Where in the world is Kevin Garnett? Not much has been heard from the Brooklyn Nets power forward since the season ended. The Nets have certainly gone through some changes since then. Garnett's long-time teammate Paul Pierce left for the Washington Wizards. Jason Kidd left for the Milwaukee Bucks and Lionel Hollins was hired as his replacement. Hollins admitted he just recently talked to Garnett who is returning for his 20th season in the league and he expects the veteran to be a starter come Game 1.
Most assumed Garnett would opt in to his $12 million player option with the Brooklyn Nets, but no one had heard from the veteran for some time. However, Hollins confirmed to the media that Garnett would be back and would be starting for the Nets as long as he was healthy. He also expects the forward to play more than 15 minutes per game like he did last year.
So where was Garnett all this time? According to Hollins he was in California with his family, mulling over his future in basketball. The Nets' offseason was dramatic to say the least and Garnett had to decide whether or not he should return given Pierce was gone along with Kidd.
"I understood why he wasn't around and why he wasn't communicating," Hollins said, via ESPN.com "When you get to this stage and have to make big life-changing decisions, it should be alone and with your family... The decision has to be his. He is a Hall of Fame player and he deserves Hall of Fame respect. I didn't even ask him (how close he was to retiring). It doesn't really matter. You're pregnant or you're not pregnant. He looks good... I would assume that if he decided to come back and if in fact it is his last year, he would want to make it his best."
Garnett did miss 19 games last season with a back injury, and when he was on the court he only managed 6.5 points per game and 6.6 rebounds, career-lows. However, that has not shaken the confidence Hollins has in Garnett as a starter. Many assumed Mason Plumlee could start in that role after his strong offseason with USA Basketball, but that is likely not happening.
"If he's healthy, and producing, he's going to play," Hollins said. "How many minutes? I don't know. But he is not going to play 15 or 16 minutes. I can guarantee you that. If he is playing and starting, he is going to be out there."
Hollins believes the biggest thing in the Nets' offseason was health. Both Deron Williams and Brook Lopez are healthy after having surgeries last year. Hollins believes with them healthy, the Nets are ready to compete.