Watch CBS News

Garnett Frustrated, Doesn't Know Where He Fits In Nets' Offense

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Is Kevin Garnett getting cranky in his old age?

You can hardly blame him, as his Nets -- who were supposed to contend for an NBA title this season -- are 10-21 and 5 1/2 games behind the Raptors for first place in the woeful Atlantic Division heading into Thursday night.

From an individual standpoint, his play hasn't exactly been stellar, either.

"The most frustrating thing about me is I could see if I wasn't hitting shots and I wasn't in here working or taking (expletive) days off," the 37-year-old said. "I put time into my craft for it to come out, but then that's rhythm on offense. And I don't have that right now."

The 15-time NBA All-Star and 2004 MVP is averaging just 6.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 21.5 minutes over 28 games. He's shooting 36 percent from the field.

"Honestly, I have no rhythm," Garnett said. "I'm trying to establish some confidence and figure this whole 'where I fit into the offense' thing. Right now I'm just not even a priority."

The veteran and future Hall of Famer is averaging the fewest minutes of his career since he debuted in the NBA in 1995. He admits that the lack of playing time has been a hard pill to swallow, but he's not at all surprised at what has transpired.

"This has been an adjustment period," the nine-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection said. "Coming here, I didn't expect a lot of minutes. I didn't expect a lot of touches."

The Nets will visit the 25-6 Thunder in Oklahoma City on Thursday night.

"It's because of, just what we had, and you look at the roster and what we have on paper," Garnett said. "Just where we're at. Nobody likes to lose. I'm not a loser. But I show up every day and I try to be a professional and give everything I have. You put Father Time on top of that, it doesn't help anything else ... It's just a frustrating time.

"But you know what? I've been through some harder times than this. I have a lot of confidence that I'll come out of this and we'll come out of this with some decency."

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.