Overview
- Speaking on his KG Certified podcast, Garnett said international players introduced flopping and argued many struggle to guard in one-on-one situations.
- He referenced Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic while claiming, "Americans will destroy any" lineup of international players.
- Garnett framed his critique as a contrast with the defensive standards of his playing era.
- Paul Pierce disputed Garnett’s view during the conversation, crediting international players with raising the NBA’s quality.
- Coverage links the debate to the Feb. 15 All-Star round-robin at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, which features a Team World that could include stars such as Jokic, Doncic, Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.