Torii and KG: Their paths cross once again

The Twins Cities buzzed on Thursday with news a that the Wolves were bringing back Kevin Garnett to finish his career with the team he broke in and became a star with.

And the ripple effect from that day-changing news reached southwest Florida, where one Twins player couldn't believe the developments over the last few months.

``I was like, `Wow,' " outfielder Torii Hunter said. ``It's crazy for this to come full circle like this."

Garnett comes back to the Wolves to lend his experience to young players on a team trying to learn how to win. On December 3, Hunter signed with the Twins, as he comes back to lend his experience to young players on a team trying to learn how to win,

Garnett is 38. Hunter is 39. Both are multi-time All-Stars. Both were respective among the best defensive players in their respective leagues. Garnett is a former league MVP, while Hunter received MVP votes in four separate seasons.

And both have thrown punches at teammates.

``It's pretty cool that they brought him back," Hunter said. ``He helped them to the playoffs. Dude has fire. I think that's what they were looking for."

Since they were in the Twin Cities at the same time, they eventually met each other and struck up a casual friendship.

``We always respected each other's game and have respected each other out in public," Hunter said. ``He came and supported me at some games and some playoff games. I would go and support him."

(reporter's note: I do remember Garnett showing up at the Dome with a Twins jersey on. Can't remember if it was a playoff game).

`` Even when I went to the Angels, and he went to the Celtics and played the Lakers in the playoffs in 2008. we saw each other," Hunter said. ``Me and my son Torii Jr., went to a playoff game and after the game he was able to talk to KG. (Torii Jr.) was excited about that."

Now their paths cross once again, in a town starving for a winner, on teams with young players who need mentoring.