WATCH – Kevin Garnett goes on PASSIONATE rant about nostalgic fans not embracing the talent in the new generation

Kevin Garnett explains why fans should embrace the current players instead of holding onto the legends of the past.

WATCH – Kevin Garnett goes on PASSIONATE rant about nostalgic fans not embracing the talent in the new generation

Kevin Garnett feels the community isn't appreciating the greatness that is right before them enough (via Associated Press)

NBA legend Kevin Garnett passionately argued against the nostalgic glorification of past basketball greats. He urged fans and commentators to embrace the current generation of stars and not miss out on their greatness. Garnett’s emphatic stance highlights a growing divide in the basketball community between fans of NBA legends and current superstars.

Garnett didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration with those stuck in the past. He highlighted the unique talents and achievements of current players. Garnett also argued that they deserve celebration for their own merits, not constant comparison to past legends.

YouTube video

He had this to say on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast:

FS Video
"We're missing out on greatness right in front of us... LeBron James is 38 motherf***ing years old doing something we've never seen... a 7'6" Frenchman rookie [Victor Wembanyama] is looking like a 2-3 year old guard... Wilt Chamberlain would be rolling in his grave right now if we told him a 6'10" power forward [Nikola Jokic] is playing center and jumps this high (holds his fingers close to indicate Jokic's unimpressive vertical)..... We gotta embrace this new ish... We ain't ever seen anything like Steph Curry either, he shoots from miles, bro."
Kevin Garnett via Stephen A Smith Show.

Kevin Garnett’s comments also touched on the remarkable achievements of LeBron James, who continues to perform at an elite level in his 21st NBA season. He marveled at James’ ability to maintain such a high standard of play at 39 years old, a feat that challenges the norms of athletic performance and longevity in professional sports.

Kevin Garnett on how basketball is played in the modern era

The conversation between Garnett and Smith sheds light on the significant evolution of basketball from the days of Wilt Chamberlain to the current era. Further, it highlights how players like Steph Curry and Victor Wembanyama redefine what’s possible on the basketball court.

Kevin Garnett on Stephen A Smith's podcast
Kevin Garnett on Stephen A Smith’s podcast, The Stephen A Smith show (via YouTube)

Garnett’s perspective is a call to action for fans and analysts to appreciate the current generation’s sports contributions. The current crop of players is actively pushing the boundaries of the game in a manner that deserves celebration and respect as well. The NBA veteran also emphasized the need for former players to help build the game’s future.

Although some aspects of the game will naturally never change, how the game is played and looked at will continue to evolve. A short guard will always adapt to shoot better to gain an edge over a taller opponent. A slim center will try to find out moves he can use to get around stronger ones.

The NBA had never seen shooting bigs like Victor Wembanyama and Kevin Durant and dunking guards like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook before. With this evolution, players at every position are becoming even more complete. Only time will tell if this is a welcome change or a flaw in understanding the game.

In Case You Missed:

WATCH: Coach Steve Kerr HILARIOUSLY faints after finding out Warriors won challenge against referees