The Wright Way - Straight, No Chaser #7

By: Sharone Wright
Sharone Wright was an All-state performer at Macon's Southwest high school as a McDonald's All-American. He played basketball for 3 years in the prestigious ACC conference at Clemson University where he is one of it's top 10 all-time players. Sharone was drafted 6th overall by Philadelphia in 1994 and also played for the Toronto Raptors. After 5 years in the NBA, he went to Europe as a player for 7 years and now coaches.

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SAVING PRIVATE NAISMITH( NOT RYAN)

I’m a product of a basketball powerhouse in Macon Georgia called Southwest High school. It's a huge school and even bigger in sports history because of one man’s teachings.

Donald "Duck “Richardson was a father figure and a bball God to all people in the south. He changed lives with his teachings and his basketball knowledge. He was a cross between Bobby Knight, Attila the Hun and Vito Corleone. I still have night mares about some of the lessons that he taught me.

But ya know what, it all helped in becoming a man.

At these so called powerhouses it seems you had everything from equipment, shoes and different clothes and such. It was a good situation especially because it was hard time in the 80s and 90s. Everyone was struggling back then even more than now. It was like a boarding school but you got to go home. We even had study hall and Nike was a sponsor so we got free shoes, bags and clothes.

Before the AAU teams existed there were just programs that even played throughout the summer. If not for the Boston Shootout program back then, I’d probably would have spent my days in the Southwest gym all day throughout the summer. There were others too. Hyattsville Dematha, Mater Dei in California, Chicago's King High School, Jersey Cities St. Anthony High School, New York’s Christ the King High School, St Raymond's High school, Atlanta Douglas High School and so on. Only a handful of these were around back then.

But there is one school that you could say is an assembly line for NBA players.

Oak Hill Academy is the Ford Company of high school basketball and has a long history of producing great players.

I guess you could argue that they were already good players when they got to Oak Hill because they played on other high school programs and teams but I’m told Oak Hill can make or break you.


With Legendary Coach Steve Smith at the helm, they've amassed one heck of a record in his tenure.

He's had incredible success.

• National Champs: 1993, 1994, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007
• Runners-Up: 1990, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2009

In basketball life, everyone knows that you can be the best coach in the world but if you don’t have players you'll never be successful. I agree.

That’s why you have to recruit well. But when you’re at Oak Hill, you don’t have to spend a lot of time recruiting because your success will attract the best players.

Let’s name a few:

Carmelo Anthony- New York Knicks
Michael Beasley – Minnesota T-Wolves
Sagana Diop – Charlotte Bobcats
Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder
Stephen Jackson – Charlotte Bobcats
Brandon Jennings – Milwaukee Bucks
Ty Lawson – Denver Nuggets
Rajon Rondo – Boston Celtics
Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks
Jerry Stackhouse – Former first round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers

Let's not forget the great Rod Strickland!

It's players like these that made Oak Hill a pipeline for greatness.

Nowadays it’s the AAU program and its greediness that conquers high school ball.

It’s amazing to see how much of these kids and parents get exploited.

If you have a kid that’s a very good ball player, 9 times out of 10 your kid will be on an AAU team and will be treated like a king. I’ve seen it as an AAU coach.

I know some of these coaches and programs are out for the good of the kids but not many. It’s almost as bad as the shoe companies. The shoes companies are exploiting kids as well. It’s because of them why it's easy for families and coaches to trade kids off for shoes, money and gear.

It’s ridiculous when you think of it but it’s a real thing. Nike and Adidas are waging a real war to get the best talent in America. They go as far as visiting middle school games and rec league games.


I think that's going too far, unless you have parents that don’t care and only think about money and prestige. But for the parents like me who also want my kids to enjoy the game and learn the game, we know and want better.

What’s behind the New York Gauchos, Atlanta Stars, Atlanta Celtics, Alabama Ice, Riverside Church, Lebrons AAU squad or Dwayne Wade’s? Well it may be money or it may be for the betterment of the kids. Check the bank accounts of the coaches and handlers and you’ll find out.

But what’s crazy is that it doesn’t have to be this way.

I think all of the good coaches and programs are dead now. I know my own high school program is shot now. No more high school all Americans, no great teams and no more packed gyms complete with scouts drooling.

Holiday tournaments that meant something are gone and the real teaching of the game is non existent. The hoop scoop magazine and BC camps are all over in the south.

Gone are Nike ABCD camps that showcased players like myself, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill. We'll never have an opportunity to see this kind of basketball ever again. Nor will we see the grueling summer camps that either made you into a real player or broke you.

Will we ever see another Don Richardson (Southwest Macon), Morgan Wooten (Dematha), Bob Hurley Sr (St Anthony’s), Steve Smith (Oak Hill)?

These coaches are rare and legendary in that they teach the game in a unique and old school way and they aren't compromised like AAU handlers and coaches are.

I’m not saying older school coaches didn’t or don’t enjoy little perks, but it’s no way to the extent that the coaches and AAU guys are doing now. I'm all for saving the game from being exploited this way and what better than to go where it starts. The high school ranks.

I know Dr. Naismith would roll over in his grave if he knew how it’s become. Of course that would be after he cashes his billion dollar check for inventing the great game of basketball.

To me it’s like the being at an auction and bidding on players that are just teenagers.

I'll bid $60,000 on that Lebron Kid from Ohio.

Going once, going twice? Sold!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To the man named Phil Knight in the corner.


Straight no chaser.

Out!!!!!!!!!!!

SW

The Wright Way - Straight, No Chaser #6

By: Sharone Wright
Sharone Wright was an All-state performer at Macon's Southwest high school as a McDonald's All-American. He played basketball for 3 years in the prestigious ACC conference at Clemson University where he is one of it's top 10 all-time players. Sharone was drafted 6th overall by Philadelphia in 1994 and also played for the Toronto Raptors. After 5 years in the NBA, he went to Europe as a player for 7 years and now coaches.

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Since you been goneeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! I love that Song by Kelly Clarkson and that’s how I’m feeling today after not posting anything for a while.


See it’s been way too long. I’m sorry folks but I’m not a professional writer and my real job says that I spend lots of time coaching and scouting.

Maybe I can ask my boss to let me have some time to write since there is soo much to talk about.

I have to tell you guys that I really enjoyed the NBA All-Star game and weekend.

It never ceases to amaze me how much the NBA league office does to make this event be a hit each year. They do a good job of mixing entertainment and sports. It’s like the Oscars and a The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh all wrapped in one weekend.

I can’t say that the I'm impressed with the selection process. I'm sick and tired of guys not making the All -Star game that deserve it. It’s as if there are about 20 million idiots voting and they are only voting for the players that they either see on Sportscenter or on commercials. If they don’t see a player on ESPN then the fans know nothing about it.

That’s why I think a portion of the voting or most of it should be done by the players and coaches.

Case in point.

China has like 6789 billion people there and on any given chance, will always vote for Yao Ming.

OK, that’s cool when Yao was really balling but hey lets face it, the Great Wall hasn’t done jack crap in 3 years. And how about the fact that he didn’t even play this year and was voted a starter.

I guess they figure he might have been ready for the game? NOT!!!!!!!

How about watch the games people and do your homework. That’s what's wrong with the game.

There’s soo much voting for guys that are so called superstars even if they aren’t having superstar seasons. Tim Duncan was voted as an All -Star despite the fact that he's played like nothing this year. So why stop settling for a well known player and give that spot to NENE who has played not great this year and certainly better than Duncan.

Oh ok, you’re probably saying the Spurs have the best record. That doesn’t mean anything when this is an individual honour.

You know something is wrong when they had to force the issue to get Kevin Love on the team and this kid has like 4000 double doubles already in a first half of a season.

Incredible!!!!

Yet he had to make a rap video With Lil Wayne in order to get noticed for what he has done. Crazy crap! Lets reward these players for their games and their hard work and not their cameos appearances...

I'm venting because that’s kind of what I do well. See I have the ability to see things before they happen. Like for instance I could see the tension with Jerry Sloan and Deron Williams brewing like the Labatt’s Beer company. It was happening all of the time and it boiled over!

The reports are saying that Sloan was growing ever so pissed at Williams and vice versa. My question is why didn’t the GM and team officials step in and police the matter before it boiled over?

Maybe then we wouldn’t be where we are today and asking why a Hall of Fame coach and one of the most respected coaches of all time abruptly just quit in the middle of the season.

It's mind boggling to say the least but what is known all over the NBA is that Sloan himself isn’t always easy to get along with. So the blame can't all go towards Williams. I’ve personally talked to guys that played for Sloan on many occasions and while they all respect and admire him for his career, they all didn’t want to play for him all of the time either.

You know the story. Something like this happens and every person that has played for him starts talking about how great Sloan was and how they learned from him. But they forget to say how some of them hated him.

I know the scenario too.

Not every player will get along with a coach and vice versa but those things should stay in the locker room. That’s the NBA code of silence. Too much is leaked out these days.

The Ric Buchers and the Chris Broussards of the world pester the players too much and when they don’t get what they want, they make up things, I think.

Especially if there are problems in the locker rooms.

When I played we didn’t talk to guys in the media like this. We had leaders who ironed things out and stepped in to mash out anything that could detour our team from winning.

That’s what good leaders do.

Ever get wind of a problem in the Celtics locker room? Wonder why? It’s because the big three plus Shaq have combined years that are older than Robert Parrish and Morgan Freeman put together. Nowadays a rookie comes in to the league and 2 years later this guy is the captain wearing the C on his shirt.

That’s crazy!!

Deron is in Jersey now as we know and they say they hope to build the team around him which would be great but what if he doesn’t want to stay? What then Jersey? I know you guys think because the new owner has 3449 billion dollars (something like that) so you think its ok.

But he and Jay-z will have a Hard Knock life if they don’t get Williams to sign and score a better roster.

That’s why I love the Carmelo Anthony trade to the Knicks.

I had doubts that it would ever get done but it did only because James Dolan the owner has the cake to do it with.

Melo is one of my favorite players because he has a mentality that he can score on anyone. He has that scorer’s mindset, he brings 27 points per game and lots of rebounds to match it with Amare's 25ppg.

So you could argue that it’s on and popping but Chauncey Billups will also contribute. Some say that NYC gave up too much. Well let’s look at that. Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Timovfey Mozgov and Raymond Felton. Three of these guys were starters yet the Knicks were a basic .500 team and not really playing that great lately.

The comparison of Felton and Billups is a wash to me but honestly Billups has soo much more playoffs experience. Gallinari has been too inconsistent to pinpoint which way is up or down with him.

Erratic shooting and no defence plague him.

Wilson Chandler is a player that I felt they should have tried to keep. He’s a very high energy defender and his offence has really come around since coming out of college. But they kept Landry Fields and he has been a steal in the draft for them.

He has been a starter all year. Great scouting will do that for ya. But when you have a chance to get a player of Melo's calibre, you have to jump on that.

He’s a once in a lifetime player. Don’t ask George Karl though. He sounded like he was glad Melo was gone in a recent interview and really made a case that he only would miss Billups and not Melo.

Saying that Melo has a personality that is hard to deal with. Woww talk about waiting until the guy leaves to throw him under the bus?

Beep beeeeep.

Seriously though Melo will be a monster in the Garden and with Amare in tow, this should be interesting once all of the Knick pieces are put on the chess board. BTW I love the way they added Corey Brewer. Talk about defence? This kid can do it. Some where I hope Glen Grunwald had some thing to do with the Knicks getting Melo. I'm also looking forward to the new LALA and Carmelo realty show. Hey it beats the hell out of watching Glee...

Baron Davis to Cleveland, Bibby to the Wizards, Mo Williams to the Clippers, Devin Harris to Utah for Deron Williams, Landry to the Hornets, Battier back to Memphis. Wowwww soo many deals that made sense and a lot of them made none. It’s like that game show Deal or no Deal. Only this time there seem to be no real prizes after Deron Williams and Melo.

The state of the NBA continues to be up for grabs. It seems that every day that the NFL gets closer to what both sides want in that league, our CBA is getting further and further away. I feel that this is not going to get it done. There must be more meetings and more attention must be paid to the demands of both sides.

My sources tell me that if it is to be done, the owners say they are not going to budge. Let’s hope the demand of the game and the fans yelling for the game that they love will halt this pending Lockout. If not, it’ll be harder to look at than those Black Mamba commercials with Kobe and Kanye West. Ouch!!

I can certainly understand some of the teams in the NBA that are losing their superstar players and getting nothing in return for them. It’s not an easy thing to see. Toronto losing Mcgrady, Carter and Bosh. Cleveland losing Lebron, Denver losing Carmelo.

The feeling now is that certain players force their way out of town and I'm not for that. But I am for the rights of the player to do what he wishes if he has played and played hard and given all that he has.

In your contract year it is your decision to make.

It was Lebron's and it was Bosh's, it was Melo's and for sure it will be Dwight Howard's and Chris Paul's very soon. Let’s not forget that this is their life and they cannot live it for fans, owners and common folk who only get to see them on the court for 2 hours a night.

This is most always a family issue and you have to do whets best for yourself and your family. The owners at the end of the day will do whets best for their teams.

Remember my blog post about the Clippers owner making fun of Baron Davis and mocking him at games? Well Davis started balling after he got healthy. And what happened then?

The Clippers trade him to the worst team in the NBA.

See what I mean about loyalty?? There is none... To some owners you’re just a piece of meat at the market.

Let’s see how things pan out with the newly structured teams.

The Wright Way - No Chaser #6

By: Sharone Wright
Sharone Wright was an All-state performer at Macon's Southwest high school as a McDonald's All-American. He played basketball for 3 years in the prestigious ACC conference at Clemson University where he is one of it's top 10 all-time players. Sharone was drafted 6th overall by Philadelphia in 1994 and also played for the Toronto Raptors. After 5 years in the NBA, he went to Europe as a player for 7 years and now coaches.

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BBALL IS LIFE

So I was sitting on Facebook in my hotel room and I happen to get a message from an old teammate who told me to watch a video of Michael Jordan talking to Lebron James about his Nike commercial.

It was supposed to be retaliation for Lebron's jabs at Michael, Barkley and basically the whole basketball world for his decision and how he went about revealing that decision. This came from YouTube so immediately I wasn’t sure if it was real and I'm still thinking its not. Rarely does Michael Jordan (post playing career) indulge in such hoopla.

I feel like if everyone in their mama wants MJ to elaborate why he thinks Kobe Bryant is not better than he was then there’s no way he would waste time one this subject with Lebron.

It was basically though a pretty cool vid.

Look people, this was a decision that will live on in time. It’s the one free agent ordeal that will never die. It will go down in history as the biggest, bravest and misunderstood move in the history of our game. One can only wonder why Lebron left but one thing is totally clear in this whole thing. It was his choice.

So once and for all let me explain this so it can forever be explained. Free agency doesn’t mean that player will sign where you think he should sign. If James had signed with the Timberwolves, that would have been totally ok with me (and PRINCE too). None of us know why or what the feeling was for this man in Cleveland. And I think he just wanted to leave. I couldn’t see him winning a chip there and let’s be real about it; Cleveland isn’t the material city and its cold as hell most of the year. Asked if you’d like to transfer your job for more money from working in a plant in Cleveland to working in Miami on south beach. Come on that’s a no brainer. Get a life please

"Straight No Chaser" has been getting a lot of fans fiending for the next issue so I thought id boost my rating up with a little situation. Sources say that Baron Davis is in the dog house of Clippers owner Donald Sterling. It goes so deep that people are saying that Sterling is rousing Davis and poking fun at him for his apparent bad shape and his normal and not superstar play.

While I can understand that, I have to wonder if this is the end for Davis in Clipperland and the last road down a career that had a lot of promise. I can take you back just 5 years ago and Davis and his Warriors shocked the world beating the Mavs in the first round of the playoffs.

Although he had help from a variety of guys, it was Davis who was the MAN.

He slithered and sliced his way to carving up the Mavs and showing notice that he was still indeed a beast. Since then he has had some pretty bad injuries and also bad play. But I felt that Baron to the Clippers was a money move and it was a bad move for the style of play and the pieces around him. Remember that same month Elton Brand left unexpectedly... I thought that Baron at that stage of his career needed to be on a winner so he could elevate them... Some guys are leaders and I felt this was the time was right for Baron to go to a good team to show he could lead. That didn’t happen and Baron took the sacred fruit from Sterling.

With that fruit (money) comes with a whole lot of things. All of which I don’t think he was ready for. Let’s not forget the player that Baron can be and I don’t think he’s ready to hang it up;

Speaking of trades, who wouldn’t want to see Carmelo in a Knick uni? I know that I would. I mean it would be like the Boondocks on prime time TV!

The Knicks are already doing well this year. And Carmelo obviously doesn’t want to be in Denver. I think this is a match made in heaven. I'd be shocked if this doesn’t get done. If it doesn’t I’m gonna kick that guy on ESPN Chris Broussard’s butt.

He assured me that it would happen.

Critics are saying that the reason the Knicks are doing great this year is their schedule up to this point is soft. I say this.

Play the schedule that you’ve been given and forget the critics.

Critics don’t play ball and most have never played so whatever to them!

That was a jab at the commentators that have never done anything except eat donuts and watch the game.

But how about this for a rumour. Carmelo to the Lakers!!!!!!!!

Believe it or not I’ve heard that through my different friends, sources and colleagues. Don’t be shocked if it happens.

Seriously though, there a big problem brewing in the NBA. It’s secret but it’s not like Wiki- leakes.

My friend who’s a 12 year veteran told me that there’s an email going around to all of the NBA players telling them to save your money because there will be no checks paid this summer and maybe beyond that.

This, they say is because of the collective bargaining agreement coming to an end and there’s no compromise close in eight. This could be a bad time for the NBA. I mean the league is enjoying soo much success right now domestic and globally.

It’s the world’s game now. How can there be a work stoppage and we are maybe 6 years from having a global NBA league. Our game is as big as it’s ever been. Knowing Director Billy Hunter he will fight for what’s right and what is fair.

The same goes for David Stern and the owners. I’m hearing that the problem lies within the money that the players are making. I’m just wondering who signed those contracts anyway? What owner signed his John Hancock on Joe Johnson's contract? hmmmmmm,

Who signed Amare Stoudamire's deal?

BTW Who gave Rashad Lewis His deal?

All huge money deals.

Need I say more?

If you’re crying wolf over money then why continue to give the players that kinda money when some deserve it and some don’t.

Also there are about 17 franchises that have been selling out their arenas for years. With record highs in attendance lately. So the owners are making money for sure. Without putting blame on anyone, this is serious and it won’t get better until there’s compromise.

I remember playing in the NBA when we locked out one summer. It felt like we were on strike line picketing with signs. If it can be worked out let’s do it before Andrew Bynum gets hurt again and messes up my fantasy team. Geezzzzz.

The divorce settlement between the Washington wizards and Agent zero Gilbert Arenas aka the "Gunslinger" was finally solved this week as Arenas was sent packing to the Orlando Magic. If it were me I'd be happy as a lark singing.

See now Gilbert you have a fresh start.

You were already starting to heat up at the right time because John Wall was hurt so now you can go to a team that definitely wants you to be you and draw the defences that sag on Dwight Howard... I’m not so sure in the past that Orlando's opponents were bothered by Vince Carter's jump shot or driving abilities anymore.

And let’s not get started on Rashard Lewis' inability to hit a consistent jump shot or do anything past the regular season.

So it’s a win win situation for both teams. But for sure it’s a win for Orlando because they get also Jason Richardson who is enjoying a very good season and Orlando could really use his athletic ability and he’s shooting very well from the arc this season.

Getting Hedo back remains to be seen though.

If he can revert back to his old form as point forward, they will be tough to stop for anyone.

The Wiz don’t care who they got in the trade. They just wanted Arenas out of town like Green Bay wanted Brett Favre out of town. Tough question though. Where will Arenas play? I mean he’s a point guard that just has the ability to get his scoring going. He’s a tough guard for virtually anyone because he can score in bunches and he’s an above average passer.

With Jameer Nelson having a so-so season, one can only imagine what Van Gundy will do. With the Eastern Conference playoffs figuring to be thick, you need as many good guards as you can get. I believe this trade could end up helping the Magic down the stretch.

Ok time to give props to the players that are gettin it in!!!!!!!!

Lets start with Dwayne Wade, I mean we all know about the 11 game winning streak for the Heat and I thought they would have a couple of these but Wade has been a Wocka Flocka Flame!!!

Blake Griffin has already won the rookie of the year award. Why don’t they give it to him as a Christmas gift already? Man, give it to him so we can start voting for next season. He's been sharper than a Steve Harvey suit.

I know I’m always talking crap about Dwight Howard and his lack of offensive moves but I must admit that he’s gotten better and maybe it’s his working with Hakeem. This year he seems to be going even harder and has a couple of other ways to score. I like that. Plus he’s been Rodman-like on the boards. Getting 20 rebounds every other night. Props to Dwight for working hard this summer.

What hasn’t been said about the Inglewood superstar Paul Pierce? I mean have we even ever had a Paul Pierce for MVP discussion before? If not then this is the year for that talk. Pierce has been Larry Bird -like this year. I think its time to give Pierce the Royal Treatment that we bestow on sooo many players that haven’t necessarily deserved it. Pierce has always done this kinda work but it just seems more special this year for some reason. With Rondo out for a couple of weeks, there’s slack to be taken up.

Sometimes we over look the things that are important in life. It’s the holidays that show a person's true Heart. The little things are sooo easy to overlook in our busy on the go lives. My friend of over 22 years Brad is having a child this week. A very special child who has fought to be here. The love that comes with having a child is priceless. God Bless you and Amy and Beautiful Baby Claire. Happy Holidays to my family, friends and hundreds of teammates over the years.

See it’s not the gifts but the time, the love and being there for one another that makes this season so wonderful. It’s the friends & family that you have and how you love them and they love and support you. Like the stories that you don’t hear about.

Like Kobe Bryant giving $400,000 dollars to his old high school last year to help the school. Or Marquis Daniels helping Haitian orphans by flying them to Florida to help them and also doing camps in Haiti this summer.

Selfless acts by NBA players often go over looked. Charity starts with looking in the mirror and not seeing yourself but seeing others in need of assistance.

With great power comes great responsibility but it also comes with the chance to help others. Thank you NBA charities and NBA cares programs.

Give love on Christmas day.( mannnnnnn I love that song by Johnny Gill)

Straight no chaser.......

-SW

The Wright Way - No Chaser #5

By: Sharone Wright
Sharone Wright was an All-state performer at Macon's Southwest high school as a McDonald's All-American. He played basketball for 3 years in the prestigious ACC conference at Clemson University where he is one of it's top 10 all-time players. Sharone was drafted 6th overall by Philadelphia in 1994 and also played for the Toronto Raptors. After 5 years in the NBA, he went to Europe as a player for 7 years and now coaches.

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I WISH

It’s high time for me to get something that I want and by all means I’m going to. See I am one of those who gives gives and gives until I can’t give anymore. Every year about this time I start feeling guilty about giving too much. So I thought I’d give the NBA world my wish list.

Gosh darn it I feel that I deserve it!!!!

First. These are the things that I want to happen with regards to things that are going on right now.

1st off read my lips! Leave Cam Newton alone!!!!!!!

I’m a former NCAA Div 1 basketball player (and a good one I might add hehehe). You work all 4 years for an institute of learning. Your athletic jersey is sold in every store within a 60 miles radius of the school. In some cases all over the world. They make millions and sometimes with certain athletes, billions of dollars. For example, I live in LA. In the LAX airport you can still get an Ed and Charles O’Bannon UCLA jersey or a Reggie Bush #5 jersey. All three for more than 60 bucks a piece. That’s ridiculous!! I wish college players were paid.

2nd. I'd like for David Stern to understand that he will never is able to cut the salaries of the players. Our game is world wide and the owners respectfully are making a heckava lot of money. Remember they were the ones who started the max out contracts and awarding guys all of this money.

Even for guys who had no business getting it. It’s their fault for this threat of a Lockout this summer. They in my opinion brought this on themselves. I really think that with the growth of the NBA in the last 20 years, it would take a huge hit if there were a lockout this summer or at anytime. The league can’t survive that. I mean it would go on but it would be horrible for the league and its fans. Let’s find a way to fix this. It’s my wish!!!! (In my Samuel L. Jackson Voice).

3rd. I'd like a little respect for Eric Gordon. Have you seen how great he is playing? He’s like Vinny Johnson, Kevin Johnson (your mayorship) and Mitch Richmond all rolled into one. I love his intensity and his scoring touch. He hasn’t stopped anyone defensively but for sure he’s scored in bunches. A wise man would say probably that when or if Baron Davis returns, Gordon’s numbers will decrease but I don’t think so.

I think he’s earned the touches and the time on the court. Time will tell if this is because overall he’s a beast or that it’s because Davis isn’t on the court demanding the ball all of the time. I’m just saying I love the kid's game. Maybe its he that will finally bring the Clips some respect. Lord knows Michael Olowokandi couldn’t do it.

4th. Remember that song for Christmas that goes “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth"? Well all I want for Christmas is to see Dwight Howard and some of the other centers and forwards make solid moves in the paint area. I’m sick of seeing these guys walk turnaround and shoot the ball or make free throw line jump shots for their career. I absolutely hate it. That’s why I love Tim Duncan and always have.

Since the first time I saw him when I played against him in college, he’s been a fundamental dream. What happened to The NBA center? Bring him back. Somebody outlaw the jump shooting bigs.

From now on that’s a man law.

5th. Lord please bless Portland Center Greg Oden. What must this young man be thinking in his mind right now? He’s had crazy bad luck in his young career after being chosen first in the NBA draft some years ago. This young man needs our prayers right now. I know how it is to be injured and not being able to give your all. It’s like Brandy felt the other night on DWTS. Oden each time he’s had an injury, worked his butt off to get back so no one can question his work ethic. But you know some will call him a bum or a bust. I believe a bum or a bust is when you don’t give it your all or you don’t care about the game.

Greg Oden has worked hard and doesn’t deserve that. Fans are brutal sometimes. I think it’s mostly because truthfully they all wanted to play pro sports at some point and when they don’t get that chance or aren’t good enough, they hate the ones that make it. I’ve seen this many times. A young kid like Oden can make this ok if he keeps coming back. Keep it going Greg. I see you.

6th. I wish Lebron had gone to New York. Nuff said.

7th. I hope Tony Parker can find his wallet because after this divorce he won’t have a wallet. Can you say Cha---- Ching!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8th. I wish I had gone to Las Vegas to bet on the New Orleans for the first 10 games of the year. I'd be a billionaire right now. Then I'd really is singing that awful "Billionaire" song by Travis McCoy and Bruno Mars.

I felt like the additions of Ariza and Monty William's coaching would serve them well but who knew that they would jump out throwing bows and kicking Butt the way that they have. I guess Chris Paul will be there for a while. Nothing cures your woes like winning.

Last but not least I want to throw a couple of names out at my under 35 crew of readers. See if you can really identify with these names.

1.Lenny Bias

2.Reggie Lewis

3.Hank Gathers

4.Bobby Phils

5.Jason Collier

6.Manute Bol

7.Drazen Petrovic

8.Lorenzen Wright

This Thanksgiving and Christmas I’m thankful to have played against, met, played with or admired these guys. They are gone but for sure not forgotten. R.I.P.

Remember to box out and follow your shot.

One love.

SW