When Garnett barks, Jordan listens
The voice boomed throughout the Clippers’ practice facility, leaving all the players no choice but to hear Kevin Garnett’s bark and to notice his presence at practice Tuesday.
Garnett bounced around forward Brandon Bass, intensely giving orders. He then interrupted former Boston teammate Paul Pierce’s conversation with a member of the media and the two friends laughed.
And just before the start of practice, Garnett assumed his official role as a Clippers consultant and began working with center DeAndre Jordan.
The duo went to one side of the facility, and the 15time NBA All-Star showed Jordan the best method of shooting a left-handed hook. Then right-handed. And then gave tips on shooting from the middle of the lane with either hand.
Every step along the way, Jordan said, Garnett’s instruction was “intense.”
“You’ve got to be locked in,” Jordan said. “That’s just his personality. He’s an intense person. He’s locked in all the time and that’s contagious, man. I’m glad that we got him here. I’m glad that I’m able to take advantage of that. Whenever he’s here, he’s going to get tired of me.”
Months ago, Garnett was asked by Clippers Coach Doc Rivers, who coached him in Boston, where they won an NBA championship together in 2008, to work with the team’s big men when his time permits.
Tuesday’s appearance was Garnett’s first since he helped out during training camp in October.
Garnett also chatted with Blake Griffin, who is recovering from right knee surgery. Griffin, dressed in practice gear, took some shots as Garnet talked.
“You can tell that he loves the game of basketball,” Jordan said of Garnett. “He wants to teach people. He wants you to learn and he wants to give knowledge, and I want to receive all of it.”
From their few practice sessions, Jordan said, he has learned much from Garnett, who retired after last season, ending a 21-year NBA playing career with Minnesota, Boston and Brooklyn.
“Besides him cussing me out when we played against each other,” Jordan said, laughing. “He’s a great spirit and a great basketball mind, a Hall of Fame guy, somebody I looked up to coming up and even playing the game. So any pointers he can give me and tips is great, man. I just want to be a student whenever he’s here.” Etc.
Rivers missed practice Tuesday because he was home sick. If he misses Wednesday night’s game against Orlando at Staples Center, assistant Mike Woodson would coach the team . . . . Clippers guard Austin Rivers, who missed Sunday’s game because of flu symptoms, was at practice Tuesday and said he expects to play against the Magic.