Q&A: Kevin Garnett

Courtesy of Brian Robb

Did the Rondo trade surprise him? “A little bit. Nothing surprises me after Michael Jordan moves to different teams, Shaq moving to different teams. Players throughout NBA history moving to different teams, so it’s just a matter of when and where.”

Strange to play the Celtics without Rondo?: “I just saw [trainer] Eddie Lacerte in the locker room and told him it was kind of bittersweet. I’ve been in contact with Rondo since, just caring about his well-being. I’ve been in touch with all the guys [from the championship era]. I’m just glad everything worked out.”

How special is your relationship with Boston?: “It’s always love here. It’s always appreciation I can never give back, other than a salute. Winning is infinite and I’ve always had that special relationship with this city.” 

Is this your last year in the NBA? “I don’t know. I like to say I give each year its own and I assess it at the end of that.”

Appreciate your time in Boston now more? “I take everything with appreciation. Not to say I didn’t do it before, but more than ever when you are kind of on your last days. It’s more appreciated, especially with everything going on in the league, [player] movement and what things could be. I’m very fortunate.” 

What does he expect from Rondo in Dallas? “To be himself. With a little more of a championship base around him, I see him adapting to that with no problem. I watched him play. I see him getting up on defense like old times, just talking and being himself. I expect great things out of him and I wish him the best.”

Thoughts that the last link [Rondo] to the 2008 championship team is gone:“I know, I’ve been getting a bunch of rest in peace texts and stuff, so I had to change my number. It’s all good though. We’re infinite. Once you win once, you win forever.”