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Watch: Garnett gets sentimental reflecting on NBA career

REUTERS/Mike Segar

In a telling interview with his former coach Kevin McHale that aired on NBA TV Monday night, retired NBA star Kevin Garnett talked about everything from his childhood to the pressures of superstardom.

At the conclusion of their time on-air together, Hall of Famer McHale asked if Garnett, who is likely slated to join him in the ranks at Naismith, ever has a moment to sit down and think about all he was able to accomplish in his 21-year tenure on the court.

"Do I sit back and just think about it? I do, man," Garnett said, as he appeared to hold back the emotion. "More importantly I think about the people who helped me get there. Yourself, Sam Mitchell, Flip Saunders, Doc Rivers, endless people in Boston who helped me. You don't get here by yourself. I like to think I was given great bones, kind of, if you will, great people around me."

Garnett lists other influential people he had around him, including former Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets teammate Paul Pierce.

"This is how you get from A to B," he said, speaking of realizing his influence on the NBA. "I'm not really big on myself. Your friends kind of make you aware of what you were."

The 40-year-old, who retired in September last year, is spending his time broadcasting and working with young players, though he made sure to emphasize it's not coaching.

"I love teaching, not coaching," he said, raising a finger. "But teaching. I'm getting a different thrill out of all of this."

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