Another interview for the books! I spoke to NBA photographer Nat Butler while he was in hotel lockdown at the league’s playoff facility. Nat was generous enough to share some beautiful HD images and had so many good stories. It’s not often you get to have an hour long conversation with a guy who went to Shaq’s college graduation, knows Michael Jordan and has been to Lebron’s house. Nat’s been around so long that he shot the first basketball magazine I ever bought.
The NBA's Global Talent Search: From Africa to Australia
I wrote this article in partnership with the NBA to document their search for the next international champion. Head of global talent Chris Ebersole was kind enough to fill me in on the details. The league has tapped into recruits including Toni Kukoc, Enes Kanter, Marc Gasol and Joel Embiid. It was also interesting to discover who Ebersole’s favourite player is, what they look for in recruits and how committed they are to giving any person an opportunity.
“Sport is a human pursuit. The quest for athletic mastery slices through border, regime and financial status. Whether post-soviet parish or emerging megalopolis; talent should be the only obstacle to ballin’. If you’re good, you’re good; no matter where you live. The NBA understands this. Their vast network trains and discovers hoopers from 100+ countries. With eyes on Africa, Asia and Australia, they want to reach every player, in every corner of the map.
When the talent pool widens, the NBA only gets better. Imagine the court-pummelling contest of a league that fully scours the globe. Bol Bol and Nikola Jokić are just the beginning. There’s a trove of extraordinary swagger and strategy waiting to add horsepower to an already kinetic league.
Far from an imperialistic crusade; the NBA’s offshore activity is people-first. They pour considerable resources into altering lives off-court. Going pro is merely a potential destination on the express-lane to upskilling mentally, emotionally and physically. NBA camps have reached more than 3000 participants, they also build facilities and support impoverished communities.
With a towering occupational title like “Senior Director of International Basketball Operations and Elite Basketball,” Chris Ebersole knows hoops. He commands a squad which consults in every major league and demographic you can think of.
Like asking a cobbler about shoes or a cop about crime, when you speak to the head of the world’s leading basketball network, you have to ask: What makes a player good enough for the NBA?”
Time for some fun: Dennis Rodman's Wrestling career
From reporting on murder trials to selling mosquito repellent, I’ve written copy about almost everything. This time around; I decided to dabble in something humorous. Pieces like this enable me to be as creative as I want, so I had lot fun.
Behold: A dive into Chicago Bulls forward Dennis Rodman’s wrestling career for Homecourt magazine.
“Dennis “The Worm” Rodman. Hair-dye vanguard, party-monster, and U.S diplomat. A true radical. More defence than cybersecurity, more arms than Shiva, Rodman was unrelenting. Rebounding was his lifework. The Worm’s tattooed physique assaulted every pocket of the court. Forever energized, the Bulls forward furiously exercised post-game. Dennis’ double-helix is different. When The Last Dance revisits his WCW appearance, nothing feels impossible. Number 91 is the most vibrant human being named Dennis. Who else skips training for a TV brawl, neck-deep in the run for an NBA championship? Rodman’s side-hustle makes uncanny sense. He already acted, looked and trash-talked like a ringside beefcake. Rodzilla was snatching mics and kicking camera-men before it was part of the gig. It would be stretching the spandex to insinuate his wrestling was masterful; but god it was entertaining.
More Words: An interview with LA Laker Robert Sacre
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.”
E-sports and pro NBA2K gamers, Feature
It’s day 3005 of quarantine. Interstate players are pummelling your outmatched squad. The rival set floated two uncontested jumpers, plucked a steal and posterized your star. Coach benched you for verbally flaying your teammates. The GM is a microsecond from stress-induced hernia. While you scan the animated screen for salvation, fans fiercely lament last year’s defeat. As Esports inch closer to sweat-stained reality, the NBA2K League nears main stage.