Kevin Garnett's resistance to Celtics trade puzzled Rivers http://ppt.cc/tTOH Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers was concerned about Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett's mental state when he held up the trade from Minnesota to Boston. The trade meant Garnett would go from a losing Wolves team to the Celtics, who had a chance to win the NBA title. "We had to do some convincing; I was amazed by that," said Rivers, who was coaching the Celtics at the time. "I was worried about him for a while, mentally, what's wrong with this guy?" Garnett finally acquiesced to the trade in 2007, and Rivers and Garnett won the NBA title in 2008, their first of six seasons together. The reason for Garnett's reluctance was allegiance to his current home. "It's almost nutty loyalty," Rivers said. "He held up the trade in Boston twice. The original one he blew up. All the sense for him basketball-wise, it was to come to Boston to have a chance (at a ring). Then the second time when we got Ray (Allen), and would have Paul (Pierce) and Kevin, he still held the trade up because he didn't want to feel like he was bailing on Minnesota." Rivers then understood once Garnett joined him in Boston. "Then you find when you get him, you get it," Rivers said. "That's why when I read there was a chance for him to come back (to Minnesota), now that's going to happen." Rivers credited Garnett with changing the Celtics culture with his professionalism and commitment to the team. Garnett gave it right back to Rivers. "Doc had a huge impact in my career," Garnett said. "Teaching us the true meaning of teamwork, teammates and having pride and playing for the next guy. Great time in my life, times I will never forget. Monumental times." --

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