Kevin Garnett’s teammates think he looks far more healthy than last season. Glen Davis went so far as to say that Garnett is 100% healthy. (Patriot Ledger)

“Of course, because his knee feels better,’’ said teammate Shaquille O’Neal. “Kevin is one of those great players, and he’s so great that when he goes down, it’s hard to believe that he goes down, so you guys don’t give him the benefit of the doubt.

“He only moved slow last year because his knee was bothering him. Period. It was not that he got outplayed. He had a banged-up knee. It’s funny when guys get older, you (in the media) think guys can’t play any more. Last year, his knee was banged up. He was a step slow. That’s normal.’’ …

“Once you have the surgery, it’s physical and mental,’’ said Paul Pierce. “Once you’re done with the physical part, the mental part is still there. I just think he’s overcome all of that. He’s confident in his game and what he can do out there. He’s ready to go.’’ …

“You can kind of see (he was hurt), but Kevin doesn’t show that,’’ said Davis. “You’ll never know if Kevin is hurt. The only way you’ll know Kevin is hurt is if he’s not playing and he’s mad if he’s not playing. He’s a fierce competitor. He’s going go play through anything.

“He knows his body and whether his leg doesn’t feel well and isn’t 100 percent where he can’t go out and dominate the game. It messes with him. But this year, it’s different. He looks great. He’s 100 percent and I look forward to Kevin having a big year.’’

And filed under “Just in case you haven’t been watching NBA basketball for the last 15 years,” Lawrence Frank reminds us that Garnett is an intense human being.

“His intensity is unbelievable,’’ said Frank. “I’ve been fortunate to be around some really intense competitors, and Kevin’s intensity is off the charts. He has the ability to sustain that every single day and he is such a team-first guy. I mean, he bleeds Celtics green.

“He’s all about trying to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He’s selfless in his approach. His leadership, he sets the tone. He’s a culture changer. He’s a very, very unique individual.

“I’ve seen that scowl on the other sideline for way too long. I’ve always had a very, very healthy respect for him, his talent, his game, his approach, his professionalism. To be on the side and witness every day, is a true treat.’’

Enjoy watching Kevin Garnett, folks. I can honestly say with no exaggeration that #5 is one of a kind.