T-Wolves open first camp in post-Garnett era

Jefferson, a 6-foot-10 power forward, was the lynchpin of the deal. And he moved into Garnett's old locker.

"I heard he got my locker in Boston," Jefferson said with a smile. "So I just said I'd return the favor and take his locker."

The comparisons won't end there. Jefferson also came to the pros straight from high school, though he is a more traditional power forward who likes to bang away in the low post.

"I think it's an honor to be compared to Kevin Garnett," Jefferson said. "He's one of the best players in the league. I respect him and always have. To be traded for him was an honor, too.

"I'm not worried about any comparisons or anything like that. I'm my own player. I know we've got some big shoes to fill because of the things he has done here. But it's a challenge for me. I always like a big challenge."

So how many players will it take to duplicate Garnett's array of talents -- deft passing, soft shooting touch, limitless intensity, relentless rebounding?

"Five, right?" guard Rashad McCants cracked after doing the math on the trade.

"When you think about KG and the multiple things that he can do, we have guys that fill every one of those things he can do -- the passing, the rebounding, the scoring, the leadership, the passion. We have one guy that can do all the things that he did. It's kind of like a win-win situation."

There should be plenty of wins for Garnett in Boston, which also traded for All-Star Ray Allen to go along with Paul Pierce in a wide open Eastern Conference.

There are many more questions in Garnett's old town, where a young team is looking for a new leader.

It's going to take some getting used to.

"It's just strange to see KG not here," McHale said. "I just think it was time for both parties to make a move."