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Jordan Hopes Garnett Sticks Around Permanently

IRVINE, Calif. – For the second straight day, “The Big Ticket” was the big teacher at Clippers training camp.

Kevin Garnett’s not officially on the Clippers’ staff, but after another day of getting to learn from him, DeAndre Jordan would love to see the 15-time All-Star and recent retiree around as much as possible.

“I hope he’s here, permanent,” Jordan said. “I want to do whatever I can do to make that happen.”

Garnett’s hardly a bashful person, and that’s played into the fortune of the Clippers’ bigs, as Garnett before and after practice has been hands-on in giving them pointers and 1-on-1 counseling.

Head coach Doc Rivers said because of Garnett’s credibility, when he talks, everyone listens. Whether or not that turns into an official position with the Clippers remains to be seen, but Rivers said he expects Garnett’s going to be around enough, regardless.

“We’ll just figure it out,” Rivers said. “If it happens, it’d be great.”

Jordan described the experience as “amazing” to have Garnett, who retired last week in Minnesota after 21 seasons, around giving pointers. Jordan added that a lot of the Clippers’ players idolize Garnett, and Jordan’s no exception after watching him growing up.

“He’s one of the best players this game’s seen,” Jordan said. “He’s so passionate and intense about the game, and that’s kind of how I am. His energy rubs off on a lot of people.”

Jordan knows Garnett could be sitting back and enjoying retirement instead of helping out, and he said he feels fortunate to have this opportunity to learn.

To see the passion Garnett still has for the game and the passion he has for teaching has rubbed off on Jordan, who said he’s learned how to work even harder from watching the former Minnesota and Boston superstar.

“A lot of guys would be hanging out and relaxing, but he’s full blown sweating before practice, ready to go and lifting with us and shooting after with us,” Jordan said. “You’ve really got to take that and bottle it up as much as possible.”