Clap for the Wolfman, then send him on his way

So yesterday I was discussing Wolfman Jack and Keats’ poem “Ozymandias.” One of the fun parts of blogging is that you can be as personal, and as incoherent, as you want to be. It’s a good thing too because all that nonsense was a warmup to today’s topic; what to do with Kevin Garnett.

KG is the modern Wolfman; he has been a loyal soldier and the dominant public figure for the Timberwolves since 1995. He has been willing, like the Wolfman, to do whatever is asked of him. He has also been compensated handsomely for his many labors. In his 11-year career he has essentially been the Ozymandias of the organization, the king of kings. But for all his labors, as fans we look upon his works and despair, because he has never been able to take his team to a championship. He is now 31 years old and while still a fine player, it is clear that he needs to go elsewhere if he wants to escape the fate of Reggie Miller and Karl Malone. And since he can leave on his own after next season, the time is now to move him, before the Wolves lose him and gain nothing in return.

But what do you do? The Celtics have called and Garnett has rejected the offer. Word is that he would prefer to go to Phoenix or maybe Los Angeles, but neither team would be willing to offer sufficient value in return. Even a straight KG for Kobe switch would be a bad move, since you’d be receiving a supremely talented but selfish head case in return for a extremely talented good soldier. The Suns will not give up Amare Stoudamire, so you wonder what will happen.

Something is going to happen, because it has to. But like Burton Cummings, I am clapping for the Wolfman. And despite the glittering wreckage of the past 11 years, like most basketball fans I’m going to “dig him ‘til the day you die.” Thanks, KG – good luck.