Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins has revealed that veteran Kevin Garnett will start at power forward in the new season and will play more than 15 minutes per game if healthy.
The 38-year-old played in 54 games last season but averaged a career-low 6.5 points and 20.5 minutes per game as former coach Jason Kidd looked to protect him for the post-season.
"He has earned the right to have that opportunity to be the starter from Day One. Somebody has to knock him out, it's got to be like a heavyweight fight. I don't really see that happening," Hollins said, ESPN reports.
Garnett will enter the final year of his contract with the franchise which will be his 20th season in the NBA, and after the departures of Kidd and Paul Pierce, it had been reported that he was considering retirement.
However, Hollins has insisted that health permitting, Garnett will play a key role in his team next season as the Nets attempt to make further progress after reaching the second round of the playoffs last year.