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McHale Did Saunders a Favor

Seeing how remarkably well Detroit is doing must be a bit hard for Kevin McHale for a number of reasons. First of all, he is the one who initiated the firing of Flip Saunders in Minnesota. Second of all, Flip was his best friend. Imagine having to fire your best friend. All in all, he did Flip a favor. However, the real question that begs asking is had Garnett gone to any other team, under any other coach, would he develop as good as he did? As fast as he did?

KG says he loves playing for Dwayne Casey, and I don?t see a reason not to believe him. If he said it, who am I to judge? Yet, it is apparent his relationship with the new coach is way different than it was with Flip, and it?s only natural. After all, when Garnett came to the league, he was still just 18. A boy seeking guidance. Larger than life, funny wisecracker, teenager, but always humble enough to know that he should listen if he was to have success and make some noise in the next level.

Saunders took him under his wing and carefully taught him everything he knows. Through the years, they formed a father-son type of relationship that would only grow, with every win and every loss, especially with every frustrating playoff exit.