At a Loss

"I reminisce for a spell..."

CL Smooth - T.R.O.Y.

Last week there were faint reports that a former NBA player was missing, as it was first pointed out to me by Michael Tillery of The Starting Five.

Sadness

Lorenzen Wright was found dead outside of Memphis, TN, 10 days after he was reported missing. When I heard the news I had to sit and reflect for a minute as my mind was racing with numerous thoughts. As a collegian I joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and one of the things that always delighted me was that there were several NBA players that were also members, and we have all become friends. During my internship with the New York Knicks, Allan Houston would always look out for me, and when I met Oscar Robertson during an All-Star game I was humbled at how he embraced me as a brother.

Ren as he was known was no different, always looking to catch up before and after games...sometimes we spoke about basketball, other times we spoke at length about our college days and life.

The news did not specify what happened to Wright, however I always knew him to be a standup guy, that took full advantage of his basketball skill set...making a great career from the game he loved.

The Return

"Good luck couldn't be bought see...plenty of fights had to be fought..."

Big Boi - Return of the "G"

Friday night was a homecoming for a few people in New York City, including me...

Return of the Boom Bap

As you can see from the photo above I was just a face in a crowd, however there is more than meets the eye. Allow me to break it down...

Last February, Kobe scored a Madison Square Garden individual record 61-points...therefore there was a buzz in the crisp cold Gotham city air...it was labeled as must see TV. I always cover the Lakers whenever they play in my neck of the woods, so I headed north to my other hometown.

Bryant has a few nagging injuries, most importantly a broken index finger on his dominant hand, so I had a hunch that he wouldn't out do his performance from a season ago...nevertheless I hadn't seen him since the Finals in June so I was made the trek up I-95.

I interned with the New York Knickerbockers once upon a time, and if being in NYC isn't enough to bring back childhood memories, then my arrival at the World's Most Famous Arena surely reminded me that if you can make it there...you can make it anywhere.

I sat court side and talked about the last 10 years with Allan Houston, then I played catch up with a few people within the Knicks organization, and last but not least I entered the locker room, where I was greeted by Lamar Odom (Queens native)...after our brief moment, I glanced at the throng of reporters around Ron Artest also from Queens, and I thought a few things over. The first thing I did was think how small the visitor's locker room is at MSG...I like it, because its dripping with nostalgia. It's as Kobe once described..."this [MSG] is the last one...the one that holds all the memories..."

After figuring it would be best to catch the rest of the team on the court...I decided to join the other 2-dozen writers in the hallway to speak with Phil Jackson.

This was a welcome home trip for Jackson also, as he won 2 championships with the storied franchise. It was really good to hear the love he had for his old team and teammates. Phil has put his heart into the game, and for that he was been rewarded with 10 titles, and a wealth of stories the world over.

The game was competitive until the Lake Show decided to put it away with a scoring serge from Bryant in the 3rd quarter, as they cruised to a 115-105 victory. Kobe finished with 27-points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal.

What a difference a year makes...yet for everyone in purple and gold the only thing that mattered was the win.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Top Shottas

3rd times a charm

H20

"You want all my love, and devotion..."

Beyonce - One Night Only

The 2009 NBA Draft Lottery was held tonight in Seacaucus, NJ...determining where Blake Griffin will play for the next 4-years.

Sweepstakes

It was really good to see Allan Houston representing the New York Knicks organization during the lottery selection, however he was unable to land his team the number one pick. Andy Roeser, President of the Los Angeles Clippers walked away with the win, and hopefully a corner stone that will restore their franchise to the recent success they had a few years ago. The Clippers have now won the top spot 3 times...the other 2 in '88 with Danny Manning, and again in '98 with Michael Olowokandi.

The 2009 Lottery will go in the following order:

1.  Los Angeles Clippers

2.  Memphis Grizzlies

3.  Oklahoma City Thunder

4.  Sacramento Kings

5.  Washington Wizards

6.  Minnesota Timberwolves

7.  Golden State Warriors

8.  New York Knicks

9.  Toronto Raptors

10.  Milwaukee Bucks

11.  New Jersey Nets

12.  Charlotte Bobcats

13. Indiana Pacers

14.  Phoenix Suns

The 2009 NBA Draft is June 25.

Photos: Jennifer Pottheiser/Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The OC - Original Celtic

Success

Class

Style

"I know it's late and I took all year, but you can stop complaining, 'cause I'm finally here..."

Kanye West - We Can Make It Better

I was born a Philadelphia 76ers fan, and throughout their history, they have had a few rivalries, but none of them rank higher than the Boston Celtics.

Dynasty

I was never supposed to like the Celtics, as they were once the most hated franchise in the NBA, because of their many championships, and hall of fame players...so as a child in the late 80's and early 90's I rooted for Dr. J, and Charles Barkley. However I did respect the C's because if not for anything else, they were winners, and in any game...that's all that matters.

Prior to June 2008, Boston's last successful title run was in 1986, and since then I've grown to cheer for both the Sixers and Lakers, as if that's possible, and a few players here and there. From Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Eddie Jones, to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Stephon Marbury, I was a big fan of their game. Things change and while half of that list are no longer playing, the other 3 are members of the Boston Celtics.

So hopefully by now you can see the problem. I liked KG and Steph with the Timberwolves, and Ray Allen has been a favorite since the movie He Got Game, but as they continue their career in Beantown, I had to turn my back on them. It's not that I don't like them as people, I just don't like the Celtics. The only person I have respect for on that team is Paul Pierce. He was drafted by that squad, and it is his team. One of the things that bothers me about the C's and their "BIG 3" is when one of them talks about the fact that there are 3 future hall of fame players in the locker room, it bothers me.

Did I miss something? Or is the Hall a lock for all of them? I can see KG and I feel strongly about him making it, but hmmm...let's consider Pierce, and Allen...I'm just not sure they are going to get in.

Nevertheless, I still dislike the Celtics, and I see a new Eastern Conference rivalry on the horizon, as I am looking forward to watching them and the Cavilers in the playoffs. Tomorrow we will get a preview as LeBron and The OC (I made that nickname, so if you see it anywhere else, it started here), match up in a game that can decide first place in the east, come April.

The only thing I can comprehend about the C's is that they actively sought out players that could bring the Larry O'Brien trophy back to New England, and in that capacity, they are kind of like the New York Yankees, which isn't such a bad team to be compared to.

Photos: Boston Herald

By Any Means Necessary...

Honor Strength Class Allan Houston and AG. in South Philly

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD..."

2 Timothy 2:15

Basketball is my favorite sport to play. Whereas baseball is the game that I prefer to watch on television...however if I had to pick one sport, then it would have to be basketball. Sports are such a metaphor for life and nothing speaks to my lifetime like basketball...the holy game.

GOD’S SON

During my junior year at Temple University, the Office of Student Activities had a trip to Madison Square Garden for a NBA preseason game. It was a day of shopping and exploring in New York City, with the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks in the nightcap.

I love the NBA. It’s the epitome of the game I love, so instead of being satisfied with my super affordable $10 ticket which included travel and admission to the game, I wanted more...I wanted a job with the New York Knicks.

I’ve never been complacent, I have always looked for opportunities that I could succeed and excel in. That said, I began studying the Knicks, and their organization. Upon further review I found a contact and I began to ask her questions about her job. She was both friendly and helpful, as it had never dawned on me that a position with an actual NBA team was something that was not only attainable, but it was also within my reach.

She and I agreed to meet upon my arrival to the game, so while my friends walked in and looked around for girls, hot dogs, and sodas, I was looking for the media press entrance on 33rd and 8th Avenue. I walked in, and I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because I was immediately greeted with “Hi, you must be Anthony. I’m Jeannette.”

That game, and that meeting with Jeannette, was the building block for my career in professional basketball. With her help, and my focus and desire, I enjoyed an internship with the New York Knicks and New York Liberty the following semester, beginning in May 2000, ending in September of the same year. What I learned, and who I met in that time, has shaped, and molded me into the journalist that I am today. The saying in New York City is, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, and I am proof of how true that really is.

Working for the Knickerbockers was a dream come true, as I have long been a fan of Allan Houston. Aside from his text-book jump shot, GQ fashion look and style off the court, he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. I too am a member, so in this capacity he has become a brother, role model, and example of what a family man could and should be. When I started working, the team was in the midst of the NBA Playoffs, so not only is it an exciting time, here I was front and center for every home game. In the ensuing weeks, Allan Houston and I became friends, and while I patterned my game after his, and became extremely flattered anytime the girls would say that I looked like him, I always tried to fight my sheer emotions of joy whenever I was around him, because I didn’t want to look like a groupie or the like. I don’t think he would care, because he is a very genuine person, but where I’m from, that’s not cool, and would be considered bad behavior.

Over the summer I had heard that Houston was going to come out of retirement and give the NBA another go. Once I heard that, I’ve looked forward to last Friday’s pre season game, pitting the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks...I guess some things never change.

One of my good friends and fraternity brothers, Jeff Young covered the game with me. He too is a fan of Allan Houston, so it was only right that I introduced him. Coincidentally, Chris Broussard from ESPN, was there too, as he is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. It really is a small world, and in this case...membership has great privileges.

Jeff and I ventured into the visitor’s locker room. After the introductions and secret handshake, I asked Allan a few questions, while trying to remain as cool, calm, and collected as possible. I don’t know why, but he is one of 2 people that I’m always excited to see, and interview...anyone else, its just business, never personal.

Here is the score on our conversation:

Will you be with the organization in one way on the court, or in the front office in another?
“I mean, I really haven’t gotten to that point yet. Eventually when I finish playing, I think that is something I would love to think about or consider, but I’ve worked so hard to be on the court, so I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I think yeah, eventually down the line.”

Where did you play to get ready for the season?
“I played at [Nike] Pro City...a little bit of everywhere this summer, but it’s been a rough process, but it taught me a lot of patience, a lot of trust. Sometimes you want something bad enough and you think you are walking the way of where God wants you to be...you just gotta keep going. You can’t doubt it, you have to keep going, that’s all I’ve done, and I’m just looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen.”

Was it a matter of coming back to New York...could you have gone somewhere else?
“The reality is, I don’t even know? The way the conversation with Donnie Walsh and the organization went...it just made sense. You stay here, be home with family, and remain with the Knicks organization, that I’ve been identified with and it’s been so good to me...and it’s New York. I look at it like, the economy is going to turn around, so why not jump in when it’s on its on the way up? It’s the same thing with this organization; hopefully I can be here when it starts to climb back up. Everybody is excited about the direction.”

Talk about your time on ESPN as an analyst:
“It was a good experience for me. I learned a lot about the other side of the game in terms of analyzing and the presentation of the game. It was hard because I always looked at it from a player’s eye, and I think that’s what people wanted and respected, but it was hard for me to be really critical, because I’m still looking at it from a player’s perspective, I was still seeing myself as a player out there, which worked in some ways and some ways it might not have. All in all it was a great experience. I liked it, but I wasn’t sure if it was a long term passionate goal for me. Because when I do something, I go all out and I commit to it, and I was thinking if I could do this in 5 to10 years...and I couldn’t give myself a definitive yes to that. Sometimes you just know that your heart is in the locker room with the players, and being able to play, be around the game, whether it’s coaching or some other way, and that’s the way I felt.”

Tell me about you changing your number from 20 to 14 and how that speaks to the relationship with your father:
[Pauses] "Man, that’s a very good question, I’m glad you asked me that. My dad, our relationship has so many dynamics to it. He was my coach in college, I admired him as a role model growing up, I just looked up to him, and I wanted to be just like him. I saw how people respected him, how he treated people, how he worked, but the biggest thing the reason it means a lot to me is because of who he is as a man. As a person of character and integrity and that’s the one thing I’ve tried to carry in the legacy that he left me. As I look at the stage of career that I’m in now, it’s about legacy, it’s about what is it that I can pass on? Whatever he gave to me, that’s what I want to pass on. Whether it’s here or off the court, or my son, so to me it’s about legacy. So even on my website, www.allanhouston.com we talk about a father-son basketball retreat for a week. We talk about that importance of a man’s role in his house and we use basketball and sports to do it. So it was just really fitting, everything works together for the right time at the right reason and me being able to wear that number kind of capped it all off, everything that we had already been doing.”