I’ve been pretty productive with the ol’ writing this month, and fingers crossed that may continue. I love this stuff.
Like everyone, I’m always intrigued by the underdog as well as those who have shaped their own untraditional career path. For this reason; I decided to focus on the professional benchwarmer for my latest basketball article. Those who play among the elite, but with none of the glory, fan love or respect. The worst of the best, if you will.
My choice had to be Robert Sacre. He became a fan favourite during his tenure with the Lakers and was permanently seen with a smile etched on his face. Sacre was a true rarity, where others may have become bitter, he remained good-humoured and stumbled upon his own kind of gratitude.
As a bonus, he was a cool guy on the phone with none of the usual ego which often comes when interviewing athletes, celebrities etc.
Former Laker Robert Sacre knows the struggle. Despite audience “MVP” chants at the free-throw line, Sacre was never an NBA Champion. There was no parade when he quit, no bronze statue cast, no jersey retired. Robert had limited minutes, never averaged over six points and was in the starting line-up just once during his final year.
Surprisingly, Bobby’s grateful for his good fortune. Think about it. Being an NBA bench-sitter is still the best job in the world. A million dollars to train with the basketball pantheon? Sign me up. During four seasons, Robert even developed a “cool relationship” with Kobe (RIP.) He’s a lucky guy. It didn’t come easy though.
Despite a lifetime of training, the lofty center barely skirted through. He was chosen 60th in the 2012 draft. You’d think a national star plus the son of an NFL player and a college basketballer, would be a shoo-in. But Sacre’s cognizant of how rare it is to ball with the greats.
“Man, I’m blessed,” he stresses. “You’ve gotta have that mindset, no matter what. I learned a lot going in the NBA, even though I wasn’t always playing, just talking with hall-of-famers.”