Now that Paul Pierce’s No. 34 jersey hangs from the Boston Celtics’ rafters, he is uniquely qualified to predict which player’s uniform will follow suit.
Hey may also, it seems, be specifically authorized to speak on Kevin Garnett’s behalf.
Not only does The Truth believe KG’s No. 5 is next in line to be immortalized at TD Garden, but he’s pretty sure The Big Ticket would rather have his jersey retired by the Celtics than the Minnesota Timberwolves. From ESPN.com’s Chris Forsberg and Jackie MacMullan:
“Without a doubt, KG’s number will be [the next one] retired in Boston,” said Pierce. “It’s going to happen.” . . .
The hardest part for the Celtics might simply be getting Garnett to endure an entire ceremony in his honor. But Pierce thinks Garnett would be open to the idea, especially given his affinity for the organization and the championship he won here.
“[Garnett would] rather have his jersey retired in Boston than in Minnesota,” said Pierce. “He’ll eventually have his number retired with the Timberwolves, too, but he’ll have to wait until management sells the team.”
This might sound ridiculous on its face. Garnett spent the first 12 years of his career in Minnesota, along with the final 1.5 seasons of his playing days. He has a deep connection with the Wolves’ fanbase, one that is hardly tainted by the team’s lack of playoff success during his tenure.
But the relationship between Garnett and the organization has been on rocky footing, at best, since the death of Flip Saunders, with whom KG was exceptionally close. The transition into the Tom Thibodeau era didn’t exactly play out smoothly for him either.
Combine these innate tensions with the championship Garnett won during his six-year stint in Boston, and it becomes impossible to argue against Pierce’s sentiments. Garnett will no doubt have his jersey retired one day by the Timberwolves; they’d probably do it tomorrow if he was willing. But, given the current state of affairs, it sure seems like the Celtics have a better chance of getting him to indulge his legacy with them first.
