Not all returns equal

Favre's return to Green Bay, KG's return to Minnesota mean a little more than most reunions.

Last update: November 4, 2009 - 7:42 AM

As you might have heard, the former Timberwolves Franchise, Kevin Garnett, is coming back to Target Center to play tonight with the Celtics. You also might recall a hinted-at storyline from the past week, when a certain quarterback returned to play at Lambeau Field as a member of the Vikings.

These are always popular (and obvious) stories because they invoke memories, feelings and, in some cases, bulletin board material. But what we'd like to do quickly here is establish a sort of sliding scale, if you will, to determine the relative importance and/or statute of limitations for such story angles. Here are some factors, guidelines and examples:

• The first time it happens is clearly almost always the biggest deal. Even though KG was injured and didn't play in his first Target Center appearance with Boston in the 2007-08 season, that's the one everyone remembers (though Marian Gaborik's injured return last Friday could be an exception).

Last year's Celtics game at Target Center (95-78 Boston, with KG scoring 17 points)? Barely remember it. And Your Humble Page 2 Correspondent is pretty sure he was there. This year, the third go-round? Well, let's put it this way: KG's last year with the Wolves was 2006-07. And there are exactly zero of his former teammates still playing in Minnesota. So while it will be nice for the home fans to see KG again, this won't exactly be a tearful reunion.

• The relative quality of player certainly matters and can extend the number of times the storyline can be recycled. That's why the KG coming back story is at least still relevant. The third time, say, Sebastian Telfair comes back? Not so much.

• The relative strengths of teams definitely matters, as does the amount of time that passes between a player leaving a team and then facing that team. When Daunte Culpepper played at the Dome with Oakland in 2007, the Raiders were terrible and Daunte hadn't played with the Vikings since the middle of 2005. Much bigger deal if you subtract a year and add a few victories. If he was starting for the woeful Lions when they play here in November? Even less of an impact.

• The circumstances under which a player left make a huge difference, as does the relationship between the team he leaves and the team he joins. See Damon, Johnny. Or Favre, Brett. The less acrimony and rivalry, the less the story can be extended.

So, to recap: the first time is the biggest deal; the quality of player is a big deal; the strength of teams is of major importance; and the circumstances of the departure are also key.

Hey, guess that Favre thing was pretty important ... but it won't be quite as big a deal when he does it again next year at age 41. Or for the fifth time at age 44.

MICHAEL RAND