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.
RIP to the one of a kind Don Nelson, a coaching maestro whose innovations from the point forward (Paul Pressey), to Run-TMC, to small ball fives, to 7-6 Manute Bol shooting 3s, made his teams fun to watch and cover - decades after his outstanding playing days w/the Celtics.
An absolute giant.
And a basketball life that seemed to touch every player and coach who’s impacted the league for generations.
Including a Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals Game 7 shot that seemed to touch the sky before falling into history.
RIP, Nellie.
As Muslims in New York City and around the world mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, Muharram calls us to reflect on the values of justice, compassion, and moral courage that guide us in our lives and our communities.
As we welcome this new year, may it renew our commitment to one another and to the work of building a city where every New Yorker can live with dignity and opportunity.
Lupe Fiasco celebrates 20 years of Food & Liquor in Chicago with back to back sold out shows…
Lupe’s Mom reveals she did not want him cursing in his music like his two favorite rappers: Too Short & Spice 1