In the latest episode of the Knuckleheads Podcast, a Hall of Famer joined the panel to talk about his basketball journey. He vividly remembered his 1995 pickup game with the iconic players from Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. “I thought I had won the Championships, y’all. I was so gassed!” said the Hall of Famer.

Kevin Garnett was widely considered the player who started the trend of transitioning from high school to basketball. He recalled the pickup against Michael Jordan to reference the moment as a turning page in his life.

Kevin Garnett: “I’m Playing Against Scottie Pippen. After That Game, Isiah Thomas Pulled Me to the Side. You See What You Just Did? You Can Play in the League”

Jordan had been MIA for 21 months before returning to the Bulls franchise in March 1995. He played the McDonald’s All-American game a month later. Michael Jordan had actually quit basketball at the time to play in minor league baseball.

Garnett said that his friend had tempted him to sneak into the Bulls‘ practice. They were excited at the thought of being in the same vicinity as Michael Jordan. Both of them ended up on the court where they witnessed both Jordan and Scottie Pippen shooting hoops. Kevin Garnett said he studied them the best he could.

When the security guard discovered him, Garnett attempted to run but ended up running into Scottie Pippen. He chided Garnett saying that he was too young to be here. But Pippen was also not wasting time. He launched a big three in front of Garnett.

A pickup against Michael Jordan propelled Garnett’s career

Kevin Garnett recalled how his natural reflexes kicked in as he whistled for the ball. Michael Jordan then threw the ball towards Garnett who took two dribbles and went for a dunk!

This was such a memorable incident that the Hall of Famer even dedicated a whole chapter to this in his autobiography, ‘KG: A to Z: An Uncensored Encyclopedia of Life, Basketball, and Everything in Between‘.

Trending

Countdown Starts for Charles Barkley and TNT Crew as Ernie Johnson Makes Heartfelt Confession Before Parting

May 16, 2024 06:00 AM EDT

“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James’ Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff

May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Has Big Plans to Dethrone Nike With Allen Iverson & Reebok, Ex-Agent Reveals

May 17, 2024 02:15 PM EDT

Lakers News: Anthony Davis & LeBron Stand Powerless As 28YO Star Controls LA’s Future In Summer

May 16, 2024 07:32 AM EDT

Caitlin Clark in Deep Waters as Indiana Fever Shatter Embarrassing WNBA Record After Defeat Against Sabrina Ionescu and Co.

May 17, 2024 07:05 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

He knew that 1995 was crucial not just because he played against the greats but because it also convinced him, that he could take a leap from high school to basketball.

Watch This Story: LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett & Other NBA Players Who Did Not Attend College

Garnett went on to become one of the most committed players on the court. He played for many teams in his career and also won a championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics. Very few players, however, can boast that both Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen had a role to play in their careers.