David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Garnett shuts down notion of Jayson Tatum’s Celtics being branded as ‘soft’

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ubong Archibong | Last updated 5/17/24

The Boston Celtics are returning to their fourth Eastern Conference Final in five years and this year’s team is way different from the previous ones. They have been the most dominant team in the league all season, but some have questioned their toughness as well as their ability to perform against stronger opponents.

Kevin Garnett, a former Celtic, in a recent conversation with BetMGM, via BetQL, disagreed with the assessment where he asserted that the C’s aren’t soft and have demonstrated the ability to win it all.

"I think people are just going off with what has happened in the past. Boston’s in the position, first off they’ve created the positions to where they are today. They’ve worked very hard not only to create the best record in the league but to establish a dominance and be consistent with that dominance. They’re by no means soft at all," Kevin Garnett said

Furthermore, many fans feel the Boston Celtics have had an easy path to this point in the playoffs, where they’ve faced short-handed teams like the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. In contrast, Western Conference teams have battled each other with full and healthy rosters.

The Celtics now have to overcome their next opponent and win a championship, then the “soft” label will be dismissed. However, if they fail to do so, serious concerns will be raised about their ability to perform under pressure and against top-level competition

Kevin Garnett on who he would support if the Celtics and Timberwolves reach the 2024 Finals

Kevin Garnett, a Hall of Famer, is in a unique position as both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, his former teams, have both excelled in these playoffs. If they both reach the NBA Finals, KG said he remains impartial, as he cited his love and connection to both teams.

"I’m the only one here qualified to be in this position, to hold the position that I have. I’m 50/50, I love [both]. I’m the only one that can sit here in the middle and root for both. I’m the only one that can do that in the world. Me. I'm the only (expletive) qualified that can do this. Nobody in league history," Kevin Garnett said on his podcast.

Garnett’s history with the Timberwolves and Celtics is deep-rooted. He was drafted by the Timberwolves in 1995 and spent 14 seasons with the team, earning numerous accolades. He was then traded to the Celtics, where he won his first and only championship in 2008.

Both teams are having remarkable playoff runs, with the Celtics having already qualified and the Timberwolves contesting the defending champion Nuggets. Garnett is proud of both teams and believes they have what it takes to win it all.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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