Kevin Garnett’s recent tribute to Kenny Anderson was overdue. The Boston legend took time to honor the point guard, whose slick handles and fearless play once lit up every court he touched. But before joining Adam Silver’s NBA, Anderson was already a household name. Four-time Parade All-American, and the first player in New York City history named All-City four times. Yeah, he was different. And if you ask anyone who watched him at Georgia Tech, they’ll tell you—Anderson didn’t just play, he dominated with the ball.
But then again, not every hoop dream plays out the same way. Anderson, in a 1998 edition of SLAM Magazine, reflected on how he had to find a different kind of edge. “When you’re 6’1”, 165, and your nickname is Chibbs, you learn to do your intimidating in other ways,” he explained. Still, that didn’t stop the New Jersey Nets from grabbing him with the #2 pick in the ’91 Draft. He didn’t take long to show why. Anderson stepped in, took control, and made the point guard spot his own.
However, despite the early NBA success, Anderson recently opened up about where his heart truly was. “My first six years was awesome playing basketball,” he said. “Archbishop of Loyola High School, four years there, and then two years at Georgia Tech. That was the most fun I had, playing basketball, playing a game I love. I’m going to be honest with you, playing a game I love.” But that unbridled joy didn’t translate to Adam Silver’s NBA.
Reason? “When I got into the NBA, that’s a business,” Anderson admitted on the Boston’s Big Four podcast. “I saw it was a business. When I was getting traded, I said, okay, it’s a business.” He still put up solid numbers—12.6 points, 6.1 assists over 14 seasons with nine teams—but the spark wasn’t the same.
Finally, when asked if he ever changed his style or mindset in the NBA, Anderson made it simple. It all depended on the situation. In New Jersey and Portland, he just played. But Boston? That’s where he adjusted. With Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker in the mix, he changed his role and found joy again. That five-year Boston stretch? “Playing in Boston was a joy of mine.” So, Boston Celtics legend Garnett’s honor feels more personal.
Kevin Garnett honors Kenny Anderson
When an old clip of Kenny Anderson torching Bobby Hurley started floating around again, Kevin Garnett couldn’t stay silent. He had to give props where it was due. The video—pure gold from the 1991 Georgia Tech vs. Duke showdown—was more than just a flashy highlight. It was a moment that froze time. Anderson, with that NYC streetball swagger, hit Hurley with a crossover so nasty it left the Duke star reaching for ghosts. One slick move, and Kenny was gone, gliding to the rim like it was nothing.
Naturally, Garnett’s reaction came from the heart. And honestly, who wouldn’t be in awe? That crossover was magical. Hurley, known for his elite defense, looked completely thrown off, like he was stuck in a different playbook. Even after all these years, that one sequence keeps popping up on highlight reels and in barbershop debates about the sickest handles ever. So when a killer like KG tips his hat to it, you know it’s the real deal.
Garnett didn’t just repost the clip—he came with a caption that said it all. “Mannnnnnnn…. This was sooo electricwhen he did this… shook the world with this Kenny A. Respect.. one of my favs of all time.” And just like that, it was clear. KG saw him as one of the coldest to ever do it. And that kind of praise? It doesn’t come easy from a guy like Garnett.
After all, we’re talking about a Hall of Famer who never even shared the court with Anderson. Yet, the love is real. Garnett didn’t just hand out compliments. So if Kenny Anderson made KG’s personal favorites list, you better believe he earned every bit of that respect.
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