Odds and Sods

Kevin Garnett “tanked it” at the end of the season – so says Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen A. Taylor.

The man who carried a bad franchise on his back for twelve years, who has never had his intensity and competitiveness questioned and who poured his soul into the city without complaint tanked it.

Glen A. Taylor bought the team in 1994.  He hired Kevin McHale as GM.  McHale drafted Kevin Garnett with the 4th pick in the 1995 draft.

Kevin McHale traded Stephon Marbury in 1998 for Terrell Brandon.

Kevin McHale orchestrated an illicit deal to sign Joe Smith – averaging 13 pts and 8 reb at the time – to a max contract.  The deal was voided by David Stern in 2000.  The team was fined $3.5 million, lost three out of five first round draft picks and had McHale himself suspended for one year.

Kevin McHale signed Marko Jaric and Troy Hudson to enormous contracts.

Kevin McHale signed character killers Michael Olawakandi and Eddie Griffin.

Kevin McHale willingly traded for Ricky Davis and Mark Blount.

Kevin McHale drafted Ndudi Ebi and William Avery.

Kevin McHale drafted future rookie of the year Brandon Roy in 2006, then immediately traded him for Randy Foye.

Kevin McHale can be single-handedly blamed for ruining the career of possibly the best player of his era.

But, you’re right Glen A. Taylor.  It was silently toiling Kevin Garnett who tanked it.