“You know what? No. Because we both crazy.”

That wasn’t just trash talk. That was Chris Webber summing up his dynamic with Kevin Garnett in seven chaotic words. On the court, they clashed like titans  –  elbows flying, emotions boiling, no layups uncontested. Off it? They were brothers. The kind forged by fire. So when Garnett recently fired off a passionate plea for fans to re-evaluate Webber’s legacy, it didn’t come out of nowhere. It came from years of camaraderie that most people never saw coming.

When we talk about trash talk, one name that comes up first is Kevin Garnett. It was like second nature to him, but KG wasn’t reckless with it. He knew trash talk could backfire, especially when you’re going toe-to-toe with someone like Chris Webber. Webber was intense, unpredictable, and more importantly, could match Garnett’s energy shot for shot, word for word. Surprisingly, that chaos somehow turned into chemistry. Over time, C-Webb and Garnett went from rivals to close friends. And Garnett now has a message for all the fans regarding his idol Webber.

In a recent Instagram post, Kevin Garnett dropped a throwback reel of Chris Webber’s best dunks. It was a sight to behold. Webber was flying past defenders like they weren’t even there. It’s the kind of stuff that brings back memories instantly. But Garnett’s message – not just the dunks – is what caught fans’ attention. Garnett wrote, “MANN…swear my DOG DON’T GET THAT RESPECT NOR DOES HE GET HIS FLOWERS 🌹.. Telling you.. CEEBB ON THAT LIST..on of those once 🫡🫡💯😤😤😤 shout to GOD @realchriswebber REAL ONE 😤😤🫡💯💯💯” 

Don’t mistake this story as just a showcase of love from Garnett; he was making a statement. The statement was that Chris Webber deserves more respect from fans, more flowers, and maybe a louder spot in NBA history. That’s how deep their bond runs. From fierce rivals on the court, they went on to loyal brothers off it. Back then, they went at each other like warriors. Now? Garnett’s out here demanding flowers for his friend. And it’s not one-sided, either. Webber has also opened up many times about how much KG means to him.

Chris Webber recalls the bruised ballet with Kevin Garnett in the grit-stained theater of hoops

Webber, reflecting on their intense matchups, noted that despite their off-court friendship, they maintained a strict boundary during games. He recalled, “He and I agreed never to be cool on the court.” This mutual understanding allowed them to compete at the highest level without personal feelings interfering.

Garnett’s intensity was well-known, and Webber recognized the authenticity behind it. He admired Garnett’s genuine passion, stating, “He wasn’t a fake rah-rah guy. An actor, a liar, can’t do that much. To cuss yourself out that much isn’t possible.” This acknowledgment highlighted the deep respect Webber had for Garnett’s approach to the game.

Their rivalry reached a pinnacle during the 2003-2004 NBA season. Garnett, having an exceptional year, was named the league’s MVP. The award ceremony coincided with a playoff matchup against Webber’s Sacramento Kings. Garnett sensed Webber’s heightened motivation during this series, recalling, “I looked down there, and I saw the smoke coming from his nostrils.” You can almost sense his passion for the game. The feeling of reaching the flow state while competing with your best mate.  ​

When KG shouts for Webber to get his due, it’s not nostalgia speaking; it’s recognition from experiences he had in real life. Garnett saw greatness in Webber not from afar, but up close. And now he’s daring fans, analysts, and historians to do the same. Because when your fiercest rival calls you his idol? That counts a lot more than some shiny silverware.