However, the modern-day NBA has changed a lot.

Not so long ago, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown spoke about how flopping helps players win MVP awards. It was not a very shocking opinion from Brown as the current MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has often been accused of flopping and getting foul calls in his favor. Referees face the heat as well due to their inconsistent foul-calling.

Even Serbian star Nikola Jokic and Slovenian guard Luka Doncic have often been accused of flopping and even arguing with referees for calls. Jalen Brunson defended the allegations and said the defenders have to be more disciplined. It is an issue in the NBA, which has frustrated former players and fans over the years.

Over the last few years, the NBA has seen a rise in European players. Not just in the number of players, but also in taking over the league. No American player has won the MVP award since James Harden in 2018. And with the rise of Victor Wembanyama, it looks like these Europeans have well and truly taken over the NBA.

However, former Minnesota Timberwolves and Celtics star Kevin Garnett was critical of European players and blamed them for bringing flopping into the league on the KG Certified podcast.

If you like any of them Mfers up 1 on 1, half them Mfers can’t guard. It’s two sides to the ball… You line them Mfers up man Americans will destroy any MF you line up!… This isn’t always going to be international. International guys have brought a bunch of flopping to the game. I can’t f*cking stand it. Every other f*cking up and down they saying something to the ref. We got all this flopping and sh*t man.

The former MVP did not hold back and went on:

We weren’t doing all that sh*t before bro. I get it it’s been some greatness, but been some weirdness that we’ve taken from them. I hate that narrative since international players start younger so what! They’re not putting out a better product.

The statements from Garnett are quite harsh considering there have been several American players who have been criticized for flopping as well such Harden, Brunson and more. It has to do with the league in general, as players try to sell fouls a lot more today.

NBA fans react to Kevin Garnett’s criticism of European players

Garnett’s statements were a surprise to many and the internet did not hold back from calling him out for his poor opinions across social media.

Several fans shut down his statements and felt he was making such comments as European players are the best players in the league today, which does not sit well with Garnett.

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Kevin Garnett was more intense in Minnesota than in Boston

In his 21-year NBA career, Garnett spent almost 14 seasons with the Timberwolves and six in Boston. While his lone championship came with the Celtics in 2008, he is the Wolves’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, making him the only NBA player in league history to lead a franchise in those five categories.

Kevin Garnett
Kevin Garnett (Image credits – ESPN)

Rashad McCants‘ NBA career lasted only four seasons, but he was still fortunate enough to share two full seasons in Minnesota with Garnett. In an interview with Basketball Network, McCants spoke about the former champion.

I think he was more intense with the Timberwolves because there was no one on his level that could really kinda speak back to him, like there was on the Celtics. So, there were a lot of intense moments at practice. There was a lot of trash-talking, a lot of cussing. Man, KG is probably the most polarizing figure in NBA history. I don’t think there is anyone like him.

Garnett has always been known for his trash-talking and taking it to his opponents. Hence, it was not surprising to hear McCants’ statements on the 15-time All-Star.

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