
via Getty
SHANGHAI, CHINA – MARCH 11: Former NBA player Kevin Garnett attends a press conference as spokesman for Hupu.com on March 11, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)

via Getty
SHANGHAI, CHINA – MARCH 11: Former NBA player Kevin Garnett attends a press conference as spokesman for Hupu.com on March 11, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Visual China Group via Getty Images/Visual China Group via Getty Images)
Kids of basketball stars have never been under the spotlight as often as they are now due to social media. While some NBA stars receive praise from fans for their parenting skills, others don’t. An 8x All-Star was heavily criticized a few weeks ago for his approach to parenting his 10-year-old son. The video shined a spotlight on the delicate balancing act that must be performed between developing talent and safeguarding it from being pushed too hard. Recently, Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett, who is known for his relentless commitment and ferocious competitive spirit, gave a “life lesson” regarding parenting as well.
Through this video, Garnett shared his belief with the world based on his own successful life and profession. But what was the message from the NBA champion?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kevin Garnett’s message to the youth
Kevin Garnett shared a reel in his Instagram story which said, “Your father is the only man that will be truly happy when you’re better than him.” In reply to this, Kevin Garnett had different views. He said everyone is going to hate you, even your father, so focus on yourself.

via Getty
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 14: Kevin Garnett, a finalist for the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, speaks during a ceremony announcing the finalists at the United Center on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
“Mmmmm I beg to differ…” “He gonna hate u like the rest!” “Do YOU IN END N FOCUS ON U. #lifelessons,” wrote Kevin Garnett while sharing the video. The 15x NBA All-Star himself is a father of two girls with his ex-wide Brandi Padilla.
View this post on Instagram
A wake-up call to put internal satisfaction ahead of outward validation came from the realization that not everyone, even our own dads, may understand or support our quest. Garnett’s statements hit home with young athletes and their parents because they stressed the need of balancing ambition with self-care.
On the other hand, Dwight Howard‘s parenting style stirred strong emotions and sparked heated debate online.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dwight Howard’s tough approach
The viral video of NBA legend Dwight Howard disciplining his 10-year-old kid during their workout. In the video, Dwight Howard can be seen and heard encouraging his kid to keep going until he says so. The little kid is crying as his father keeps pushing him. “I want you to do it until I tell you to stop,” Howard kept telling his son.
Some people on social media defended Howard, saying that intense training and pushing limits are crucial for creating resilience and strength in youngsters.
Watch this story: Ty Gibbs’ Revenge on Recuperating HMS Star Angers NASCAR Fanbase
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Others, however, claimed that tough love is the only way to raise children who are ready to take on the world. Nonetheless, the episode has sparked a wider discussion about how to lead and develop young talent in the pursuit of greatness. The video has also raised issues about the acceptable approaches to strike a balance between encouraging excellence and protecting young people’s emotional well-being.
What are your thoughts on KG’s words? Let us know in the comments.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT