Top News

The Minnesota Timberwolves legend, speaking on the Ticket & The Truth podcast, pulled no punches in criticizing the impact of European and international players on today’s NBA. Garnett accused them of bringing floppingconstant complaining, and an overall inferior on-court product compared to the past.

Garnett’s comments came during a discussion with Paul Piercealso tied to the new NBA All-Star Game format, which will indirectly pit American stars against international ones.

Garnett vs. Pierce: two opposing views of today’s NBA

Pierce had argued that international players are currently superior, pointing to two key factors:

• more structured youth development systems in Europe
• the absence of an American MVP since James Harden in 2018

A thesis Garnett firmly rejected, flipping the narrative entirely:

For KG, the real difference still lies in the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor – a requirement that, in his view, many international players fail to meet.

“They brought flopping and complaining”: Garnett’s harshest accusation

Garnett’s main target was floppinga practice he considers foreign to the NBA of his era:

According to Garnett, the technical growth of some international talents has come with a drift toward embellishment and less competitive behaviorwhich he believes has distorted the league’s historical identity.

It’s an issue the NBA itself has addressed: since last season, flopping can be punished with a non-unsportsmanlike technical foula free throw for the opponents, and fines starting at $2,000increasing in cases of repeat offenses.

The defensive question: “Ask them to play both ends”

Garnett also touched on a specific technical point: defense.

Not even Luka Doncic escaped scrutiny, despite Garnett acknowledging his offensive talent:

A comment that reflects Garnett’s basketball philosophy, shaped in an era when defensive impact was an essential part of superstar status.

All-Star Game 2025: internationals in the spotlight

The clash between basketball schools will inevitably form the backdrop of the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angelesscheduled for February 15 at the Intuit Dome. Among the confirmed starters are five international stars:

• Nikola Jokic (Denver)
• Luka Doncic (LA Lakers)
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)
• Victor Wembanyama (Saint Anthony)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)

A heavy international presence that seems to reinforce Pierce’s argument, but one that, according to Garnett, doesn’t tell the whole story:

A debate destined to continue

Kevin Garnett’s words divide, provoke, and make noise, but they hit on a real issue: the NBA is increasingly global, and the clash between styles, cultures, and interpretations of the game is inevitable. The underlying question remains open: has international basketball improved the NBA – or changed its soul?