Emergency

Distress

"Would you give up...or try again..."

Aaliyah - Try Again

When people have trouble in their lives it usually isn't a big deal unless it hits close to home. However when negative things happen to professional athletes and celebrities, everyone usually pays close attention, and more often than not...they cast some type of judgement.

Walk a mile in his shoes

Michael Beasley checked into a Houston rehab hospital this weekend for unspecified reasons. His twitter page had an ominous post on Friday...but before I try to make sense of this, I'd just like to say that money isn't everything. When I was a kid, I used to day dream about being rich and not having any problems in the world...nowadays I realize that finances are necessary, but they do not make me who I am, nor do they bring happiness.

I think Beasley, as talented as he is, and as financially stable he may be, it's his psyche and overall well being that matters most. When I interviewed him during the season last year, I walked away with a feeling that he may be overwhelmed with the rigors of playing in the NBA.

What have you learned thus far being a rookie in this league?

"The league ain't no joke! I can tell you that...I mean, in high school and college you have your star players, and then you have players that shouldn't necessarily be on the court. Not in the NBA...you have your star players, and players that you think shouldn't be on the court, until you guard them man...and they are just as good as the star player you know? The league ain't no joke, you have to bring it everyday! I'm learning a lot about myself...on the defensive side, on the offensive side, but it's more so off the court."

I want people to understand that athletes are people too, so instead of pointing a finger to Beasley, perhaps we should make sure we have everything in order, and not throw stones from our glass houses.

Exit Wounds

Future

Hoop Dreams

"And if at first you don't succeed...you can dust it off and try again..."

Aaliyah - Try Again

Last Thursday the 76ers were unable to get a win against the visiting Magic in Game 6 of their first round playoff series...therefore they are home a little early after an interesting season.

Next Year

I attended the exit interviews at the practice facility, and I spoke to several players...however it was the words of team leaders Andre Iguodala, and Elton Brand that I wanted to hear the most. Below are the quotes from each player, as they addressed the media for the last time this season:

Why did the team struggle at the end, is it based on coaching? AI: "I think at times we have mental lapses...that comes from us as well. Myself, being leader of the team...guys have to be ready, especially this time of the season being in the playoffs, you should never have a mental lapse during the playoffs. This is a key moment...you shouldn't be thinking about anything else but the game."

What are the major differences between last year and this year, and what are you going to personally do in the offseason? AI: "Well last year was negotiating and dealing with that, and that clears up a lot of free time...clears up a lot of thinking in your mind, so it's a lot different. My mind is just clear...thinking about ball, and how to become a better player, and how to step it up in order for us to get to the next level."

What do you want to add to your game...anything? AI: "I don't think I've gotten where I want to be with my confidence yet. You know I think with the playoffs...it was getting close to there, but I will continue to shoot the ball, and become a more dominant post player, and just growing as a person and player."

How is your injury coming along? Brand: "The rehab is coming along well...the shoulder is stronger...I've been on the court, and it's much better."

What do you think happened in the last game? Brand: "I was hoping we'd come out with a lot of fire, and energy...and we certainly didn't do that, and we kind of played down without Dwight [Howard], I think we played down to the competition a little bit, but I'm disappointed...and I understand the fans disappointment...the team's disappointment, and I'm disappointed right along with everybody so I'm just going to make myself work a lot harder."

What did you see by sitting out for most of the season? Brand: "Now I really have a great idea of what Andre Iguodala can do...of what Andre Miller can do, what Thaddeus [Young] can do. You know being on the west coast, I haven't seen those guys play that much, but being there every game...I can really see where I can fit in now...definitely, so I learned a lot, but I wish I could have been out there to contribute, but I learned a lot."

Outside of your shoulder injury, what will you do as a veteran player this offseason? Brand: "I just want to talk to the guys and spend time with the guys. You know they kept me in the loop, and they didn't have to, because I remember when I played with Kerry Kittles...he was a vet...and he came to my team with the Clippers, and he was supposed to be the outside shooting threat, and he played 10 games the whole season...and we barely talked to the guy. We were so upset that he got hurt, and we felt like he let us down but now I'm older I understand...injuries do happen and these guys kept me in the loop and kept me on their side."

Photos: Webster Riddick

The Future

The Present

Determination

Prodigy

"What would you do, to get to me...what would you say, to have your way...would you give up...or try again..."

Aaliyah - Try Again

The NBA announced the reserves for the All-Star game yesterday during the game on TNT, and while I was surprised at some of the selections, I also know that there is nothing I can do about it, except write a story.

Winner's Circle

The pictures above tell two different stories...the first is the obvious with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as they have become mainstays in the annual game, while the other pictures depict two players that I feel should have made their respective teams, but the day is approaching when Andre Iguodala and Al Thornton will play in several of these mid seasonal matches.

Call me biased, but both of these players should no longer be labeled as up and coming, or players on the rise, as they have both become complete players within the NBA. Offensively, and defensively you have to account for them, as they are game changers, while playing and maintaining a high level on defense. Only the good players can do that, so don't be surprised when this comes to fruition.

Their numbers are very solid, with Thornton averaging 17.2 points per game, 5.30 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while Iguodala brings 17.7 points, 6.20 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per night. Granted, these are my thoughts, but I know a little something about basketball...and I'm very proud of Jameer Nelson, because he has proven his worth to the Orlando Magic, and he's from Chester, Pennsylvania...I can't stand the university he attended, but that's only because I went to Temple...and that's another story.

Is there anyone that you feel should have made the reserve team? Ray Allen, or Carmelo Anthony possibly...I'd like to hear your opinion. In the meantime, the list of reserves are as follows:

NBA All-Star Eastern Conference Reserves:

G - Devin Harris - New Jersey Nets

G - Joe Johnson - Atlanta Hawks

G - Jameer Nelson - Orlando Magic

F - Danny Granger - Indiana Pacers

F - Rashard Lewis - Orlando Magic

F - Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics

C - Chris Bosh - Toronto Raptors

NBA All-Star Western Conference Reserves:

G - Chauncey Billups - Denver Nuggets

G - Tony Parker - San Antonio Spurs

G - Brandon Roy - Portland Trail Blazers

F - Pau Gasol - Los Angeles Lakers

F - Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks

F - David West - New Orleans Hornets

C - Shaquille O’Neal - Phoenix Suns

Photos:  Webster Riddick - Iguodala and Thornton

Getty Images - Bryant and James