A scene in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' reminds me of former Wolves general manager/coach//Glen Taylor confidant Kevin McHale.
An intricate series of events, one directly linked to another, caused Button's love interest to be hit by a car. One crack in the sequence and Daisy would've been spared the lengthy hospital stay that followed.
Let's rewind to August 1997: Kevin Garnett turned down a six-year contract worth an estimated $103.5 million. Two months later he signed a six-year, $126 million extension, which at the time was the largest multiyear deal in professional sports.
That chain of affairs ultimately led to Stephon Marbury demanding a trade. He couldn't stomach the idea of an inferior player (in his mind) making more money even though new NBA rules limited his earning power.
If Marbury, who later admitted fault, had stuck around, McHale's fortunes might've turned out differently. His grand master plan could've resulted in a championship, or minimum, a healthy run for multiple years. But Marbury was dealt, Terrell Brandon was brought in and was paid handsomely - a direct reaction to losing Marbury - and cheating occurred to retain of all players, Joe Smith. Numerous people in the know contend McHale bit his lip, fully knowing that Taylor was the main culprit in that fiasco.
Later, based on strong recommendations from Garnett, Troy Hudson and Trenton Hassell were given ridiculous contracts.
It was string of episodes that all could've turned out drastically different if Garnett and his then agent, Eric Fleisher, hadn't held out for an extra $23 million . The "what if" game can be cliche, but in McHale's case, especially after the criticism he's received this week (yours truly is guilty is charged), it's applicable.
One of my highlights when working at KFAN Radio was picking McHale's brain off-air, while he was on hold to chat with host Chad Hartman. Listening to him talk hoops is comparable to tuning in to a Dodgers broadcast with Vin Scully on lead vocals. He's that entertaining. TNT or ESPN would be foolish not to add him.
He wasn't great as a coach, but he wasn't terrible either. He was just the wrong coach at the wrong time for the Timberwolves. Over the last day and a half, people I respect have convinced me he does have some coaching chops. Memphis, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and the Los Angeles Clippers would all be wise to give him a call.
Or better yet, my alma mater and his, could use his guidance in the maturation process of Colton Iverson, Ralph Sampson III, and Trevor Mbakwe.
He would look super working with those guys and other Gophers big men.
His Timberwolves legacy shouldn't be grouped into the same category as Norm Green, Clem Haskins, and other Minnesota sports villains.
He did do some good. He had the guts to pull the trigger on Garnett. The 2004 playoff run will always be memorable. The eight straight playoff appearances can't be forgotten. His gregarious personality made him popular in the locker room.
The Big Lug will be missed.