Garnett is a diamond geezer who walks tall

13 April 2012

Kevin Garnett is very famous. Did you know? You might see him in London today or tomorrow. Claridge's is probably the best place. If you notice an elegant guy who appears to be standing on a chair amid a crowd of hangers-on, chances are that it's Garnett.

If in doubt, check out his ears. The grapesized rocks adorning each lobe are diamonds. And by the way, he isn't standing on a chair.

Garnett, all 6ft 11in of him, is the most valuable basketball player in the world. According to his publicist, the six-year deal worth £79 million which he signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1997 makes him "currently the owner of the biggest ever sporting contract". Garnett's publicist must be unaware of baseball's Alex Rodriguez and the deal he has with the Texas Rangers worth £175m. But then Garnett's publicist also states he was "the first ever player to be drafted into the NBA out of high school", whereas Garnett himself says he was the fourth or fifth.

His publicist also says Garnett is 22, when he is actually 25. Presumably Garnett's publicist can be trusted on the basics of why he is in London, although puzzling out what the words mean can be a bit of a trial.

Garnett flew in yesterday morning "to spread the word of basketball on AND1's KG World Wide Ballin' Tour". AND1 is the uncatchily-named brand of basketball shoe worn by 'KG' - Garnett. His 'World Wide Ballin' Tour' refers to whistle-stop visits to Milan and Madrid before he returns to America next week.

His publicists kindly arranged a launch party for Garnett last night in Piccadilly, promising it would be attended by Shaznay Lewis, Linford Christie and Dane Bowers. By the time Garnett showed up two-thirds of the way through the three-hour soiree, there was no sign of Shaznay, Linford or Dane. But Nasty Nick from Big Brother was definitely present, reported the publicist.

On arrival, Garnett ambled briefly through the darkened roomful of drinkers, only some of whom appeared to register his identity, although the 6ft 11in clue provided a helpful hint. Then he retired to a room somewhere out back to conduct a series of five-minute interviews, which is how he had already spent his day up to that point. Outside in the corridor-a large gentleman loitered with one finger permanently attached to an ostentatious earpiece.

It seemed possible he was a devoted listener to Test Match Special, until he spoke into his wrist and we were ushered in.

For this was definitely one of those interviews involving "we". What the room lacked in furniture, it made up for in unexplained observers. Garnett unfolded himself to stand in courteous greeting. Close up he revealed fine features, long fingers and possibly the most valuable earlobes in the world. Got to spend all that dough on something.

Garnett grew up in smalltown South Carolina. His dad wasn't around, and his mother is something called a 'cosmotologist'. Er . . . you mean she studies the universe?

"No," said Garnett politely. "She does hair." Garnett knew he was becoming serious about his sport at the age of 12 when he took his basketball to bed with him and talked to it every night.

"I had a spark about me that might be viewed on the defensive side," he said gravely. "If somebody tried to get me away from my basketball I didn't like it. But it saved me from a lot of things.

"When I got drafted into the NBA I just wanted a better life for my mother and two sisters. We were struggling. This avenue was presented to me and I went in blind. But my foundations are about dedication and loyalty. I knew what I wanted to be so I didn't look back. It can be scary sometimes. It's not high school. But I work hard, practise a lot with different coaches."

Garnett is hoping to get in a little shopping while he's in London. Sounds just like Britain's own most famous sporting icon of the moment.

"David Beckham?" he repeated blankly. "No, ma'am. I haven't heard that name."

Unlike Beckham, Garnett can walk down the street unrecognised here. Yet the bodyguard with the earpiece goes everywhere with him. To protect the diamonds, right?

"No, ma'am," repeated Garnett reasonably. "I don't figure anyone can reach them up here."

MORE ABOUT

Basketball

NBA

Garnett is a diamond geezer who walks tall

Read More