Editorial: ‘Da Kid’ returns tonight, welcome

Kevin Garnett has returned Tuesday to Minnesota, a veteran NBA player, to the place where his career began as a 19-year-old high schooler.
When the Alpha Wolf hits the court in his number 21 jersey Wednesday night at the Target Center against the Washington Wizards, it will be game on with Garnett at his best.
Garnett and the fans understand that he is in his 19th year in the NBA and at 38 years old, his game is not what it once was. He knows he is here to play and teach the young timber pups how to be professional and how to win.
KG was the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise during his first 12 seasons, leading them to multiple playoffs. He was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2007, and they won the NBA championship in his first year. He played there until being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.
Garnett has earned the respect across the NBA and the fans throughout his career for his work ethic and competitive streak.
“Certain people have the abilities and they are born leaders,” Coach Flip Saunders said Tuesday. “I believe (Garnett) is going to expect of those young players to follow through … to respect the game.
“I just want you to be KG; be who you are,” he said. “That is probably the most competitive person I’ve been around.”
Minnesota and Timberwolves fans are excited about the return of the Da Kid. Ticket demand has skyrocketed since last week’s trade and the team is encouraging fans to arrive early Wednesday due to an anticipated large crowd and resulting traffic.
Garnett will not just be an aging Timberwolves player when he hits the court Wednesday. He will quickly return to being the face of this franchise. Despite being gone for mutliple years, he still dressed for more than half of the games that the franchise played.
KG will make Timberwolves basketball fun to watch as he strives to teach this young player franchise how to win again. And the fans can sit back to watch the Minnesota game improve and howl at the excitement on the court.
You have returned home KG and Minnesota loves you.
Welcome back, KG!