Randy Wittman says he believes Kevin Garnett is not trying to send a message to the organization with his decision to sit out due to a quad injury.

"There's no indication to me that that's why he's shutting it down," Wittman said. "He's a guy that wants to play, there's no question about that.

"He's got more heart than anybody else that I've seen of wanting to play and play every game like it's his last. I respect guys if they do have that mentality. It's not an exhibition game where you play one quarter and sit a quarter. This is the regular season."

The announcement regarding Garnett's status came less than 48 hours after the Wolves were eliminated from playoff contention.