HT: 6-11 | WT: 220 | AGE: 23 | YR: 5
By Dr. Jack Ramsay
Special to ESPN.com
Kevin Garnett is a seven-footer with an incredible array of skills. In terms of overall talent, Garnett is one of the most complete players in the league, along with Tim Duncan and Grant Hill.
Garnett has great running ability and agility. He can play like a small forward, yet he has acquired somewhat of a post-up game. He can handle the ball, pass off the dribble and shoot from the edges. Defensively, he can block shots, guard his man and rebound.
In addition to his individual talent, Garnett is a team player. More than anything else, Garnett wants to win and is willing to do whatever it takes for the Timberwolves. He is more than capable of leading a team such as Minnesota's that is not overloaded with talent. Yet the Wolves will win 50 games, and Garnett will be the main reason. He will put the Timberwolves on his back and carry them.
Garnett attracts defensive attention so other players are going to get good opportunities when he has the ball. He is willing to give up the ball when one of his teammates is open. Garnett needs to get consistent help from players like Terrell Brandon, Joe Smith, rookie Wally Szczerbiak, Sam Mitchell, Anthony Peeler and Malik Sealy. They are good but not great players who must perform well and be carried along with the momentum that Garnett provides.
Garnett is just a great person and a terrific player with no distinguishing weaknesses. Being as tall and long as he is, you would like to see Garnett have a better post-up game. So there are still edges that need polishing, but very few. He has always had a level head and works at his game. Garnett is not overly impressed with himself; he knows he has talent and wants to make the most of it.
I see Garnett as a MVP candidate -- if his team does well. His teammates have to step up, but there is no doubt he will do his job. |
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HT: 6-10 | WT: 245 | AGE: 26 | YR: 7
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com
The matchup between Chris Webber and Kevin Garnett will be an exciting one, certainly worth the price of admission for the NBA fans in Tokyo. Webber is an extremely talented player with all the necessary tools to be a superstar.
The Kings' power forward is multifaceted in terms of being able to rebound on both ends, lead the fast break and pass to open teammates. He can also shoot three-pointers and post up defenders. It's just a matter of Webber maintaining the concentration and intensity he showed last year, when he led the surprising Kings to the playoffs.
Webber put all his skills together last season, piling up double-doubles and leading the league in rebounding. He has probably the best hands in the league. He corners rebounds, taps balls to himself and catches everything. His Achilles heel is free throw shooting. If he could shoot free throws, then Webber would be a much better player. He will often take shots from the perimeter rather than getting fouled and going to the free-throw line.
Success has changed Webber's perspective and feelings toward being in Sacramento. At first he said he would only be in Sacramento for a short period of time. But last season basketball became fun to Webber, as he teamed up with Jason Williams and Vlade Divac to form an exciting team. The Kings, locked in mediocrity for years, are now probably the best passing team and the most entertaining team to watch in the NBA. Webber is right at the head of that transformation.
He came into the NBA as a young player from that Fab Five team at Michigan and has now become a veteran and a leader. Webber and the Kings played outstanding against the Jazz in the playoffs last year, but must improve their defense and mimimize their turnovers. If that happens, Webber should have no problem leading the Kings back to the playoffs. |
