I remember asking assistant coach Mo Cheeks, what’s harder to do? Workout after practice or before?? I only asked cuz by time I would get to the gym, Russ was already done in the morning and I usually got mine in after practice. Mo like, “coming in before practice is probably harder”…since then, it’s been my routine….a lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom. It was inspiring as his teammate and everywhere I went, I seen it inspire people from all walks of life, crazy thing is, he didn’t say much, he just showed up. For 18 years. This basketball life is sacred to us as professionals, what we put into that court means everything. Some of us wish we could go back and do things with a little more intent and some can just wipe their hands and be satisfied with the time spent. Who u gonna be? We know what zero was on…keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ. I don’t care what happens, can’t erase what it was…The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!! …to the whole Westbrook family, Nina, the kids, mama Westbrook, big Russ, Ray, Donnell, everybody from luezinger high and ucla and many more that I’m forgettin, much love and Congratulations on a iconic career.
Giannis says he showed up EARLY to work out with Kobe, and the Black Mamba made him pay for it
“Working out with Kobe, I showed up before him. I love that I did it, but it was a mistake”
“Kobe came and said, ‘What are we gonna do?’ I said, ‘Whatever you tell me to do.’ He said, ‘Go right, make 25.’ I usually make four or five. I said, ‘Yeah… make 25.’ I made 25. ‘Okay, go left, 25.’ Then, ‘Go right, two dribbles’”
“We worked out for two hours, intense, and I’m thinking, I shouldn’t have shot before this, I’m tired, I wanted to show him my best version”
“But here’s what players won’t do today: they won’t be vulnerable. They won’t show weakness, or show appreciation to somebody better. If you always think you’re the best, you can never learn”
“I had my notebook, I asked a lot of questions, he answered every single one, and never made me feel like we were running out of time. It was one of the best experience in my career”
University of Houston coach Kelvin Sampson remembers how fearful NBA front offices acted when it came to Jamal Shead in the draft. ESPN Big 12 guru Fran Fraschilla tried to tell everyone he knew in the league what they were missing.
Now Shead, coming off an 18 point, 7 assist, two steal playoff game, is a huge reason why the Toronto Raptors have pushed the favored Cavs to a Game 6 tonight.
"There's nothing that boy does that surprises me," Sampson says. "I just remember how fearful a lot of the teams were that were calling. Scared money don't make money, brother.
"If you knew him like I knew him, you wouldn't be sitting there asking questions. But the questions you're asking me, you're trying to talk yourself into him. And I'm not going to do that."
Instead Sampson wanted Shead to go to an NBA team where he'd be valued.
Josh Richardson on Erik Spoelstra making him shoot 100 3s in practice:
“I came in the league — I could not shoot, I was straight athlete/defender. I go in the gym on an off day and there’s literally no one in there…so I’m shooting 3s…I look over and I see Spo walk in…he’s like ‘here keep going, get in the corner 100 3s’ and I’m like ‘damn coach I was already done’…I make 60/100 which is awful wide open…Spo’s like ‘do it again, you gotta make 70 before you get out of here’…I’m like ‘coach I’m finna pass out’…I was 69/99 and clanked the last one…I’m saying every world you can think of…I finally made 70 and Spo’s like ‘this is how you gotta approach it…’
(via @theOGsShow)
Crushing and embarrassing loss after an incredibly fun season.
McDaniels called a terrible game, but also hard to overcome a personnel group that was unable to block and create separation. Even though it’s nearly impossible to play QB in those conditions, Drake objectively played bad. Everything was awful across the board. Very similar game to last year’s Super Bowl. Mike Macdonald deserves as much credit as you can possibly give someone. He called one of the best defensive games I’ve seen with my own two eyes. He’s unbelievable.
The Patriots defense played really well too, but ultimately Klint Kubiak was the much better play-caller tonight. He found a way to provide answers despite the pressure.
It’s crushing as a fan, but Seattle is an incredible team and deserved to win the Super Bowl today. I was dead wrong on this one. Pretty awesome that a 4-13 team was able to even get to a Super Bowl, but it still stings badly in this fashion. What a ride this season was.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident, reports Marca.
Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones.
May his soul rest in peace. 🤍🕊️