Timberwolves' Rubio says Garnett is 'a teacher'

When Kevin Garnett returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise he made his name with, 24-year-old point guard Ricky Rubio was a little intimidated. Given Garnett's career of wearing his emotions on his sleeve, that's understandable.

But as Rubio told Rappler's Naveen Ganglani on a recent trip to the Philippines, he quickly embraced playing with the 20-year NBA veteran.

"When he came to the team I was concerned, but at the same time I was super excited," Rubio said. "He's not that guy that it seems on the basketball court. He's really a good guy, nice guy, and helps your teammates. He kills for you."

Garnett only played five games for the Wolves after he was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets last February, but that's beside the point. His value to the team comes from mentoring young players like Rubio, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, and especially as a big man, Karl-Anthony Towns.

KG's game isn't what it used to be, but the sheer intensity level he still plays at as he closes in on age 40 renders him a capable defender and sets an example for his teammates.

"He's a teacher," Rubio said. "He spreads a lot of knowledge about basketball and he's one of the greatest ever, so every day I spend with him in the locker room, it's a lesson for me."