Kevin Garnett is on the verge of another career milestone.
The 20-year veteran is on the cusp of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading defensive rebounder. He has 11,399, which is second behind Karl Malone (11,406). Tim Duncan is third (11,036).
In Saturday’s 109-103 loss to Portland, Garnett scored five points and reached 26,000 career points, good for 15th on the NBA’s all-time list.
Back to boards, Garnett is averaging 5.2 rebounds per game this season and could break the record in Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center.
“When I hear it, it’s like holy — crap,” Garnett said during Monday’s shoot around. “I can’t believe that; it’s a lot. Up until then, when I’m in the game, I’m in the moment.”
Garnett said his “dope milestones” will be fodder, for instance, when he’s sitting at a summer BBQ with friend and former Boston and Brooklyn teammate, Paul Pierce.
“We talk a lot of trash to each other about dumb stuff, friends do, you know,” Garnett said. “So it’s cool.
“The impact in which you put on the league, leaving your stamp on the game and watching (Kobe Bryant) and watching everybody who’s considered elder, leave their mark on the game, Dirk (Nowitzki),” Garnett said. “I think it’s dope to come into this league, to have aspirations to want to be something in this league and leave your mark in this league says a lot not only about your work ethic, but your talent and what you were able to become.”
Garnett said he’s been sharing this season’s achievements with assistant coach Ryan Saunders, the son of late head coach Flip Saunders, who drafted Garnett in 1995.
“Me and Ryan are kind of sharing the moment because Flip obviously brought me in here and the situation is a little dear,” Garnett said.
