Kevin Garnett: risky draft pick, unsung rookie ... NBA Icon

Before Kevin Garnett was an MVP, a DPOY, a champion, and a Hall of Famer, he was considered far from a sure thing. Garnett's difficult high school journey, his complicated college recruitment, and his remarkable decision to forgo college entirely all worried NBA decision-makers. Before he represented legendary excellence, Garnett represented promise, bravery, and risk unique to his era. Let's meet those versions of Kevin Garnett in the Prism.
Directed and edited by Jiazhen Zhang
Written and produced by Seth Rosenthal
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[@Vaporwarez]

Seth has done three videos centered on the Timberwolves and their icons now, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. When the Wolves win an NBA championship, I fully expect a Chosen style documentary on the history of the franchise from the biggest Timberwolves fan at Secret Base.

[@Nerevarine420]

Year 2099 the wolves have yet to get the nba finals. The fanbase hasn't seen the playoffs in nearly 30 years everything is pain

[@kevinzhu6417]

@@Nerevarine420 the vikings are also a history of pain

[@pzooka]

Do you think the internet will still be a thing by the time the Wolves win a title?

[@benspieler5977]

no skin in the game. but I hope y'all do too.

[@eugenegreen2285]

In the parallel universe the Twolves win a championship before we die, Seth is a Pelicans fan.

[@adribbs]

Most players in Sam Mitchell's position probably would've took the extra minutes no questions asked. Sam recognizing what they have in Garnett so early and saying, "he's better than me. He should start" is amazing to me. We always focus on the finished product but never really delve into the small moments that could change a career. This Prism series is really a great look into the small chapters that make up the book. Great video.

[@TheAdamwalters]

Hope KG bought him dinner

[@dusk6159]

Mitchell was crucial for the Timberwolves, otherwise they could've lost the only chance they had with a fully developed KG.

[@adribbs]

@@dusk6159 I believe Mitchell was one of Garnett's favorite teammates.

[@demetriusevans4139]

True. Often old guys refuse to pass the torch to the younger generation. It's why new ideas and fresh faces are frowned upon in a lot of areas in America. Especially politics....

[@sprthrwwychnnl73]

I saw Garnett play his rookie year, coming off the bench. He didn’t do much, but he went up for a rebound and got up so high he basically snatched it off of the top of the backboard. From ten rows back at the Arco Arena watching a rare (at the time) Sacramento Kings win, it was very impressive and I knew he was going to be a superstar.

[@edstababy]

rip ARCO

[@ericarechiga9752]

Still rare. I say as a Wolves fan that might finally see 50 wins since KG was in his 20s

[@cyrillesu]

People just tend to overlook how truly great KG was in his prime. Dude literally did everything for the Wolves. He was by far their best scorer *and* their best defender, he was one of their 3 best playmakers (and in some years he was even the primary playmaker), and one of their best shooters.

[@benjaminan1183]

When Sam was there, he was a comparable scorer.

[@jkhrys7127]

@Raytheslay MVP All-Star MVP 15 time all star multiple all NBA all defense NBA champion defensive player of the year and whatever else KG is far from a bust he just played for a bust team for to long

[@duncan2560]

@@jkhrys7127 bruh its a troll acc ignore it🗿

[@octopus8420]

KG is extremely overrated

[@MPHswayze]

He's underrated culturally. KG had the "Mamba Mentality" without being a bad teammate or a diva, KG would raise his arm when he messed up a play or committed a bad foul to be an example to the team. KG was cool too. The blue KG Wolves jersey from the 90s with the spiky things is iconic. Garnett never slacked on defense, he became one of the most dreaded bigs ever protecting the rim. KG has the Relentless Gene on both sides of the ball like Moses Malone, Havlicek, Bob Lanier, Dave Cowens in that those guys never stopped trying their hardest at any second of a basketball game. No plays off. KG went 100% no matter what on both sides of the court.

[@lastsinnersa8002]

It's always intriguing to think about how different drafts would be in hindsight. But another factor is whether a player's career would have been ruined if they went to a hapless team or one too stacked that never let them develop/thrive. The real miracle is that the Timberwolves didn't ruin him. Failing to build enough around him is as expected.

[@vietnamsemonky4082]

@BIG SUGE dude comments the same thing on multiple KZbin pages just changes the players name, it’s some weird kind of clout chasing I guess.

[@silewis9396]

@Raytheslay Here: *have some clout*

[@anjr9915]

KG didn't let the Timberwolves ruin him, he instead made them hence the nickname "The Big Ticket"

[@thomasj3701]

Well... the whole Joe Smith thingy kinda wrecked any possibilities for the Wolves and KG

[@donaldtoonsberry832]

Bro, the greats cannot be ruined a team.

[@desean3402]

It’s a shame how sour his relationship is with the Wolves now because the dude literally built the franchise.

[@transformers5419]

Trash owner

[@younglove3362]

Garnett was drafted by the T.Wolves. he did not build it 🙄

[@golfaholic666]

Hopefully once Glen Taylor sells the team to Lore & Rodriguez KG will get his jersey in the rafters

[@HaitiSpaceAgency]

I thought they were on good terms? I mean, he did go back there at the end of his career for what seemed like a sweetheart, thanks for the belief, sort of deal.

[@MNSportsJunkie101]

Kevin Garnett hates Glen Taylor, not the team or the fanbase. He actually wanted a stake in ownership here but Flip Saunders' death meant that in his eyes, he couldn't work with Taylor.

[@JuulOrDie]

KG is the first legend that comes to mind. I was born in 1998 and only started appreciating the game around 2010.

[@shukterhousejive]

It's amazing how Garnett got this far before he found his lucky opal

[@THEjoelivingstone]

Bruv, you have to try to get a 16 on your ACT. Pretty sure you could just close your eyes and scribble "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE".

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

It’s crazy to think about and I could be wrong, but, it seems like almost all the players who got drafted out of high school turned into great NBA players. Not all, but the majority it seems. KG, Kobe, Moses Malone, LeBron, etc

[@ryanstettner9550]

I feel like Nick Foles would be a fascinating athlete to cover in this series. From hopeful young backup to nearly retiring to super bowl champ back to a journeyman backup.

[@hiimed1441]

Thanks SB. I was just a casual fan of basketball in my younger years. But y’all have made me love the NBA in ways I didn’t know were possible. I’ve watched every secret base video 2x times over. The story telling activates my neurons like no other. Thanks for Making me fall in love with my favorite childhood player all over again in another *Light* :’D

[@heavymetalweatherman7774]

I am loving this series! You’re taking all the off-field context parts from the Rewinder stories and going even deeper. It’s fantastic!

[@trevorpage4223]

I hope K.G. gets to see this video....He deserves to know exactly why we love him.

[@theslinger77]

KG is incredibly underrated. Top 5 PF (if not the best) of all time.

[@Lost_01]

I swear this channel is the master of finding amazing stories I didn’t know I wanted to know. I start every video thinking “why the heck would I want to know about that?” Or “Oh I already know where this is going” then walk away wanting to tell all my friends.

[@ZamirStills]

My favorite basketball player of all time. So happy to see this episode happen. Thanks, SB.

[@drphot6050]

That Top 5 of the Top 20 Seniors though, had 3 potential HOF!

[@mp_click]

Literally uploaded just as I was about to eat lunch and wonder what I was gonna watch lol. Thank you Secret base for coming to the rescue 😌

[@grahamnoble_]

right SB the 🐐

[@mp_click]

Video was great, KG is one of my fav players so this vid was extra special :) good job Seth and everyone at SB!

[@aaronjohnson8786]

That shot at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="155">2:35</a> is hard to watch for a Wolves fan. Just thinking about what Garnett and Marbury could do together brings tears to the eyes... beyond that ESPN commercial of course.

[@OmnipotentSpud]

I absolutely love the little smile Randy has on his face thinking "why will this man not sit down?" That's Kevin my guy. Won't sit down. Not ever. Legend.

[@Beofware]

Kevin Garnett is awesome. One of the best players of all-time (at their peak).

[@bangaamen501]

I'm really loving this prism series. This is swiftly becoming one of my favorites along with beef history, and the moment of History taglines. Another Kevin Garnett story which shows you how legendary he really was you guys have covered him plenty but this isn't even more in-depth look. ✨💎

[@jackduff7194]

KG is my personal favorite player of all time. His physicality and energy were visible and borderline unmatched. I wish he could have had more sustained team success, because he is an all time great

[@younglove3362]

My favorite player is Tim Duncan. But my skillset was based around Garnetts instead because I was small and had to use my athleticism for the most part to be affective

[@nickreuscher333]

Feel like this should have a part 2 of kgs Timberwolves days

[@jonion7884]

I 100% believe y'all could get away with making this series 25-45 minutes long. This subject in particular has so much more to get into, from the early playoff years, to the early 00s disappointments, to his reputation as the most fervent trash talker in league history. I know I speak for lots of us when I say we would line up to see you cover those angles as well

[@sethchafee6080]

It pains me to say it, especially as a big fan of the franchise. The Washington Nationals need a collapse video, especially after trading Soto.

[@TBtheking405216]

Urinating Tree did one recently

[@thewateringwiz7118]

The video is so well made ! It adds so much to the narration and the overall enjoyment ! So dynamic and fun to watch

[@austinemms9772]

It’s really telling how weird the 1995 NBA Draft when the Timberwolves picked a high school student from Chicago over guys like Damon Stoudamire and Ed O’Bannon.

[@MPHswayze]

Ed O'Bannon was a winning, seasoned, excellent college player with a track record. The way most teams thought of the draft was "who can come in and help the team." Coaches and GMs were always on the hotseat in that respect. The idea of using a high draft pick on a high schooler who wouldn't help your team for years sounded ludicrous to people.

[@slackerofhell]

Loving this new Prism series. You guys are doing fantastic.

[@JJJameson.]

Gem enthusiast, Kevin Garnett

[@Javan6475]

Every single SB video is pretty golden, but these Prism videos have been exactly what I needed recently

[@neb185]

I love this series already. Ya'll do fantastic work.

[@kdubfresh23]

idc what the numbers/metrics say, secret base has some of the best & most consistent sports content out there - second to none

[@JawaPenguin16]

KG was really just a kid doing all of this insane stuff. Wonderful basketball story.

[@grahamnoble_]

love the new series!! keep it up SB❤️‍🔥

[@andresp.1774]

Yet another amazing Secret Base video. The content of these videos is truly remarkable.

[@joshuapatrick682]

Garnett is my favorite player of all time! he's the total package!

[@dusk6159]

Pulled the Lebron + Duncan. All-time top player (near the other top PF and Centers in the list).

[@jalenwoodley8362]

Loved this one. KG is criminally underrated

[@SaurianKing77]

The big ticket was one of my childhood heroes and I tried my best to play like him during middle school. KG was a beast

[@newmj32]

Need more of these from this point on…🙌🏾🙏🏾 it’s so many players that had a impact just like KG did

[@noskillant6168]

I need more time of the day for yall to make more videos, every single one is amazing.

[@bonifaceodoemene6608]

Love this series! Amazing!!

[@robertstrong59]

Always been one of my favorite players. His intensity is simply unmatched and attitude got him a long way. Doesn't hurt he's such a talented nearly 7 footer

[@xanderburnette7963]

Best videos on the internet. Y’all are absolutely amazing

[@bangaamen501]

Keep up the great work Seth Keep up the great work SB.

[@Markakuski]

Loving this new series. Thanks y’all :)

[@slyfox2022]

The show Cheap Seats had a graphic that said "Kevin Garnett changed his college from Undecided to Uninterested"

[@jacksonmillard7598]

Great series! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@maxpolak4045]

Have an episode about Benzema, portrayed as a immature thug during his early years but now undeniably one of soccer greatest player

[@MannyMensah94]

Kg is a Pioneer🏀👏🏿👍🏿. Shout out to Isiah Thomas of believing him.

[@thenumberquelve158]

You guys are really popping these out, very impressive! I have to say, I'm very glad my childhood wasn't as.... *eventful* as Kevin Garnett's. That just sounds like the worst experience, both for a kid and a mother, to possibly go through, completely undeserved to boot. It really is amazing how much ONE person believing in you can make a difference though. (As a silly aside, I have a geology degree and garnet is my favorite mineral, so how can I not be a fan of this guy?)

[@MrTimmyJ]

You guys bring such an interesting perspective. Keep up the great work!

[@tehsamjones]

Keep up the fantastic work guys

[@christopherjbsnow]

These are great. Keep up the great work!

[@MPHswayze]

KG was Mr. Basketball in South Carolina & Illinois. Is he the only player who was Mr. Basketball in more than one state? If not, who else did it?

[@shakenblake4533]

That's a good question dawg, been asking myself the same thing

[@Blunderson]

I get unreasonably excited for a new Seth video

[@garylazereyes4856]

this has to be my favorite SB series other than rewind. The good and the bad and all in between is a great way to look at how lives are shaped and how eras are defined

[@kb5509]

they've done about 2 videos?

[@garylazereyes4856]

Who?

[@arthurdetoledolemerodrigue2931]

My favorite player of all time. Thanks for this

[@bigwolf1899]

Toronto Watching, This Series Is Dope Keep Em Coming

[@trout_tf2]

Love this series

[@j.mieses8139]

Love this series!

[@AirRusher1992]

So far I'm loving this Prism series. Suggestion for future videos: Collapse of the 2008 Celtics, 2018 Rockets and the Bad Boy Pistons and then Untitled videos about Reggie Miller and Chris Webber.

[@CrankDatWeezyWee298]

Beef History: KG fans vs being in denial that Dirk is better

[@jakefollensbee]

I love this channel so much

[@ThePribylProductions]

SB has been going off with all the high quality videos recently. Thanks guys, makes lunches a lot funner

[@averageduck1327]

These vids are absolute fire

[@gavinmacmillan6061]

Incredible Player

[@faceman7966]

I been watching your channel for a while but I just watched more videos now I hooked I love your channel and knowledge you guys have a gem 💎 of a channel….please do A.Talib vs Crabtree

[@kevinstar4621]

Loving the new prism series!!!!

[@rellyrob7062]

His videos are perfection

[@brendantreynor7876]

You guys always keep me entertained. Hope this success translates to more content we can all enjoy while pooping.

[@obrienluna150]

Loving this series

[@ScooterChang]

Been waiting for another prism episode !

[@brightBoss]

One of my favorite players of all-time. KG🔥♥️

[@RudieObias]

It's dumb that the Minnesota Timberwolves have yet to retire Kevin Garnett's #21. He's the franchise's greatest player!

[@brandonjackson310]

This was a great video ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@KalmoK]

These are fire,I love it! Keep them coming Seth, or I will expose that your real favorite team is Timberwolves!

[@sea4our]

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. man, i remember when he broke into the league when i was a LITTLE kid. it was insane. 1975 seemed to far. it was crazy to see how much more common it became to see kids coming out of highschool after Garnett. it's like he opened the floodgate. then, they created the rule. . .

[@GBees]

Great video offered me insight about KG I didn't know

[@MaxT1996]

I admire his heart and love for the game, more than his talen

[@markjackson6431]

man this channel is the best

[@iveheardenuff3752]

Great video family....real talk Salute👊🏿

[@neal6473]

What a great draft pick from Kevin McHale and the Minnesota Timberwolves front staff.

[@dusk6159]

Sadly the TWolves didn't have any other weapon nor appeal, but McHale saved the franchise by drafting the only player that could bring success to it.

[@neal6473]

@@dusk6159 Yes, they did, you remember they got Stephon Marbury though the draft the next year.

[@justinalley3399]

@@neal6473 marbury was drafted by the bucks than got traded

[@neal6473]

@@justinalley3399 You're right Justin Alley but even though they didn't technically draft him but the Minnesota Timberwolves was Stephon Marbury first NBA team that he had ever played for and thank you for the correction Justin Alley I appreciate it.

[@blackice3395]

Great video

[@milosmiljanovic]

This channel is amazing!

[@NShomebase]

OH BOY NEW SERIES

[@just_the_drummer8830]

Haven't watched the video yet, am about to. Was never big into basketball, but growing up I'd get home from school and my dad would have basketball on. I quickly became a Celtics fan during the Garnett/Allen/Pierce Era. Garnett became my favorite player of all time, and still is to this day. About a year ago I went looking for my first Celtics jersey purchase, hoping to find Garnett. Very jealous of T-Wolves fans because his Celts jersey isn't available in most stores. Ended up settling for a Bird jersey. Certainly not upset about it. 😅

[@adamwadley9642]

The background music is so good! Shoutout to the person behind it

[@lilgrabbo6142]

I LOVE SECRET BASEEE

[@Talix.]

I know others have done videos for Secret Base but nobody compares to Seth!

[@jimmijuice2285]

thanks for talking about his time here in SC when people cover Kevin they always seem to leave that part out he’s my big cousin btw love these vids

[@lurkintomgaming397]

My favorite basketball player of all time. The Big Ticket. Nobody did it like KG did. Just an animal. Amazing fire and energy

[@todd-2362]

One if my favorite NBA players.

[@CheezusChrist1776]

Seth is the best narrator on this channel and it's not even remotely close

[@troyc294]

After briefly mentioning him in this video, it would be dope if y'all could make a video on Arvydas Sabonis. He could've been a top 3 center ever

[@tommywile4238]

So much props to whoever chose a picture of what the Chicago skyline looked like in the 90s! 🙌🙌

[@kw0017]

Really good video

[@LuckyJackson2020]

my fav player

[@jameskern5077]

Ok keep them coming

[@emeraldaly7646]

I like how the mic gets passed around for this series. Really keeps it fresh having a different narrator each time.