He doesn't understand but I do

Allow me the privilege to first state my position, I've been a fan of Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar) since his days at Power Memorial High School in NYC. I wanted to offer my explanation why the tone has changed between this Hall of Fame player and the Lakers in recent years. Over the summer Kareem voiced his displeasure with Laker management, he felt they had done little honoring his Laker years. The all-time NBA points leader's jersey number 33 is retired, it hangs along side those of other Laker greats at Staples Center. Kareem's personality as a young man has contributed to some of the problems he now faces as a 64-year old. Kareem was/is a very cerebral person, he's demonstrated this in writing or co-writing four books only one of which was basketball related. His on the court skill never transferred off the court, the younger Kareem was aloof and curt with members of the media. As for fans the best description I can provide he was cordial but never overly friendly. In the last few years Laker management began to honor significant Lakers of the past. One of the streets surrounding Staples was renamed Chick Hearn Way. This was in tribute to the legendary Laker broadcaster who was the voice for more than 3,000 Laker games, later a Chick Hearn statue was added outside. In 2010 a statue of Laker legend Magic Johnson was added too, earlier this year a statue honoring former player, coach and general manager Jerry West was erected. Kareem the player was a vital cog in several NBA championships, the Lakers should honor him in some manner. The problem with beginning the task now it will appear they acted in response to his criticism.

I don't know about this

I first said I wasn't sure Yao Ming should be in the Hall of Fame, of course you remember I changed my mind. I explained my change of heart however a recent update to his story concerns me. I wonder what Chinese officials are attempting to accomplish with this latest move. As you are aware a player must be retired 5 years before they become eligible. Chinese officials have nominated Yao as a contributor to the game therefore no time-limit exists. Retiring in 2011 and elected in 2012 could occur. I have no problem with Yao's possible selection but I question this rush to elect him.

Which nation has next?

A Yao connected story, his retirement caused a writer to speculate "who would be the next great player from Asia?" Naturally my first thought was China but the author was headed in another direction on the map. He was focusing on India it's vast population and then mentioned the Bhullar brothers. Sim is a high school senior and brother Tanveer a sophomore. Both brothers already possess NBA bodies, Sim is 7-4 and 330 pounds while "little" brother Tanveer is 7-3 and 260 pounds. Sim has signed a letter of intent and is headed to Xavier University while his younger brother is undeclared at this time. Their parents are originally from India but emigrated to Canada 20 years ago. To give you a little hint of basketball growth according to a New York Times article "The Basketball Federation of India estimates that 4.5 million Indians play the game." The NBA is attempting to market the game through it's Basketball without Borders program, and a number of NBA games are now available on television. At some future date a player will likely arrive from India to begin play in the NBA, it might be one of the Bhullar's are perhaps someone else.

You might have missed this

Ishmail Wainwright at Raytown South is no more. This talented 6-5 200 pound forward has decided to "take his talents" to Montrose Christian. Wainwright didn't announce his intention in that manner I did, sorry LeBron. He is headed to a Maryland prep school for his junior year, the same school that produced the Thunder's Kevin Durant. His outstanding AAU summer and the school probably contributed to his decision. The school won the "2011 ESPN Rise National High School Tournament Championship." (Montrosebasketball.com)

"My Mama always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.'"

Forrest Gump 1994