Subscribe Feed (RSS)People are already making fun of the accurately nicknamed “Big Baby” Davis, sobbing and sulking on the Boston bench last night after being screamed at by his teammate, Kevin Garnett. It’s just one more incident that gives you some insight into Garnett’s personality. Of course, most of the country probably believes what we saw in the nationally televised game Friday night was just one more example of Garnett’s sterling leadership. Tough love, is what one of the commentators called it.
Yeah, right. In most cases, that kind of stuff is not leadership. It’s just a guy being a jerk or it’s some sort of act, showing everyone how powerful he is. And Garnett — who comes off as a borderline psycho and a bully – is good at that. Of course, he’s always excused because he’s a great player. But understand, losing your temper and embarrassing teammates in front of standing-room-only crowds and a national television audience is not leadership. It’s an ego running amok.
When I look around at great leaders, in sports, business or politics, I don’t see a lot of people behaving like this maniac. As great as he is as a player, I bet he’s a real handful to coach. If an opponent doesn’t pop him in the nose one of these days, a couple of his teammates will. If body language is any indication, it looks to me as if most of the guys on his team are tired of his act, too.
Ladies and gentleman, the measure of what a great competitor you are is not how much you scream, yell, growl or snarl. You can compete just as hard with a mask of stoicism. You can compete just as hard with a smile on your face. People used to understand that. Fans and competitors alike used to respect the quiet dignity of the likes of Bill Russell, Jimmy Brown, Oscar Robertson or Joe DiMaggio. That was the standard. Now, because they don’t make a public spectacle of themselves during a game, those guys would probably be accused of not caring.
Again, this makes me look like a cranky old timer. Maybe. I think it merely means I value civility. And I worry that when kids watch Garnett pull this junk on television and is praised for it, we’re creating a whole bunch of mini-Garnetts, who can’t wait to get out on the field or court and belittle their teammates in the name of leadership.
Spare me.
Tags: Big Baby Davis, Bill Russell, Dwight Jaynes, Jimmy Brown, Joe DiMaggio, Kevin Garnett, Oscar Robertson
Your points are well taken, there is very rarely (if ever) a need to scream or yell. On the whole, people shut down rather than respond favorably to that kind of bullying.
I would make a distinction for carefully used intensity. I remember Michael Jordan occasionally making a scowl as he provided instant feedback to a teammate. He didn’t cross the line into abuse, but he did make it very clear that immediate improvement was needed.
Your example of Bill Russell is exactly right. What a great role model he was. Growing up I was a staunch 76er fan and yet I still admired Mr. Russell as a player, leader, and human.
Doug Smith
Dwight, I have enjoyed your writing over the years in the papers, but I think you’re even better in the blog.
You are right on the mark about KG. He is a tool. Someone needs to put him in his place.
Keep up the insightful writing.
Dwight, I agree with you about what a true competitor is. It is not grandstanding and belittling teammates and opponents like KG does. The league should all take a page from Brandon Roy, quiet and humble most of the time, but not afraid to get in Paul Pierce’s face to shut him up. Unfortunately no one did that to KG (yet).
The minute they begin to lose games (next year, maybe two from now), one of his own teamates will call him out. I can almost promise you.
What was with Kevin crawling on the floor toward Bayless ?
And speaking of Bayless…when is this kid going to play ?
Point guard,whatever position,he needs to be on the floor to progress with the team.
What is your opinion Dwight ?
did you see him crawling on the ground like a dog after bayless?? if not hear it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iarveOvcNws
I am really starting to appreciate your blog more and more.
I never read your columns or articles previously. I’ve only gotten interested in basketball in the last 6 years, and the NBA through watching the blazers meltdown for the last 4 or so. I’m really enjoying watching them resurge.
I really appreciate your perspective, given all the knee-jerk opinions that fill 99% of online commentors and I’d say at least 50% of the sports media.
Thanks.
I agree w/you completely. I have never liked KG. Lebron strikes me the same way. Maybe not quite as severe, but still out there. An ego is a terrible thing to waste!
Excellent post Dwight. Your blog has been stellar thus far. I must admit I wasn’t a fan at the time around the turn of the century when you routinely knocked the Blazers. However, time and perspective has proved you correct. In the case of KG I think we can all see in real-time that you are spot on. This guys isn’t a leader he is a bully. As we all know Bully’s are cowards that use aggression to hide their fear. I think Brandon Roy is one of those Old School leaders and I’m proud he is on our team. Excellent writing Dwight keep it up!
i woudnt personally put up with what he did, and i am amazed at the restraint we showed.these young guys at 20 are more mature than i. and i`m 50
Kevin Garnett is one of the most passionate players to ever play the game, and none of the guys look to him as a bully. He may have yelled at Big Baby, but i assure you didn’t change his respect for him. As you have noticed he has gotten better as the season has gone on. Garnett im sure has long since apoligized for how he reacted toward Big Baby. Im an athlete and the emotions you can get from someone like Garnett are so overwhelming in game play you sometimes can’t control how you express them. He has pushed that celtics team to championship potential. So, i disagree strongly with all of you in the sense that KG is a bully. And coward is going to far in my sense to call KG! He has love for the game and nothing can change that. His ego, so to say will probably never change. But im sure im you would watch some of his past interviews you would understand how much he loves his team wouldn’t you. I will defend KG all day!
Yes this blog is completely moronic and based on assumptions. I believe it is pretty well documented that Garnett is not a pain to coach and makes the players on his team play better. His berating of Big baby Davis was not a deliberate attempt to mock his teamate in front of fans, but a natural reaction in the situation for a passionate, obsessive competitor like him. It may have been harsh but look how well Big Baby played this season.