I opened the mailbox and in among the bills was a letter from The White House. My first thought was what had I done? Knowing I hadn't done anything to warrant a reprimand from the president I proceeded to open the letter.
Dear Brian,
Thank you for sending me your book, I really appreciate it. Your message is one that I hope parents, teachers, preachers and everyone in the community will share with our young people.
For your kindness I would to invite you and a couple of your closest friends to the White House to play ball with me.
yada, yada, yada,
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
My thoughts immediately were who would I take? Could they clear security? My brother was in for sure, but who else.
That is all I remember the rest is only a blur. But somehow me and my guests ended up at the White House. After clearing security we were taken to change and meet the president for a pick up game. Following security, I could hear the sound of the ball pounding the court. As we walked in I saw President Obama shooting a jumper. It went in and he came over to meet our group.
After introductions it was time to hoop. We chose teams and started to play. The game was going well and I was shooting like Ray Allen. Game point and my team had the ball. I ran from one side to the other, through a screen and got the pass and let it go. As it left my hand I yelled "Good" knowing it was headed for the bottom of the net. Sure enough it went it and then I woke up.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Eastern Conference Final Preview?
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers a great beginning to what will hopefully be a very good season.
It is going to take some time to get used to Rasheed Wallace and Shaquille O'Neal playing for their new teams. These two teams are loaded with talent and tonight's game could be a preview of what is to come.
Boston looks great with strong play both inside and outside. They are going to be very hard to beat this season if they remain healthy. Rasheed coming off the bench allows Boston to stretch the defense, which makes it impossible to double team the post with the player guarding him. He will be the key component to making another run at the championship.
Meanwhile LeBron is blocking shots like he is swatting mosquitoes. His defensive intensity has to be matched by the rest of his team to make a return to the finals. If the Cavs can pick up its defense, they have an opportunity to be very special this season, but that depends on how quickly they come together.
If I had to choose right now who will be in the 2010 NBA Finals I have to pick Boston. I feel they could possibly get 70 wins this season and still be very fresh enough to take down the Lakers in 6 games. For Boston it is 1 win down 69 more to go.
I love this game.
It is going to take some time to get used to Rasheed Wallace and Shaquille O'Neal playing for their new teams. These two teams are loaded with talent and tonight's game could be a preview of what is to come.
Boston looks great with strong play both inside and outside. They are going to be very hard to beat this season if they remain healthy. Rasheed coming off the bench allows Boston to stretch the defense, which makes it impossible to double team the post with the player guarding him. He will be the key component to making another run at the championship.
Meanwhile LeBron is blocking shots like he is swatting mosquitoes. His defensive intensity has to be matched by the rest of his team to make a return to the finals. If the Cavs can pick up its defense, they have an opportunity to be very special this season, but that depends on how quickly they come together.
If I had to choose right now who will be in the 2010 NBA Finals I have to pick Boston. I feel they could possibly get 70 wins this season and still be very fresh enough to take down the Lakers in 6 games. For Boston it is 1 win down 69 more to go.
I love this game.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Detroit Shock
On October 21, 2009 the news that the Detroit Shock will be sold and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma was disappointing. The Detroit Shock contributed half of the trophies at Six Championship Drive, it is too bad there will not be more. The ladies were great on the floor, and equally impressive as they interacted with fans outside seeking autographs. It was also great to see and meet them out in the community to provide awareness and assistance as well.
For the past couple years my daughters, my nephew and the kids of both family & friends have had the opportunity to work at a Shock game.
It was a great experience for them to work with staff of the Palace of Auburn Hills in areas such as photography, guest services, and many others. They really enjoyed the time they spent working in and around the Palace. That is will definitely be missed.
From my family to the members of the Shock, thank you for all you did to make summer in Michigan even better. Thank you for the hard work, dedication, and the championships, The Detroit Shock will be missed.
For the past couple years my daughters, my nephew and the kids of both family & friends have had the opportunity to work at a Shock game.
It was a great experience for them to work with staff of the Palace of Auburn Hills in areas such as photography, guest services, and many others. They really enjoyed the time they spent working in and around the Palace. That is will definitely be missed.
From my family to the members of the Shock, thank you for all you did to make summer in Michigan even better. Thank you for the hard work, dedication, and the championships, The Detroit Shock will be missed.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Darko Milicic
Darko I assume it was tough playing for Larry Brown and that your time in Detroit was a bit uncomfortable. But you should be thankful that Joe Dumars picked you when he did. If Joe did not pick you at number 2 where do you think you would have been picked?
If fans here would have had their way, your name would not have been called at that spot. Don’t get me wrong, your skills at 7’0” are intriguing but, the pick would have been Dwayne Wade based on what he had done in college.
So while you say your time in Detroit was the worst, just be thankful that you were the #2 pick in the draft and it came with #2 money. Joe Dumars gave you an opportunity and it just didn’t work out.
Right now the best thing for you to do is continue to improve and show the world you were indeed worth the #2 pick in the draft that year. If not, your name will forever be mentioned as a misstep by one of the best NBA Executives.
Darko I assume it was tough playing for Larry Brown and that your time in Detroit was a bit uncomfortable. But you should be thankful that Joe Dumars picked you when he did. If Joe did not pick you at number 2 where do you think you would have been picked?
If fans here would have had their way, your name would not have been called at that spot. Don’t get me wrong, your skills at 7’0” are intriguing but, the pick would have been Dwayne Wade based on what he had done in college.
So while you say your time in Detroit was the worst, just be thankful that you were the #2 pick in the draft and it came with #2 money. Joe Dumars gave you an opportunity and it just didn’t work out.
Right now the best thing for you to do is continue to improve and show the world you were indeed worth the #2 pick in the draft that year. If not, your name will forever be mentioned as a misstep by one of the best NBA Executives.
Letter to AI
Allen from the standpoint of the fans of the Detroit Pistons the trade was flawed from the beginning, not because of you, because Chauncey was involved. To many of us knew the straw that stirred the drink was Mr. Big Shot. He was not the only person responsible for the Pistons success over the years, but he played a very prominent role in it.
If you had a no trade clause in your contract you should exercised it as soon as you heard Chauncey was to be traded for you. The two of you together would have made a very formidable backcourt, and provided nightmares for other teams. But without Chauncey the trade was doomed from the start.
Allen from the standpoint of the fans of the Detroit Pistons the trade was flawed from the beginning, not because of you, because Chauncey was involved. To many of us knew the straw that stirred the drink was Mr. Big Shot. He was not the only person responsible for the Pistons success over the years, but he played a very prominent role in it.
If you had a no trade clause in your contract you should exercised it as soon as you heard Chauncey was to be traded for you. The two of you together would have made a very formidable backcourt, and provided nightmares for other teams. But without Chauncey the trade was doomed from the start.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Mentor
Recently Chauncey Billups was said to be serving as a mentor to J.R. Smith, and I think that is great. I have been a Chauncey Billups fans for quite a while now, even before he became a Piston, and helped build them win a championship. To me Chauncey has a very calm demeanor and seems to be in control. He is definitely the type of person that young people can learn from both on and off the court.
As you may know Chauncey's career started out differently than he expected. He was a high draft pick and did not seem to be living up to the expectations of the team that drafted him. He was traded a couple times before being named Finals MVP. What it shows me and I hope others is that you must maintain confidence in yourself and your abilities throughout adverse time. Chauncey was able to do that and now he wants to pass along that and other knowledge to J.R. in an attempt to help his current teammate reach his potential.
J.R. is loaded with talent and I believe he will learn and improve this year. The Denver Nuggets are in good hands with Chauncey at the helm, and J.R. could not have a better mentor, in my opinion.
Michael Beasley
Michael your life is worth more than any game, any rebound, or any basket. While I enjoy your skills on the court, please take whatever time is needed to repair your life. When you get things under control, then and only then come back.
Please say a prayer for Michael Beasley. This young man is very very talented and seems to be crying out for help with drugs and depression.
Recently Chauncey Billups was said to be serving as a mentor to J.R. Smith, and I think that is great. I have been a Chauncey Billups fans for quite a while now, even before he became a Piston, and helped build them win a championship. To me Chauncey has a very calm demeanor and seems to be in control. He is definitely the type of person that young people can learn from both on and off the court.
As you may know Chauncey's career started out differently than he expected. He was a high draft pick and did not seem to be living up to the expectations of the team that drafted him. He was traded a couple times before being named Finals MVP. What it shows me and I hope others is that you must maintain confidence in yourself and your abilities throughout adverse time. Chauncey was able to do that and now he wants to pass along that and other knowledge to J.R. in an attempt to help his current teammate reach his potential.
J.R. is loaded with talent and I believe he will learn and improve this year. The Denver Nuggets are in good hands with Chauncey at the helm, and J.R. could not have a better mentor, in my opinion.
Michael Beasley
Michael your life is worth more than any game, any rebound, or any basket. While I enjoy your skills on the court, please take whatever time is needed to repair your life. When you get things under control, then and only then come back.
Please say a prayer for Michael Beasley. This young man is very very talented and seems to be crying out for help with drugs and depression.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Cleveland vs. LA 2010
With the new additions to both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears each has taken a step toward making a run at the 2010 NBA championship.
With Shaq and Z, the Cavaliers have strength inside to deal with anyone. They can and should dominate the paint night in and night out. In which case LeBron, Delonte, Mo, and everyone else should benefit greatly. Cleveland can deal with anyone in the eastern conference right now.
The addition of Ron Artest has brought to the Lakers another good defender to go along with Kobe. Taking nothing away from Trevor Ariza, but Artest is little more rugged and can bang with LeBron. He may not stop him, but he can make it more difficult for him simply because of his size.
For Cleveland to win the series LeBron and company have to dominate inside. With the Big Fellas inside, and LeBron’s ability to get to the hole at any time, this is where the series will be won. Free throws could doom the Cavaliers chances should they shoot under 70%.
LA by contrast has to get Cleveland’s big guys outside and force them to play defense on more mobile players. If Shaq and Z are forced to guard quicker players on the perimeter, they can become fatigued and get into foul trouble. In which case Bynum, Gasol, Odom will be the difference in the repeat.
I am sure we will see Cleveland vs. LA on Christmas day to preview what we could see in the finals.
The Other Half or the NBA Final Four
The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs present themselves as formidable opponents for Cleveland and LA respectively.
If Rasheed Wallace ends his career in Boston, he could give them another inside outside presence that could give Cleveland fits. His skills as a passer feeding Kevin Garnett make it impossible to double team KG, leaving him to go to work inside. If you do decide to double it has to be from the weak side leaving Ray or Paul to spot up for the three. With Rasheed, the Celtics would have an attack that could humble most teams.
The addition of Richard Jefferson has put San Antonio in contention for another title. He is a very good complimentary player that can go off to score when called upon. His size and ability to drive and hit the open jumper will have a great effect on Tim Duncan, Michael Finley, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and the rest of the Spurs. Look for the Spurs to make some noise during the playoffs.
Both the Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals the teams listed above are there will be even more exciting than this past year’s was. That is saying a lot because 2008 was a fantastic year in the playoff and made me fall in love with the NBA all over again.
With the new additions to both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, it appears each has taken a step toward making a run at the 2010 NBA championship.
With Shaq and Z, the Cavaliers have strength inside to deal with anyone. They can and should dominate the paint night in and night out. In which case LeBron, Delonte, Mo, and everyone else should benefit greatly. Cleveland can deal with anyone in the eastern conference right now.
The addition of Ron Artest has brought to the Lakers another good defender to go along with Kobe. Taking nothing away from Trevor Ariza, but Artest is little more rugged and can bang with LeBron. He may not stop him, but he can make it more difficult for him simply because of his size.
For Cleveland to win the series LeBron and company have to dominate inside. With the Big Fellas inside, and LeBron’s ability to get to the hole at any time, this is where the series will be won. Free throws could doom the Cavaliers chances should they shoot under 70%.
LA by contrast has to get Cleveland’s big guys outside and force them to play defense on more mobile players. If Shaq and Z are forced to guard quicker players on the perimeter, they can become fatigued and get into foul trouble. In which case Bynum, Gasol, Odom will be the difference in the repeat.
I am sure we will see Cleveland vs. LA on Christmas day to preview what we could see in the finals.
The Other Half or the NBA Final Four
The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs present themselves as formidable opponents for Cleveland and LA respectively.
If Rasheed Wallace ends his career in Boston, he could give them another inside outside presence that could give Cleveland fits. His skills as a passer feeding Kevin Garnett make it impossible to double team KG, leaving him to go to work inside. If you do decide to double it has to be from the weak side leaving Ray or Paul to spot up for the three. With Rasheed, the Celtics would have an attack that could humble most teams.
The addition of Richard Jefferson has put San Antonio in contention for another title. He is a very good complimentary player that can go off to score when called upon. His size and ability to drive and hit the open jumper will have a great effect on Tim Duncan, Michael Finley, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and the rest of the Spurs. Look for the Spurs to make some noise during the playoffs.
Both the Eastern Conference Finals and Western Conference Finals the teams listed above are there will be even more exciting than this past year’s was. That is saying a lot because 2008 was a fantastic year in the playoff and made me fall in love with the NBA all over again.
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