Juneu, Alaska where the winters are moist, long and slightly cold… under that cold Alaskan season Carlos Boozer with his dad can be seen shooting hoops outside his local school. It wasn’t the typical thing to do with your body barely breaking out a single sweat and your focus is unstable with the freezing cold but it was with those practices that made Carlos tougher physically and mentally throughout his basketball career.

Carlos recently signed with the Chicago Bulls for an $80 million 5 year contract and will be bringing his toughness and experience to a young and versatile roster.
In paper the Bulls automatically is a playoff contender team. The Bulls last season fought out to earn the eight spot in the Eastern conference playoffs and lost only two key players in Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller then adding up two Utah Jazz starter in Carlos Boozer and Ronnie Brewer and also adding up a streak shooter in Kyle Korver, Kurt Thomas and CJ Watson.
When Boozer told ESPN about his expectations on his new team, new coach and new environment he simply said “A championship, anything shorter than that we’re setting ourselves up to be shorter than what we can reach. I think [we have] potential to be a championship-level team.”
Championship is still is such a big word to utter especially if you belong in a conference with three big power house teams in Orlando, Boston and Miami and not to mention the defending champions Lakers in the West. It wasn’t biting more than what Boozer can chew but it’s simply setting up goals that no matter how big anything is possible just like the boy years ago shooting hoops on a small town under the Alaskan weather who became one of NBA’s most decorated post player.

Boozer knows it’s a long shot in winning a championship this year. Almost half of the roster is new and with Tom Thibodeau as their new head coach who takes pride on his defensive prowess it would be a totally different team with Derrick Rose orchestrating their offense. Healthy or not it’s still a long and bumpy road ahead.

And beyond those slumps, losing streaks and cold nights will see Boozer shining out, after all that’s what the Bulls signed him for…

His been there long before anybody knew.

It was the first day of September when the days are shorter and the nights are noticeably earlier. Autumn has finally arrived, the end of summer time and a time of mellow fruitfulness.
Canada is the best place to see Autumn the reds and yellows of the sub-alpine larch and aspen trees. The sugar maple reds covered a wide stretch of the country and the smell of ripe fruits as the warmth breeze of the sun touches the gentle chill of fall.

Joel Anthony the Miami Heat’s undersized power forward/center is looking forward to the beautiful promise of Autumn and aside from the FIBA international competition where Canada has not yet won a single game (beaten by Lebanon, France and Lithuania) he is also looking forward in playing alongside Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh as the NBA season is growing near. Miami will always be about the big three and Joel has no qualms about it. This is his opportunity to play along with them and win as much games he could ever imagine. He is the perfect complement to Miami’s fire power a hard nose worker who picks up the garbage and doesn’t need to make his own shots in return.

Joel’s career is slowly falling into place like a jigsaw puzzle slowly finding the right pieces. Aside from being undersized as a center. No one really paid much attention on Joel, having been cut from his college basketball squad in Dawson College and had to work doubly hard in order to get in UNLV where he led his team to a 30-7 record on his senior year. And inspite finishing second in the NCAA in shot blocking he was still undrafted.

You have to marvel on how Joel can defend 7 footers and out-rebounded each one of them. But it doesn’t follow that if you tower everyone you will become a good rebounder it’s still all about speed, timing, effort and establishing a good position towards the ball. And that can only be done by hard work and tons of time practicing repetitive steps in the gym making it effortless in actual game. Joel knows it’s his work ethic that could make a difference. That’s why Miami signed him to a 5 year deal worth $18 million and a chance to win a championship with the big three.

Canada is the best place to see autumn and amidst the yellow and the red covered mountains, towers the 6-foot-9 Anthony, a product of hard work and perseverance after a productive summer comes the fruitfulness of a promise.

Michael Jordan may have remembered the very first pre draft workout Kwame Brown had said to him. Jordan was the Wizards president of basketball operations at that time and Brown wasn’t the Wizards first choice. They were keen on signing Tyson Chandler until Kwame owned him, dismantling the 7 foot high school star Chandler on a one-on-one workout. He went up with confidence to Jordan and said “If you draft me first, I’ll never disappoint you.” And uttered the words “And I will beat you” after turning away.

9 years after Brown was a disappointment throughout his career. He was the biggest bust draft in NBA history a raw project that we never get to see its true potential. Looking back you just have to wonder if the Wizards could have stick to Tyson Chandler or even drafting Pau Gasol in that matter. It was painful to see Kwame missing a lot of shots closed to the basket and those entire misdemeanors outside the court with the rape allegations and interfering with police investigation and all those feuds when he was still in Washington against his coach Eddie Jordan, Gilbert Arenas and other teammates.

Michael Jordan owned the Charlotte Bobcats and once again the infamous decision way back in 2001 had a repeat performance as he signed Kwame Brown to a one year deal for $1.3 million after the Bobcats traded Tyson Chandler to the Mavericks for Eric Dampier (talk about irony). This is the time you ask why then all together you scratched your head… Brown is already 28 years old and if he wants redemption he could have gotten it in the span of his 9 year career. Everybody thought he was a diamond in the rough but it came out he was just an ordinary stone that looks like a diamond.
Michael Jordan knows he would once again be criticized for making the same mistake 9 years ago. But Michael knows what he had seen on that very day when the 19 year old 6-foot-11 Brown was standing on the sideline waiting for his turn. He saw the fire, he saw the competitive nature and he saw a little something of himself.

Nobody seemed to understand Kwame having been through a traumatized childhood when his father would readily beat them and his 8 siblings including his mother. He was always a lost soul that needs guidance and the Charlotte Bobcats presented him a new life, redemption and an inspiration to be better… to renew the fire way back 9 years ago when he played against Chandler for that number one spot. Michael has been on this business for such a long time. He wasn’t a failed NBA executive it was just that all of those players involved failed to live up to expectations but he knows talent when he sees one.
Everybody deserves a second chance and Michael only asks one thing for Kwame… To hold up the end of their bargain and hope this time Brown won’t came out a disappointment.

Playing against team USA would always be special. It would be a time where players get their red pen and encircle their calendar for that special date. This is the time where players share the same stage against the biggest superstars in basketball and Ricky Rubio has been waiting for that chance since the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted him in 2009 as their fifth overall pick. He never got to play a single game in the NBA because of his ongoing contract in DKV Joventut in Europe and Minnesota negotiated a buy-out which was settled to a lesser amount but Ricky decided to stay in Europe trying to hone his skills and be ready when the 2011 NBA season opens.

Spain played against team USA on a tune-up match last Sunday and Ricky displayed maturity beyond his years. He played very good defense, pressuring the backcourt and played with crafty passes including a pass on a driving Felipe Reyes to put Spain on its first lead in the game with 90 seconds remaining. He was always a pass first point guard and even at 19 years of age he was already a veteran playing professional basketball while he was still 14 years old.

He went toe to toe with Derrick Rose and was able to hold his own against him though Rose had the edge of their matchup when he drove to the basket against the out stretch arms of Marc Gasol with the clock winding down. The Americans escape with a precarious one point lead after Kevin Durant block two attempts on the dying seconds in regulation. It was a non bearing game but it delivered a strong message… USA is beatable.

Ricky Rubio already encircled the date they will face the US in the world basketball championship in Turkey. He knows this would be a bigger stage, a bigger lime light that requires a bigger performance. Ricky knows that if the right buttons are push anything can really happen. He was always ready for the big stage and that’s why long before he was drafted he is already NBA ready. He wanted to play but he also wanted to let the hype died down. He knows people are giving him a lot of expectations an extra baggage where it was heavier for an 18 year old rookie to carry. All he needs are just two years to make him more ready. Regardless of the outcome in Turkey, somewhere down Minnesota, along an oversize chair… the 40 something David Khan is smiling.

He was glad Rubio made that decision in extending his stay in Europe and next season he will be reaping the fruits of his labor.

Many have the luxury to be playing in the NBA in spite having less talent and lesser heart. But for those who are vertically challenge but wears a big heart and a talent full of potential but untapped they will have to work harder to get notice. Earl Boykins knows there aren’t many of them that got the chance to play in the NBA. He is just 2 inches taller against Mugsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history who stands only at 5 foot 3 inches.

Earl was an All-Mid-American conference first team honor in his junior and senior year. He held the career record assists in East Michigan University (624) and was second in scoring in the NCAA men’s division I basketball championship but he was never drafted in the NBA. He thought he had done enough to get NBA teams nod but it seems time and time again he had to prove to them that he is worth the risk and he can be a valuable asset rather than a liability on the team. In 2004 Boykins scored 32 points against the eventual champion on that year the Detroit Pistons making him the shortest player to ever score 30 or more points in a single game.

The Washington Wizards signed Earl Boykins in November last year after Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton were facing suspensions for the remainder of the season on a gun incident.
On a game against the Milwaukee Bucks Flip Saunders placed Boykins as a decoy with Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood on the floor. Saunders instinctively knew that if given the chance Boykins will surely deliver. 10.5 seconds left and Earl knows this is the time to shine with Brandon Jennings guarding him tightly and he knows nobody expects him to take a shot or go straight to the basket. It was always been like that for the entirety of his career. He was too little and too risky but Boykins only wants that chance to prove himself and this is one instance he gets everybody’s attention. And redemption came on a pick and roll play when Haywood rolled and the ball stayed on Boykins hands as he pump faked and drew a foul against Jennings with only a second left in regulation. He sank two pressure pack free throws with ease and the Wizards won that game 104-102.

The Milwaukee Bucks recently signed Earl Boykins to a one year contract after losing Luke Ridnour to free agency. The 11 year veteran who played with 11 different teams in the NBA and overseas finally got the respect he wanted. Sometimes it’s not about the size that we look into it’s also all about how big the heart is. At 133 pounds who can bench press twice his size at 315 pounds somehow I’m not all surprise. Earl Boykins carry more than his diminutive size because he carries a bigger heart.

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Demetrius Bell smelled the fresh grass air along the 360×160 feet football field as the wind continues to move around his 300 pound body. He knew he really made the right choice. This was his calling and everytime he thought about it he couldn’t help but felt blessed. This was the right path and he knew what direction he is heading now…

It was in the 2006-2007 season when Demetrius dropped basketball and concentrate on playing football and concentrate on developing his raw skills on a sport that given him more chances even if he didn’t played organize football while he was still in high school. Bell was the son of former Utah Jazz superstar Karl Malone and if you ever wondered why you didn’t hear of a father and son relationship it’s because there was none. Malone impregnated Bell’s mother while she was 13 years old and settled a confidential out-of-court settlement with Bell’s family 4 years later Demetrius was born.

Demetrius wanted to be the best basketball player like his father. He earned a basketball scholarship to Northwestern State but it was his size and built that got notice by the football staff and made an idea that Bell can be a good defensive end. It was always a constant struggle for Demetrius with his father’s attention even though he never talked to his father until he was 18. And Malone shrug Bell off saying it’s too late to have a father and son relationship. “I grew up around good people,” Bell said. “I never turned to a father figure. I was lucky. I didn’t need one. I’m happy. I don’t need anything else.” And everyone can attest how polite and how responsible and proper Demetrius upbringing is.
He wanted out of his father’s shadow and he wanted to make a name for himself and football became Bell’s primary focus. He was named an All-Louisiana and an All-Southland conference first teamer and also an Associated Press All-American. He was eventually drafted by the Buffalo Bills and went on to be the team’s starting left tackle. Demetrius made it to the pro. He made it on his own without tagging his father’s legendary name.

Demetrius was glad he made that realization. He doesn’t hate his father for not being on his life. It was an unconscious effort to be better and to strive on making it all the way to the top. It made him a better man. It got him to where is now…

The wind continuously to freely flow on Demetrius body as he continues to walk the football field, the path was right there all along and the direction was just straight ahead along the end line… along the goal of life.

“Other people may be there to help us, teach us, guide us along our path, but the lesson to be learned is always ours.”

Dennis Johnson just recently went through his usual Austin Toro’s basketball practice and was all smiles as he was greeted by Perri Travillion on the sidewalk at the Austin Convention center. He was all smiles as he jokes around about getting a parking ticket when Dennis collapses and never regained consciousness. It was the last time people saw Dennis and it was his last conversation as he gave a hearty laugh before his untimely death.

DJ loves to talk about basketball. It was basically everything to him after a series of setbacks and frustrations throughout his career. He feels he has achieved enough to be part of being one of the best point guards in NBA history. Underrated is an understatement for him. Ever since he played the game he was always greeted with discouragements he was undersized and he doesn’t have much talent to compete with his peers at 5’9” but it was a constant change for DJ. He worked on his game and developed his defense that after growing 6 inches taller he was averaging 16 points and 3.3 assists per game in college. He went into the NBA draft in 1976 but no team wanted his services it took him deep into the second round as pick 29 as the Seattle Supersonics drafted him. He won an NBA championship 3 years after and was named finals MVP as he scored 32 points in a game 4 overtime victory.
But in spite of it all DJ got traded to the Phoenix Suns the year after and after DJ’s deteriorating skills and continues clash with his coach he was again traded 3 years after to Boston.

“I hate to lose,” DJ said. “I accept it when it comes, but I still hate it. That’s the way I am.”
Nobody ever paid any attention to him while he was still learning the art of basketball. It took him to the second round before he got drafted and even winning championships and all the accolades he was still an underrated player and that what makes him successful.

“My reputation is as a defender, … But I tell people there were times that I averaged 19 points, 18.5 points. If you watched me play, or watched the guys I played with, nobody ever did one thing. That’s what made us successful.”

When Larry Bird made that famous steal with 6 seconds left against the Detroit Pistons it was DJ that cut to the basket and converted the layup. It was always his cerebral plays and defensive prowess that gave Boston two NBA championships.
It was always his all time favorite play and each time DJ thinks of it he will always end up smiling…

“I’ve said this many, many times: I don’t need to be validated, not in basketball, … I’ve won three championships. I was on the all-defensive team (nine times).”

But DJ finally gets his validation his long overdue award as he was inducted last August 13 to the basketball hall of fame… 3 years after his death the most underrated player of all time finally got his due recognition. Heaven must be like this…

1992 Barcelona Spain Olympics, Michael Jordan had a breakaway play unopposed as he ran ahead of everybody. Following him intently was Scottie Pippen. Everybody anticipated a highlight reel when suddenly Jordan in a split second stop and throw the ball to the side of the board as Scottie caught the ball in mid-air with a monstrous slam. MJ shared the limelight… and for some it was just an assist but for Scottie it was a sign of respect and acceptance.

Life isn’t a bed of roses for Scottie, when others got recruitments from different universities he was only a walk-in at the University of Central Arkansas and work as a team manager and a summer job as a wielder to support his education. Scottie work hard on the NBA pre draft camp in 1987 that it created a buzz among the teams around that Jerry Krause had to make a deal for Olden Polynice to get Pippen’s services. There were no shortcuts, you have to work everything out and maybe that’s the reason why Pippen became who he is.
6 NBA championships, 7 All-star appearances and 10 time all-defensive team, Scottie has finally made it to the top of basketball mount Olympus as he will be inducted in the basketball hall of fame the highest honor any player could achieve. Phil Jackson calls him “the one man wrecking crew” defending almost all positions from one to five with his long stride and lengthy arms. He made 200 steals and 100 blocks on one season one of the three NBA players that made that feat. He was the perfect teammate and the perfect sidekick to Michael. He filled in those gaps that needed to be filled. He shoots, passes, defends and dives for loose balls and when Michael retired and played baseball Scottie led his team all the way to 55 wins. He came out of Michael’s shadow with hardwork and perseverance.

Pippen can’t think of any other person who could present him into the Basketball hall of fame. It was Horace Grant that became one of his closest friends after being drafted on the same year together but it was Michael Jordan that gave him his toughest challenge. Michael was already a star when he was a rookie and it made him work doubly hard to get his acceptance to get his respect. It was 18 years ago when Michael shared the limelight with him and now Scottie would like to return that favor. Once again the two greatest duo of all time shared the stage for one last time.

The 22 year old Eddy Curry was hospitalized and suffered an irregular heartbeat after leading his team to the playoffs. Even though he was cleared to play by the Chicago Bulls heart specialist the management required him to pass a DNA test to know if he doesn’t have a congenital heart condition. He refused to pass any DNA test and so the Bulls look for a possible trade. Nobody wanted to do anything with an overrated Center who maybe a walking time bomb in the court. No one in their right mind that would even entertain that thought. But not Isiah Thomas the newly hired New York Knicks president of basketball operations. He went for the bait as Isiah traded Mike Sweetney, Tim Thomas and Jermaine Jackson for Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis including 2 future lottery picks in the talent laden 2005 NBA draft. They could have gotten a Deron Williams or Chris Paul but fortunately they got David Lee as consolation prize drafting Lee as the 30th pick in the first round.

Isiah preached about leaving a championship legacy but nobody believes him. Not after a 33-49 (06-07 season) and 23-59 (07-08 season) record and losing thrice in the first round after taking the coaching job vacated by Larry Brown. He put the Knicks salary cap down to the limit after signing sub par players Jerome James and Jarred Jeffries to the full mid-level exception contracts with James as the worst free agent signing in NBA history. James played only two games for a total of five minutes in the 2007-08 season while earning him a salary of $5.8 million that year just only 20 percent of his total $30 million five year deal.
Isiah allegedly instigated the brawl between the Denver Nuggets by ordering his players to commit hard fouls that happened in 2006. Started with Mardy Collins giving Jr Smith a flagrant foul in the closing seconds of the game suspending Carmelo Anthony, Jr Smith, Nate Robinson, Mardy Collins, Nene and guess who? Jarred Jeffries and Jerome James. At least James showed balls considering the Knicks paid him $30 million for doing nothing.
Those years were one of the darkest years in Knicks history as the fans had enough heartache and promises demanding Isiah’s reign to stop, ending his term tied with the franchise record of 59 losses with the only remnant in the Knicks roster is Eddy Curry with an $11 million salary this year.

Amidst all the losing games and failed expectations Isiah Thomas will be returning to the Knicks this year hiring him as a team consultant assisting the team’s management and player recruitment. The Knicks for such a long time now has been considered a contender this coming season with key signing of Amare Stoudamire, Raymond Felton, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf and Anthony Randolph. Isiah was a good help in signing Amare and infairness to him he was good on finding talents while he was in Toronto drafting Tracy Mcgrady, Marcus Camby and Damon Stoudemire who became the rookie of the year. But those are just chump change compared to his overspending contracts, all those losing games, sexual harassment lawsuits and overdosed sleeping pills. The Knicks have already moved-on on that era and now they are signing him back like a battered wife who couldn’t seem to get over on his abusive husband.
Let’s just hope we’ve seen the last of Jerome James and Eddy Curry like contracts. It’s times like these that we miss the Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason era. Like they say good things never last.