An awakening...

"Stop Snitchin'"

This was a DVD that appeared in the national conscience in 2004, relating to drug dealers in Baltimore threatening violence against those who reported about their activities to authorities in exchange for a lighter sentence. It led to the phrase "Snitches get stitches," and it featured New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony in a brief cameo. The video's creator, Rodney Thomas was sentenced to 15 years in prison for pleading guilty to first-degree assault. Despite claiming that it was a joke, Anthony's squeaky-clean reputation took a hit among fans across the league. (credit: Wikipedia)

"Republicans buy shoes too."

These words were uttered by Michael Jordan in 1990 when asked why he would not endorse Harvey Gantt in the North Carolina Senate race against his Republican opponent, well-known segregationist named Jesse Helms. Jordan, who was the face of Nike, Gatorade, and the NBA at the time, was criticized for not being a voice in the community as fellow athletes of his ilk such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Which is why it was so refreshing to see these two in particular become the headline players as we've seen violence between law enforcement and citizens like never before. We have seen in the news countless stories of brutality and retaliation, creating a cultural divide, with it seemingly being played out over our airwaves and on social media. We've seen LeBron James and others take a stand after the Trayvon Martin shooting, and countless others during the Black Lives Matter movement. It was a throwback to an era when being outspoken could leave an athlete ostracized from endorsements and receive the ire of fans who want their players to focus on their athletic prowess as opposed to being a voice. The late Muhammad Ali was not as beloved by folks (both black and white) in the 1960s when he loudly spoke out against the Vietnam War. When we watched how O.J. Simpson avoided getting involved in the same issues, it was disturbing to see how disconnected he really was.

However, it was great to see Anthony come out himself and mention that "it's not about endorsements," and that athletes should speak up about the devastation that's going on around them. Even more, to see Jordan speak not only with his voice but with his dollars, shows that today's athlete has separated himself from focusing on simply the "brand." The focus should not be on the results, but the decision of these athletes to realize that there comes a time to go beyond the clichés and media-friendly quotes. A revolution has begun among athletes, and the ones who fall behind it are the ones who sit back and do nothing.

A Golden Decision...

Life offers us only so many opportunities. There's that window from ages 31-50 to make your money so you can retire to the confines of the beach and see the world. Fellas, when you meet that special someone, that window is even shorter. Most businesses fail within the first 3 years because we never get into the black after spending so much on expenditures. Bottom line, is that when these doors open to do better for yourself, what becomes our rationale for either accepting them or rejecting them? Is it loyalty, fear of change, or the need for something greater that drives a person to take advantage of an opportunity.

That is what Kevin Durant did as he announced on the Players Tribune that he will sign with the Golden State Warriors after spending the first 9 years in Seattle then Oklahoma City when the franchise relocated. He won the 2014 NBA MVP and is one of the league's best shooters. He left an Oklahoma City team that came within a quarter of defeating the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. There is vitriol on the Twitter-verse, calling Durant a "ring chaser" and what he did being worse than LeBron's "The Decision" to join the Miami Heat in 2010. However, there's an analogy that best describes what KD did. Maybe not on the same scale, but it's all the same.

I think of my father back in 1991. He was very successful as a Logistics Director at the U.S. Postal Service in Macon, Georgia. He was also a well-beloved associate pastor. He was given an opportunity to move his family to Washington DC for three times as much the money. Didn't give it a second thought about terms like loyalty and sticking to familiar territory. He did what was best for himself and his family, and we all prospered as a result.

I hear people say it now, "Jordan, Magic or Bird never left!" To that I have three reasons why: Chicago, LA, and Boston. It's kind of hard to leave those cities when you know they are destinations. Oh by the way, you all know that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left Milwaukee for the confines of LA, so this has precedent. Only difference was that there was no Twitter-verse or Stephen A. Smiths hating on his every move.

Durant had to do what was best for him, he owes Oklahoma City nothing. The window opened up to go to Silicon Valley and he did what 99% of us would do. They say that 48% of people never leave their hometown. I say that those people are the ones who miss out on the best life has to offer. The worst thing a person can have in life is regret.

In Spirit vs. Truth

They say that rules are to be enforced by the letter of the law, yet we do 30 mph in a residential district and don't get a speeding ticket. We give one child who spills their juice on the carpet a mere "tsk, tsk", and the one who wrote their name in crayon all over the drywall gets put in timeout. Teachers, don't you sometimes let the A-plus student turn in their homework a day late yet give a "0" to the class clown if they do the same thing?

Rules are meant to keep order in society, to restrain those from doing harm to themselves or to others. We've seen rules get enforced differently in the gated communities as opposed to the Section 8 housing ghettos of America. There's a reason for that, and it's that same reason why Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green didn't get suspended for tonight's Game 4 against Oklahoma City for the infraction you see above.

Now, upon further review I also believed that he shouldn't be suspended for what he did. For those who have played basketball, you know all about the purpose of deceiving the officials into giving you a phantom foul. He purposely attempted to flail and in the process happened to make unfortunate contact with the Thunder's Steven Adams. NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations Kiki Vandeweghe presented his views on the matter yesterday. However, not everyone believed that was the real reason for not suspending Green.

Noted ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith stated that the main reason they should not suspend Green was the fact that it wouldn't be right to have the Warriors play at full strength. He argued that it had nothing to do with the league rules, but moreso about ensuring that the Western Conference Finals would be more entertaining with Green playing, and that it's not fair to the networks or the fans who pay outrageous ticket prices. Although he did bring up that the intent to hurt Adams was not there by the spirit of the law, the truth is that the focus of his rant was more about entertainment than enforcement.

This is where I strongly disagree with his reasoning. Yes, I agree that he should not be suspended, but the need for entertaining television should never be a factor when it comes to enforcing rules. The NBA has had a history of being accused of favoring certain teams (2002 Lakers) and poor officiating on the grandest stage only reinforces that notion. I remember the outcry when the Phoenix Suns had two major players suspended for leaving the bench in the 2007 Conference Finals against San Antonio, and I agreed with the ruling back then. If that is truly the league's reasoning (although they'll never state it) then they are setting up a bad precedent down the line. Even though the spirit of the law can be interpreted, it should never cloud the truth of doing the right thing, regardless of fan reaction. 

Leave it to chance...

2.5 grams of celluloid....

That is what will determine the future of 14 cities and the fate of many young men as the NBA Draft Lottery take place tonight. However the ping-pong balls of destiny bounce, it will direct how legendary franchises such as the Philadelphia 76ers (who are experts at this by now) and the Los Angeles Lakers have to move forward after very disappointing seasons. For teams such as Utah and Minnesota, tonight will be more about taking that final step towards becoming contenders in the postseason. For some, Christmas will come in May and for others, heartbreak at the realization that they are forced to wallow in the mire.

But should it? No, this isn't a referendum on changing the lottery process. I've never been a believer in the whole "lottery is rigged" campaign. Now, I would propose that to make it even more enticing, show the actual process of picking the balls out of the container on live TV, similar to those lotteries you see on the local evening news. If you are in Los Angeles or Sacramento, wouldn't you be glued to the TV set wondering if you are getting Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram by the bounce of the ball?

That being said, many teams look to the draft as a life preserver for failed decisions of the past and developing a culture of losing. Take the Timberwolves for instance. This is their 12th year in the lottery, and they are just now getting top level talent that can eventually result in playoff appearances. The 76ers have embraced losing like a fine cologne, yet whomever goes to the City of Brotherly Love will find themselves wrapped with 20 year olds who are a boat with no rudder. Acquiring talent is one thing, developing them into winners is another thing all together.

I'm not against tanking, sometimes it takes a scorched earth process in order to eventually grow. However, if you have poor leadership at the top, it won't matter who you select at #1. Shaquille O' Neal didn't leave Orlando because he wanted to do movies in Tinseltown; he left because of weak-kneed management who didn't place the right people in place over the organization. There's a reason Tim Duncan spurned Florida to remain in San Antonio; the culture established by Gregg Popovich encouraged him to stay there.

The point is, too many of the teams vying to turn it around overnight are like the man who never maximizes his 401k, or the fool who parts from his money on fast cars and fast food. Those are the ones you find at the 7-11 scratching off tickets in hopes of making it big in one fell swoop. The people who you find obsessing over Powerball are the same ones who never bothered to be wise stewards of their finances, or never develop their skills to become valuable in the job market.  Ever see that show "The Lottery Ruined My Life?" those people are similar to the teams who got the #1 pick but draft Kwame Brown (sorry Wizards fans).

So to you Lakers fans who think getting Ben Simmons will be the cure-all, just remember that euphoria will disappear when you realize who you have running your culture. A person who trusts in a Lucky 7 or thinks a weekend trip to roll the bones in Vegas is a person who has no lasting foundation, no matter what riches may befall you. Wealth is nothing without the character to maintain it.

Evolution has passed you by...

Believe it or not, there was a time in which the NBA did not have a 3 point shot. It's true, look it up. Prior to the 1979 season, there was no such thing as the 3 point shot. As of 2016, the league has gone completely 3 crazy, to the point where championships are being decided not so much by how talented a player may be (although it still pays to have a superstar) it's whether or not they can shoot the 3 pointer. We're seeing 6'11 guys like Anthony Davis learning how to shoot the trey, and GMs are building teams that are built around the perimeter. 

We've all marveled at the greatness of now 2-time MVP Stephen Curry and his video game like display of offensive wizardry and superhuman marksmanship from beyond the arc (and in some cases half court). As a matter of fact, he has been largely credited for how the league has morphed from the land of the giants to a jump shooting exhibition the likes of which have never been seen on the game's highest level. Teams that cannot shoot the 3 aren't long for success anymore. Centers are virtual dinosaurs, and the days of the Charles Oakley-like enforcers are passe. However, not everyone feels ready to embrace the new-age NBA, as evidenced by former player Tracy McGrady. For those who may not remember how great of a player "T-Mac" was, here's a hint:

Recently, upon being asked of his opinion of Curry winning the award, T-Mac felt the need to have his "Hey you kids, get off my lawn!" sermon on the Mount...

"For him to be the first player to get this unanimously, it just tells you how watered down our league is," he said. "Think about when [Michael Jordan] played, Shaq,  I mean, those guys really played against top-notch competition, more superstars, I think, on more teams than it is in our league today."

Now, he has been joined by the chorus of one Sir Charles Barkley, who has long championed the cause of opposing the league allowing teenagers to be drafted (never realizing that it wasn't until 10 years ago when the league instituted a rule that players had to be one year removed from high school before joining) and thinking that led to the "watering down" of the league. They believe that these players do not possess the all-around skills to become great players by coming out so early. This is ironic considering that McGrady, who never played in college, became a great scorer and we've seen LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant become first-ballot Hall of Famers without ever having to deal with March Madness. 

Even worse, the older generation seems to really have a problem with the evolving 3-point assault on the game. Yes, it has impacted the center position and makes it even more of a necessity to have great perimeter players, but think about this: change is inevitable in all walks of life. The advent of technology has changed our healthcare, education and private sector jobs. It has impacted how we communicate with loved ones and has created a bevy of careers not once thought of even 20 years ago (until 10 years ago, there was no need for a "social media director"). Sports is a microcosm of life, and when change occurs, we have to understand that it is not to destroy the traditions and values that we hold dear, but to show that there are different means to reach the end goal. 

Take one look at our political theater, and you will notice the "Silent Majority" who support Donald Trump still holds on to what they consider traditional mores, not realizing that the rest of the world has advanced into new ideas and new levels of understanding. It's why more moms are pulling their kids out of football with the knowledge of terms like CTE, and why we are no longer allowed to smoke in a metal tube going 30,000 feet in the air. We may laugh at guys like Barkley and McGrady for their views, but ask yourself: are you still living in the past, unwilling to embrace the future?

Face the music...

"Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on..."

Power Station "Some Like it Hot"

That was one of my favorite songs growing up in the 1980s. Granted the song has a more provocative theme to it, but the title was relevant to what we saw a few days ago when the mercurial Dwight Howard was a guest on the Emmy-award winning "Inside the NBA." For those who don't follow basketball, this show is known for its witty banter with the excellence of eloquence in Ernie Johnson being the straight man to Charles Barkley's no-holds-barred approach. Though I don't always agree with Sir Charles (especially with his take on today's NBA) he is to be admired for taking on stances that aren't always popular with mainstream sports media.

Once the Oklahoma City-San Antonio game came to its conclusion, Howard was asked during the post-game program by Barkley about his laissez-faire approach to the game. For those who don't know, the self-proclaimed "Superman" has been criticized for how he left the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and for failing to live up to expectations with the Houston Rockets. Below is a synopsis of Howard's response:

“I think I was very likable in Orlando, and the way that situation ended [with him wanting to leave Orlando], I think people felt as though I’m just this bad guy,” Howard said.

He was also asked if he was disinterested in playing, given his penchant for appearing to quit on his team:

 “Disinterested? I’m always interested in winning,” Howard said. “But sometimes, as a big, you want to feel a part of what’s going on. … Now there’s been times where I’ve been upset and I’ve taken myself out of games and situations, and that’s on me, and I have to grow and be a better player at that.”

Now, many of the pundits took that as a shot at teammate James Harden, who has also shown a devil-may-care attitude as a supposed star player. However, the important takeaway from this is Howard's willingness to own up to some of his past mistakes. He showed a sense of self-awareness, which we don't often see from a lot of star athletes whose receptive to negative press is akin to the throes of a jealous media who doesn't understand the sports world. He demonstrated a level of humility, and that is what people are looking for in their favorite stars; a person who is not above holding themselves accountable. He had to have known when he came on the show that they were going to hold his feet to the fire, and to his credit, he responded well.

How often are we able to take it when someone calls our actions "onto the carpet?" Do we dismiss what is being asked and blame others for our shortcomings, or do we take responsibility and say "You know what? I have had past indiscretions that are of my own doing!" There comes a point in time when everyone has to have their come-to-Jesus moment and realize that if they are not on the path they should be, we can't blame our parents, teachers, coaches, spouses, or the government. When we are called into judgment, we will have to be the ones who give an account for our actions, no one else. Be willing to take the heat, and it will provide you with a better perspective of who you are as a person.

Now, about that mauve suit Howard was wearing...

A rising tide...

A while back I mentioned about the importance of having a strong culture of community, which the Golden State Warriors have displayed in the midst of two-time MVP Stephen Curry's recent injury. Many pundits on television declared that they did not need him to return prematurely in their current second round series against the Portland Trailblazers, and for the most part they may be right. However, for anyone who noticed last night at the Moda Center, the return of the league's most explosive player (notice I didn't say valuable, more on that later) came back at the most opportune time, and when they needed him most.

No, not because they were down quickly to the Blazers 16-2, it was more than that. There was a sense that this Warriors team, which has had to deal with the season long burden of not only trying to defend their championship, but to win the NBA-record 73 wins, was wearing them down both physically and mentally. Even if Curry didn't score a single point (more on that later too) the fact that they saw their leader come back Willis Reed-style (Google please) was the lift they desperately needed. What occurred afterwards was one of the greatest offensive displays we've seen in NBA playoff history as Curry dropped 17 points in overtime as they won to take a 3-1 series lead. It was way more than just a sixth man performance the likes of Detlef Schrempf (Google please) has never seen, it was about how just his presence alone gave his team the boost they had been searching for. Golden State regained their championship swagger, and Curry's jaw-dropping performance simply provided evidence of such. Even Portland's owner Paul Allen was left dumbfounded. 

Many people will point to the fact that despite Curry winning a second straight MVP, that because of the players around him he isn't deserving of the award. I argue that it's because of his play making abilities that it has lifted up the performances of a Draymond Green or Klay Thompson. Some will say "What about LeBron?" While there is not a more dominating presence in the league since Jordan laced them up, James has created a culture of dependency to which everyone (including his hand picked coach) defers to him. He could not get that type of power in Miami, which is why he's trying to "win one for the 'Land." From owner to general manager to the barkeep outside of Quicken Loans Arena, they all rely on him to be their deliverer of the Larry 'O Brien Trophy. Curry, on the other hand, has been largely responsible for being the conductor of a system that breeds confidence from the 12th man on the bench that even they can play a large role in winning a title. That is what Jordan did for the Chicago Bulls, he made guys like Steve Kerr and John Paxson major players during their title runs of the 1990s. So when we talk about valuable, it's not about the individual performance, it's who is the person that has been most influential in raising the performance of everyone around them, even when they aren't there? Again, even if Stephen Curry had not registered a single point, guys like Green, Thompson and Harrison Barnes gained that extra umph needed to push themselves over the hump. 

What is your presence at your job, class, or team? Are you capable of being that person that adds value to whatever task needs to be done, or do you drain the atmosphere?

Foul? No, you're foul!

For the 3-plus decades in which I have watched all levels of basketball, there is always the perpetual question being asked: "What is a foul?" We have seen referees blow whistles on the lightest of touches, to allowing blatant discretions like the one above. We argue, "Why don't they call it by the book?" Understand first and foremost that referees, just like anyone else, are human. They make mistakes, and unlike anyone else, their mistakes are shown before millions around the world on television and online. Sports-talk radio shows banter on for days about what they believed was a missed call.

Again, by the letter of the law, it is a foul. However, the NBA came out yesterday and stated that at least 5 missed calls took place during the end of the San Antonio-Oklahoma City game on Monday night. They are correct as fouls by both teams occurred. While the tune of "well it's too late to do anything about it now" has been the prevailing mantra in the days after, what is refreshing to see is the league doing something that fans have been asking for a long time: keeping referees accountable. Recently during the first round of the playoffs Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson took it a step further:

It will be interesting to see what will happen going forward, or if Commissioner Adam Silver will begin to enforce stiffer penalties. The NFL has a system in which referees who continue to blow missed assignments are not allowed to officiate playoff games, and if the same is done in the NBA, it could see an end to what many people feel is an unfair and selective enforcement of officiating at opportune times.

Remember the outcry in the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings in Game 6? The Lakers had an absurdly amount of free throws awarded to them in the fourth quarter, and appeared to many as if they were allowed to do more than what the Kings were in that instance. Although we forget that Sacramento still had a Game 7 (at home, btw) they could've won, to this day everyone and their mother outside of Staples Center still believes this game was rigged so that the NBA could have the LA market in the Finals.

 

Sure, there are times in which superstars are allowed to travel (Michael Jordan was notorious for getting away with three steps) and maybe can use their elbows more often than the 12th man off the bench, but to think that the league is telling their referees (who are well compensated) to throw a nationally televised game for the sake of ratings borders on the brinks of absurdity. However, after decades of people asking for the referees to be held accountable, the league has listened and are doing so. In life, we all know that mistakes will be made (Romans 3:23) but it's as they always say "The cover-up is worse than the crime." We all want to know that what we are watching and supporting is on the up-and-up, and that the standards of fairness and competency is extended to those officiating the games as much as those who are playing them.

However, I'm still convinced that the "frozen envelope" conspiracy was contrived by the Illuminati...

When culture matters...

It lasted all of 18 minutes...but it may have infinite value...

That's how long last year's and the probable favorite MVP for this year Stephen Curry appeared on the court for yesterday's playoff game against the Rockets. He had arguably his worst game of the season, and left with a sprained left knee, and as of this time he is scheduled to have an MRI, which is never good news.

Of course, the instant Twitter reaction became the land of second guessers:

"They never should've played him"
"The Rockets had no chance to win anyway, why risk it?"
"This is going to end their chances of a repeat!"

We love to live life in the rear view mirror, and hindsight is always 20/20. However, in this case, having him out there was about more than just trying to defeat a slightly lesser team in Houston. As the second half proved, this may have been a window into displaying the character of this team. The Golden State Warriors made an NBA-playoff record 21 3-pointers en route to victory, and the way they rallied around their fallen leader is more about the culture and community that this team has more than anything else.

Life is often defined by how a person deals in crisis, not when everything is clicking well. Golden State has developed a culture of unity that is able to withstand keeping on without Curry. Now although we don't know what will be the extend of his injury, or even if it will end their title run this year, I believe that they will continue to be successful because they focus on the bigger goal and work together to do so? Can you imagine the Cleveland Cavaliers holding on without LeBron James? Just look at what happened to the Oklahoma City Thunder without Kevin Durant last year. They came apart.

Bottom line: A great team is enhanced by their culture, which the San Antonio Spurs have mastered to a T. While "fans" all over are mourning the potential loss of Curry for several weeks, what we must be reminded of is that they have the structure in place to handle such a setback.

The definition of defiance

Relentless...

Driven...

Stubborn...

Powerful...

Beautiful...

Low emotional intelligence...

 

(Shout out to my brother Tony for sharing some of these thoughts...check out his blog at AFreshWord.org)

These are just a few terms that are used to describe Kobe Bean Bryant, both the player and the man. For 20 years he donned the purple and gold of Tinseltown and has graced our television screens and arenas since coming to the NBA in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. He has experienced the highest of heights (5 championships) to the lowest of lows (the 2004 Finals, Colorado, playing with Smush Parker). He is an enigma wrapped up in a mystery; defined as the final bridge to a woebegone era when the player's brand was how many rings he won, and not based on his Twitter followers or mentions on SportsCenter. He was defined by his incessant desire for greatness, to the point where friendships were considered trite and a nuisance in his eyes. However, if there was one term that could best describe the life and career of #24, it would be defiance.

The final days of the Michael Jordan era concurred with His Airness flailing around the Verizon Center trying to carry a young and immature Washington Wizards franchise to greatness (it never happened). What it also did was spawn a litany of copycats like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis who all fell for the Gatorade ad gimmick but lacked the heart or leadership to do what was needed to bring their team to carry the Larry 'O Brien Trophy. Jordan's ultimate pupil also tried to imitate Jordan, right down to the mannerisms and cold-hearted demeanor that alienated teammates.

If Jordan was Emperor Palpatine, Kobe was his Anakin: wooden, confused and ultimate misled into thinking the Dark Side was the way. Kobe believed that there was only one way to win...his. He didn't care that he was called "uncoachable" by Phil Jackson in his book, or care that he was ultimately responsible for killing a potential dynasty with Shaq. Sure, you'll hear the Los Angeles Lakers brass claim that Shaq was getting old and they chose Kobe over him. Ask Dwayne Wade if Shaq was too old when they won it all in Miami in 2006 (with help from the refs but I digress).

Kobe's defiance was never more evident than in 2013 when he tore his ACL towards the end of yet another losing season. He refused to take help from anyone on the bench, sank two free throws, and refused help walking back to the trainer's room, when he knew it was all over. His defiance submarined the Lakers franchise for several years by refusing to help the team financially by draining their salary cap. He wanted to be so much like Lord MJ, that he forgot one simple thing: Jordan's career ended with him busting his chin on the MSG floor trying to teach Rip Hamilton and Kwame Brown how to be winners. Kobe's ended with him taking 50 shots in some self-promoting display and taking advantage of referee manipulation to score 60 points. While the recaps and tweets showered praise upon him as if he was riding on a donkey through Jerusalem, I turned the television to watch the new era of team ball accomplish NBA history in the Golden State Warriors. Jason Whitlock of FS1 said it best (and I'm paraphrasing since this is a family blog): "Last night at the Staples Center Kobe had a public display of self-intimacy and we're calling it the greatest love scene of all time."

Defiance can be a good thing, it can keep an individual focused in the toughest of times; refusing to bend to the will of those who they deem are in the way. When combined with wisdom it can change the course of history, as the end goal is more outward than myopic. Kobe's defiance, while it has been praised by old school heads, should also serve as a reminder that when we take that final lap, we should be able to look back at not just the accomplishments, but the individuals we have impacted along the way.

Now I ask: what was Kobe's impact on the players who adored him, and was his defiance worth the cost?

Follow @JohnReidIV with comments or suggestions.

We're all going to go through it one day...

A few years ago, while Lamar Odom was being interviewed by CBS' Ken Berger, he was asked about how he was able to overcome dealing with such adversity. Here was Odom's response to Berger:

"Jesus went through a lot," he said. "This is easy for me, you know what I'm saying? Basketball?"

"He didn't have your handle," I said.

Odom appreciated the joke, and didn't miss a beat.

"No, he didn't," he said with a smile. "No, he had his hands around the world. But we all go through a lot. We're all going to go through it one day."

Right now he's going through another difficult obstacle, and while no one knows what will happen, one thing is for sure, it's tough to see this happen to someone who has a well-known reputation for being one of the NBA's nicer guys. I've read his background of how he lost his mother at 12 and his son to sudden infant death syndrome, two years to the day after losing his grandmother, who had raised him during his early years. He persevered to become one of the league's best jack-of-all-trades players who was always in demand for his skills. 

This isn't about what took place in Nevada, or to bring condemnation on any of his previous decisions. It's about what he said in the interview. Like it or not, we are all going to have to go through it one day. The question is, what will you do when "it" happens?  The money, the skills, the accolades, none of that will help sustain you as a Christ-centered foundation rooted in God's Word. I don't know if Odom has a personal relationship with Jesus, but my prayer is that in whatever condition he's in, he will come to know Him. 

If there is one lesson to take from Lamar Odom's life, it's that being knocked down is only one part of the equation. The other part is how quickly we get back up. We are all rooting for him to get back up.

#PrayForLamar

Who are our enemies?

The history of sports has been littered with feuds between athletes and the press. Whether it was former New York Met Bobby Bonilla threatening to fight a reporter outside a locker room, or the infamous Jim Rome-Jim Everett "fight" (to this day I still think that was staged) the relationships between the stars who play the sport vs. the ones who cover it to make a living has always had this various shades of grey that escalate to the surface whenever someone feels they have been misquoted, or in the case of ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, called a straight-up liar.

Now, I don't know Mr. Smith personally, but I listen to his show 'First Take' as well as his show on Mad Dog Radio Sirius XM on a daily basis. He has been known to express his statements with a wide range of emotions, whether it's on the performance of athletes or on social issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement. He doesn't shy away from saying what he feels is on his mind. However, I believe that what he said on today's episode of 'First Take' crossed a barrier from which it may be challenging to recover.

By now we've all heard the rhetoric of his report that sources close to Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant mention that at the end of this upcoming NBA season he was "considering" signing as a free agent in Los Angeles as his preferred destination, along with Miami and Washington DC. Durant responded by saying that none of his friends and family spoke to Smith, and closed it by saying he was a liar. Smith, who has had feuds with NBA stars before, most notably Stephon Marbury during his days with the New York Knicks, didn't take too kindly to what was said and responded thusly...

Let's look at this from three points of view: Durant, Smith, and then the proper way to respond. Kevin Durant has profoundly expressed his faith in Jesus Christ for years, and was lauded by many for how he carried himself on and off the court for athletic brilliance as well as being a stand-up guy. Granted, he may have been perturbed at what was mentioned, but to go out and brand Mr. Smith as 'he's lying' is to question the man's credibility, which is the foundation for his career as a journalist. It's one thing to question a statement, but what Durant said went further than that, and in essence went after the integrity of Smith's work. He is engaging himself in a battle with a presence that he just can't win, go back to what happened during All-Star Weekend earlier this year. His expletive-laced rant at the media regarding his former coach Scott Brooks' job status was not the proper way to handle the situation. If we claim Christ as the head of our lives, then our speech should not be coarse to the point where it makes non-believers question us. A simple prepared statement would've prevented this issue from escalating.

Now to Mr. Smith. There is a fine line between professionalism and personal accountability, and making a statement to challenge KD was unprofessional at worst. I know he has also in the past claimed a relationship with Christ as well, and even praised Durant's character on the show, yet he apparently has forgotten what the true term 'enemy' really means. It is described as someone who opposes your lifestyle, and while certain temptations (money, power, success) can be viewed as the opposition, our true enemy is Satan. Smith was wrong in taking this approach, and the Bible tells us to strive to live in brotherly love with one another. Durant isn't his enemy, just a person that sees things from a different point of view.

When two people disagree and claim Christ as the center of their lives, they should look to solve it internally, not through the blogosphere or on national television. It creates unnecessary divisions and worse, affects our witness. I pray that they will come together in private and resolve this manner quickly. Also, we must be careful who we call our enemies. We don't wrestle flesh and blood, and there's nothing more that our true enemy would love nothing more than to let a simple misunderstanding create a lifetime of schisms.

The choices we make....



At approximately 12:01 AM more than 120 players in the NBA will become either free agents or restricted free agents, the second term meaning that their current team can match any deal they are offered. Often this is one of the biggest moments of any offseason in sports because of the fact that even just the arrival of one player can turn a franchise's hopes around, just look at what happened when LeBron James returned to Cleveland (not to mention what happened when he first left). For some guys, it's an opportunity to begin anew, and for others it's a chance to continue something special where they are currently planted.

For those who have the freedom to go wherever they wish, a number of factors always comes into play. Some choose to go because of the amount of money they can receive, for others, it's a chance to finally get over the hump and win a title. Regardless of their choice, their arrival can impact not only the team they join, but the one they left.

We all have those situations in life where we face a difficult choice. It could be a career change, a move to another area, or in some cases, a relationship. You've heard the old saying, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread," that's often because we make choices in life without counting the costs. Do we look at what we are sometimes giving up because the grass looks greener on the other side? If we aren't careful, the end result of making the wrong choice costs more in the long run than we ever wanted to pay.

This is why it's always wise to take time to see the big picture and not the immediate gains when making life choices. Consult the wisdom of those who have ventured before you, and of those who you trust have your best interests at heart. You might find that the best choices are the ones we don't make.

Here's hoping that each of these players have taken the time to count the cost before making a choice that will impact possibly the prime of their lives. Here's also hoping that no one decides to make their decision on a prime time television show.

The price of pride...

This is former Houston Rockets shooting guard Vernon Maxwell, better known in NBA circles as "Mad Max." His career was highlighted by his ability to hit 3 pointers as much as it was for his ability to create sudden and sometimes uncontrollable outbursts, on and off the court. Being transparent for a moment, he was must see TV in the 1990s, because I knew that every time he was on the tube, there was a chance he was going to do something either really exciting or really crazy. It was that unpredictability that kept me glued. My wife and I were watching "Clutch City" on NBA TV, which chronicled the success of the Houston Rockets' championship teams, and it showed yet another characteristic of Maxwell, one that he would eventually live to regret...pride.

Midway through the 1994-1995 season the Rockets were mired in a slump and traded for Hall of Famer Clyde "The Glide" Drexler. As he and star center Hakeem Olajuwon were celebrating their reunion from their Phi Slamma Jamma days, Maxwell was being sent to the bench in favor of Drexler. He began to sulk and pout and it all came to a head in the first round of the 1995 playoffs. After only playing 5 minutes he decided that he had enough, and left the team's locker room saying that he had enough and was going home. The Rockets had no other recourse than to deactivate him for the remainder of the playoffs. While Maxwell was home, the Rockets celebrated their second title in June of that year.

While watching the documentary, he stated that "leaving the team was the dumbest thing I've ever done in my life." He was right. Often in sports we have seen players who were at their wits end and they make the decision to leave the team. What they don't realize is that they are not just leaving their teammates, they're quitting on everyone who believed in them. There's a saying that goes "the lazy disrespects everyone who believes in them." As a basketball coach I often have to encourage the players that they are not just playing for themselves, but for everyone who goes on that court with them.

We have seen the spirit of pride create such a false sense of security in a person that they make choices not in spirit but in flesh, and it tears them away from the fabric of community. It happened to the church at Corinth, it has happened to great men and women leaders of the faith, and it's happened in families. If we allow pride to seep into our abodes, it can quickly establish domain and divide the home. Maxwell allowed his pride to get the best of him, and ended up watching his team obtain the ultimate accomplishment without him.

Every year I tell the team Proverbs 11:2 "Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Pride is something we have to be aware of quickly, for it's as the old saying goes, "Praise is like perfume...okay to smell, deadly to swallow." If we find that we are taking in too much praise of our works, it's time to take a step back, and do what is best for everyone. Although Maxwell eventually made peace with his teammates, his walking out on the team is a reminder of what happens when we put self before others.

Jesus teaches us to be givers, as He was. When you are a giver, you don't have time to take in the spirit of Pride.

Dear NBA Fan...

Every so often I believe that instead of making a statement to the general audience in these blogs, a simple letter will suffice. In this instance, a letter to a particular group of people who sometimes misses the bigger picture, or in today's case, the smaller one. Consider it a modern day "Dear John" composition...

Dear NBA Fan,

I know that after what seemed for like an eternity that the NBA Finals takes place this evening out in Oakland. Over the past several days you have seen non-stop analysis and the breaking down of everything except which ticket ushers sport the best outfits. At this rate if I hear one more story about Riley Curry showing up at the post-game presser...but I digress.

Yes, I understand that you are all excited to see which superstar is going to come out on top. If it's Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors (who I'm picking btw) you all have your memes in queue about how LeBron James came up short yet again. If it's Cleveland I'm sure you are all set to (reluctantly) praise Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert for somehow pulling this all off and ready to label the Warriors as choke artists. Should the Cavs win, I'm sure ESPN will have weeks and weeks of photos showing Cleveland fans finally at peace that their city won a title.

However, I'd like for you to take a look at what will be the major reasons either team has a chance to win the Larry O' Brien trophy. Those reasons are: Festus Ezeli, Shaun Livingston, and Matthew Dellavedova. If these guys don't exactly ring a bell to all of you casual fans, I ask you hearken back to yesteryear to names like John Paxson, Avery Johnson, and Kenny Smith (the last one of TNT and reality show fame). These guys were central figures in helping Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Hakeem Olajuwon in winning championships, yet how often do they get mentioned as playing such a pivotal role?

Yes, we know that it's the stars that get all of the glory and commercial fame when their teams win it all, but for all of you who are going out on your local blacktop and shouting "Curry" every time you jack up a 3 pointer, I wonder how often you think about the role that the lesser known players have in helping these guys accomplish their penultimate goals? I'm a basketball coach, and I've yet to hear one of my players yell out "Shumpert" when making a shot. Yet I tell them after each successful play, make sure you tell that teammate who made the pick for you 'Thanks' or the guy who hustled for the loose ball on the floor while you were running around looking to get open.

Do we ever take the time to think about those who may not have a glamorous role yet play an vital role in the success of the overall operation? Have you thanked that janitor that always makes sure your office is clean, or that overworked and underpaid assistant who stays late to make sure your presentation is successful the next day? I'm reminded of what it says in 1 Corinthians 12:12 "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ."  Each of us has a role to play, and instead of worrying about someone else's role, let us focus on our own, that God may be glorified.

To the NBA fan who thinks it was Jordan alone who won those titles, where would he be without Paxson, Steve Kerr, Trent Tucker, and Bill Wennington among others? A guy who scored a lot of points but had no rings to show for it. Everyone has to play their part in life so that the goal can be reached, and I hope you take a more sincere look at those guys who aren't looking to fill up the scoreboard, but making sure they do their job so that the stars to theirs.

Maybe, just maybe, my fellow NBA fan, one day you go onto the court, hear someone make a pick, and yell out the words "Mozgov!"