Rubio: KG would sweat like Game 7 of The Finals in practice

Kevin Garnett began his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995, and officially retired from the NBA last week after spending his final years with the franchise.

Despite suiting up for just 43 games over the past 1.5 seasons, Garnett had a lasting impact on his young teammates. Those players refer to him as a big brother, whom they continue to ask for advice on basketball and life.

Ricky Rubio recalled meeting The Big Ticket when he returned to Minnesota - where he was named league MVP in 2004 - midway through the 2014-15 campaign, and being amazed by his work ethic.

"When he came back to Minnesota, I was so excited," the point guard told Jared Zwerling of NPBA.com. "The next morning, I went to the gym like an hour before practice, but he was already sweating out there and I said, 'Wow, he's 40 years old and he's sweating like it's Game 7 of the Finals.'"

He also remembers becoming giddy over Garnett complimenting his game.

"After he talked to me the first time, the next day I called my dad and I said, 'Dad, you won't believe it. KG was talking to me about what I could improve and he actually said I did a couple things right.'

"KG was really proud of how I ran the team, how I was willing to sacrifice a lot of things to win. I remember a couple of actions in the game where I dove on the floor, and he was proud of me."

His teammates echoed those sentiments, expressing appreciation for the words of wisdom and encouragement they received from the 21-year vet.

Above all, they agreed Garnett's presence will be greatly missed in Minnesota.

"No matter who we bring in, no one can fill those shoes," Andrew Wiggins said. "There's no one like him in the league anymore - at all."