The Kevin Garnett mold: A prototype for modern-day NBA forwards

Modern-day forwards

Markannen hits the game-winner against the Thunder

The NBA today is all about spacing. Spacing the floor and shooting go hand in hand.

Giannis Antetoukounmpo, another Garnett type player, is surrounded by shooters and flourishes in the system. LeBron has historically succeeded in situations where he's been the man who drives and either dunks or kicks the ball out to shooters placed to space the floor for him. Put Durant in that situation in Golden State and he's succeeded wildly as well.

Westbrook's OKC situation is frustrating because of this selfsame reason. For all his magic, Sam Presti has never been able to surround Westbrook with the 3 point shooting that his slash and drive game requires. We haven't ever seen Westbrook in a system designed for his game.

And the Timberwolves didn't get to see a thriving Garnett, either. In Boston, he was unleashed as the centerpiece of whatever the Celtics did, with Rondo's bewitching passing, a prime Ray Allen and career 37% 3PT shooting Paul Pierce spacing the floor.

Lauri Markannen, Kristaps Porzingis and Garnett's own protege Karl Anthony Towns are all a mold of the big man who showed up in a league too slow to adapt to his skills.