Steven Adams Pretended Not to Speak English to Avoid Kevin Garnett's Trash Talk

In a recent interview, NBA center Steven Adams recounted a humorous encounter with Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett during his rookie season in 2013-14. Adams, who was playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder at the time, faced Garnett, then with the Brooklyn Nets. To avoid Garnett's notorious trash-talking, Adams claimed he pretended not to speak English, a tactic that surprisingly worked in his favor. Adams shared that during a heated exchange between Garnett and former Thunder teammate Kendrick Perkins, he interjected with, “No English, bro,” which left Garnett momentarily speechless. Reflecting on the experience, Adams admitted that he was not confident enough to handle Garnett's verbal onslaught, stating, “He would’ve ruined me. I would’ve cried.” This lighthearted admission underscores the intimidating presence Garnett had on the court, known for his sharp wit and relentless banter. Garnett, who has since caught wind of Adams' story, responded with humor on social media, suggesting he might confront Adams at a local gym. He emphasized the importance of being able to back up trash talk, stating, “If the trash-talking got you to a point where you’re not talking no more, that’s the worst thing you can ever do.” This exchange highlights the playful yet competitive nature of the NBA, where trash-talking is often part of the game’s culture.