Fansided

Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett may undergo ankle surgery

By Joshua Santos

May 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) heads to the bench during a break in the action against the New York Knicks in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Celtics 88-80. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) heads to the bench during a break in the action against the New York Knicks in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Celtics 88-80. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
May 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) shakes hands with head coach Doc Rivers in the final seconds of play against the New York Knicks in-game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Celtics 88-80. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett (5) shakes hands with head coach Doc Rivers in the final seconds of play against the New York Knicks in-game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Celtics 88-80. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

The Boston Celtics will have a lot of decisions to make during the upcoming off-season. While they have to decide what to do with an aging Paul Pierce, who could be bought out of his contract for $5 million before June 30th or pay him $15 million to play next season, the Celtics will have to decide what to do with an aging Kevin Garnett who, according to Jackie MacMullan of ESPN Boston, may undergo surgery on his ankles.

"Rivers became emotional when discussing Garnett and the pain he endured while fighting off injuries to his ankles, his hip (a “minor” injury that was aggravated in Game 4) and at least one other undisclosed ailment.[…]Team sources said KG might undergo offseason surgery to shave down the bone spurs in his ankles, an operation that is not viewed as a major procedure. Two of his teammates privately speculated he is considering retirement.“I have no clue,” Doc admitted. “I was positive last year [he was coming back]. I’m not as sure this year.”"

With Garnett contemplating surgery, this brings the question of whether or not he’ll consider retiring. At 37-years-old, Garnett only has a couple of seasons left on his contract. If Danny Ainge decides to pull the trigger and rebuild the Celtics, Garnett may walk away from the game and retire. Pierce on the other hand said that if he is bought out of his contract, he’ll play for another team next season.

This surgery is common however, as former Celtic, Ray Allen, also had the same surgery on his ankles. Garnett on the other hand dealt with numerous injuries throughout the playoffs, but still manage to score, finishing the season with five double-doubles in the last six games.

The decision for Garnett to retire may come down to what happens to Pierce. If the Celtics keep Ainge, Garnett most likely may return. However if Pierce is shipped off somewhere else, it may be the end of the big three era in Boston. Both players are good at their age, however they can’t be the central focus of the team anymore. They can’t be the leading scorers for this Celtics team any longer.

This may decided the fate of head coach Doc Rivers as well. McMillan suggests that Rivers would be back whether or not Garnett and Pierce stay, however Rivers is reluctant to use his younger guys. Trust issues perhaps. In this year’s playoffs, the Celtics were out rebounded against the New York Knicks in the first round, a problem that persisted throughout the entire series, as Rivers was hesitant to utilize Shavlik Randolph. Randolph is arguably the best rebounder on this Celtics team behind Garnett.

Time is ticking for Danny Ainge and the Celtics. They must weigh in opinions on what to do with Rivers, Pierce and Garnett and make decisions soon enough.

Home/Boston Celtics