I’m the perfect guy for this because as a kid consumed with playing baseball, basketball and football growing up—the Sixers were my team. It started with Wilt then went thru Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Bobby Jones, Caldwell Jones, Dr. J, Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Toney, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson.
I was never a Celtics or Lakers fan growing up. I’m still not. Jack Ramsey was my favorite coach, then it was Billy Cunningham after his Hall of Fame playing days came to an end.
For some reason, as a kid from Oklahoma, I fell in love with the Sixers and stayed in love with them even thru their bleakest days before Sam Hinkie, the OU business grad of all people, became the general manager and started the death march referred to as The Process.
At some point there will be an ESPN 30/30 film made on comparing Russell Westbrook to Allen Iverson. Is the comparison fair? Is this how it will end for Russell Westbrook?
I hope not.
I hope Russell Westbrook is left off Team USA this summer and he spends a great deal of time with his family to slow down and be with his children. If I were him…I wouldn’t touch a basketball for six weeks. I’d get away from basketball and think about what I want not only for my basketball legacy, but my human legacy to be when basketball is over.
I’d call Berry Tramel and have lunch with him at some point. I’d assure Paul George that I can change my game when I come back. I’d call each of my returning teammates and start the process of team building with specific goals for a redemption season next year in Oklahoma City if that is possible.
I’d smell the roses and remind my parents of how much I respect what they did for me.
But what I would not do is go full blown Allen Iverson.