Since that 94-86 victory over the Wizards on New Year’s Day, Garnett is averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.7 shot attempts.
Garnett’s attempts have decreased steadily since his arrival in Boston in 2007-08. He tried 3.7 fewer shots in his first season with the Celtics compared with his final season in Minnesota because Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were his new teammates.
But that 13.9 shots-per-game clip from that championship season in Boston has dwindled to 10.1 in his fifth season. His shooting percentage has mostly remained steady, but he has chosen to divert the scoring responsibility to Pierce, Allen, and even Rajon Rondo.
Another year removed from major knee surgery, Garnett appears healthy and nimble enough to make more of an offensive contribution. It’s natural that age (35) has slowed his ability to produce big numbers such as that night in Washington more consistently, but Rivers isn’t asking for 20-10 nights. He’s asking for 15 shot attempts.
“Usually when he does pass the ball, it’s a good decision, but we want him to be more aggressive offensively and he’s getting there slowly, you can see it,’’ Rivers said. “He’s so skilled. It’s unbelievable, but he’s also so unselfish.’’
In this lockout-compacted season, Rivers has made sure to limit Garnett’s minutes and maximize his productivity by using him in five-minute intervals.
Garnett said fatigue is not an issue in the early season, despite the short training camp and preseason. He admits to being stubborn, preaching the team concept so often that he finds it difficult to embrace more self-centered ways offensively.
“I do a number of things,’’ Garnett said. “You talk about Ray shoots threes. Paul is our leader, he scores the basketball. I am one of those X factors, you need me to score, I can score. You need me to play defense, I can play defense. I’m like the glue here. Doc’s got this much foot in my [expletive] right now because I’m not shooting the ball. So I consider myself the X factor; whatever you need me to do I can go out and do.’’
