BOSTON, MA — In a fiery, no-holds-barred interview, NBA legend Kevin Garnett took aim at several prominent figures in women’s basketball, including Angel Reese, Diana Taurasi, and even praised Caitlin Clark, sending shockwaves through the sports world. Known for his unfiltered opinions and intense passion for basketball, Garnett didn’t hold back as he dissected the current state of women’s hoops and revealed some shocking truths that have left fans and analysts reeling.

The former Boston Celtics star, who is widely regarded as one of the most outspoken figures in the NBA community, took to his podcast to discuss the ongoing controversies surrounding some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, including the rivalry between LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, as well as the respected career of WNBA legend Diana Taurasi.

Garnett Lays Into Angel Reese’s Actions

One of the most pointed moments of the interview came when Garnett was asked about Angel Reese’s infamous taunt during the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game, where she mimicked Caitlin Clark’s “you can’t see me” gesture following LSU’s win over Iowa. Reese’s celebration, which many saw as a form of retaliation for Clark’s own trash talk earlier in the tournament, sparked significant backlash and divided fans.

Kevin Garnett didn’t mince words when discussing Reese’s behavior, stating that while she was a talented player, her actions on the court were an example of immaturity and a lack of respect for the game.

“Angel Reese is a hell of a player, no doubt about that. She’s got the skills, the size, and the potential to be one of the best,” Garnett said. “But what she did in that game was childish. She’s out there mocking Clark in a way that just doesn’t sit right. That’s not how the greats handle their business. Look at the legends in this sport—guys like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, they didn’t need to taunt their opponents like that. They let their game do the talking.”

Garnett made it clear that he wasn’t criticizing Reese’s passion or competitive spirit, but rather how she expressed it. “There’s a way to celebrate, and then there’s a way to disrespect,” he added. “Reese took it too far, and honestly, it doesn’t make her look better. It just makes the moment about her instead of the team and the sport itself.”

Diana Taurasi Under Fire

Garnett also took aim at another giant in women’s basketball: WNBA legend Diana Taurasi. While Garnett acknowledged Taurasi’s incredible career and status as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball, he didn’t hold back from criticizing her for what he saw as her failure to embrace the next generation of stars like Caitlin Clark.

“Taurasi is a great, no question about it,” Garnett said. “But let’s be real, she’s stuck in the past. Instead of being a mentor to young players coming up, she’s more concerned with holding onto her legacy. There’s a lot of tension there, and it’s something the league needs to address. The game has changed, and the players who are dominating now are different from the Taurasis of the world. But instead of embracing that, she’s often been dismissive.”

While Garnett’s remarks are sure to stir debate, they reflect the evolving conversation around the role of veteran players in shaping the future of women’s basketball. His comments suggest a call for players like Taurasi to use their platform and experience to uplift the younger generation of stars.

Caitlin Clark: The New Standard

However, amid his harsh words for Reese and Taurasi, Garnett had nothing but glowing praise for Caitlin Clark, calling her the future of women’s basketball and a player who embodies everything that is great about the sport.

“There is no one like Caitlin Clark,” Garnett said, his tone shifting to one of genuine admiration. “She’s got it all. The skills, the basketball IQ, the ability to change the game. What she’s doing right now is special. She’s not out there mocking people; she’s just playing her game and dominating. That’s the kind of leadership this sport needs.”

Garnett went on to discuss the “shocking truth” about Clark’s rise to fame, noting that her success isn’t just about her on-court performance but also her ability to captivate audiences and bring new eyes to women’s basketball. “Caitlin Clark is bringing more fans to the game than anyone has in years,” Garnett continued. “She’s got the swag, the confidence, and the ability to back it up. She’s changed the perception of women’s basketball in a way that’s never been done before.”

For Garnett, Clark is the blueprint for how players should carry themselves—not only as fierce competitors but also as ambassadors for the game. “When you’re as good as Clark, you don’t need to talk trash or taunt your opponents. You let your game do the talking. That’s what separates her from the rest,” he concluded.

A Bigger Message: Respect for the Game

Beyond his critiques of individual players, Garnett’s comments serve as a larger message about respect for the game. He made it clear that the current state of women’s basketball is evolving, and while rivalries and trash talk are a part of sports, how players present themselves and how they honor the game matters more than ever.

“I love the passion and the fire that these players have,” Garnett said. “But what I’m seeing right now is a lot of self-centered behavior. It’s not about you; it’s about the game. If you want to be remembered as a great, you have to be willing to make sacrifices, stay humble, and respect the history of the sport.”

In the end, Garnett’s comments underscore a call for the next generation of women’s basketball stars to rise above the noise and focus on what truly matters: their performance on the court and how they represent the sport to the next generation.

Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s Basketball

As women’s basketball continues to rise in prominence, the conversations around players like Angel Reese, Diana Taurasi, and Caitlin Clark will only intensify. Kevin Garnett’s blunt assessments and his powerful praise for Clark serve as a reminder of how important it is to respect the game and the journey it takes to become a legend.

With Clark leading the charge and players like Reese and Taurasi carving their own paths, the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever. But as Garnett’s fiery words suggest, the challenge for all players—young and veteran alike—is to find the balance between competitive fire and respect for the game.