Garnett embraces this All-Star break

Garnett has lost some of his ebullience and sense of invincibility as he adjusts from offseason knee surgery while the Celtics struggle on the court. The idea is to regenerate and recapture the optimism that has fueled the Celtics since the 2007-08 season.

“My health, it’s great, I’m happy to be here,’’ Garnett said. “I’m playing in the game. I’m not sitting up here and making this weekend about my leg and my health. There’s two other [Celtics] here, I’m going to root for Paul [Pierce] in the 3-point contest - interact, hanging out, it’s always good to see Chauncey [Billups], chop it up with LeBron [James], Joe Johnson, Dwyane [Wade], some old guys, Paul and [Rajon] Rondo, and see some young guys, their first time; see [Zach Randolph], how nervous they look.’’

Garnett had avoided surgery until a bone spur in his left knee became too large to ignore last February. The experience awakened Garnett to his vulnerability and having to confront a different type of adversity caused him to reflect.

“I’m good,’’ Garnett said. “When you get new things, new revelations come into your life, it makes you stronger. I might have acquired some patience, understanding, knowing my body, preserving my legs, things of that such. When I work out and when I’m going it’s the same mentality, 100 percent, no different than any player in this league. At this point every other player is banged up, it’s what our league is. It’s challenging, but it’s a good thing.