If you’re a hoops fan and haven’t yet seen Through the Fire, you’re missing out. Filmed during his senior year at Lincoln High, the documentary follows Sebastian Telfair through his team’s quest for the championship up until his decision to forego college and enter the draft. It’s a fascinating look at a young man’s life as he struggles to lift his family out of poverty and follow in the footsteps of his fabled older cousin, Stephon Marbury.
Drafted 13th by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004, at just 6’0, Telfair was the shortest ever high-schooler to be taken in the lottery. Rumors at the time were that that high slot was coordinated through an arrangement with Adidas and not exactly on the merits. Needless to say, Telfair’s NBA career has left much to be desired. Still, it’s a fascinating story but I’m biased; I’ve always been partial towards the ‘New York point guard’ archetype.
Not much too interesting there. I just wanted to get his take on Dragic and see if anything interesting would be divulged. Guess not.
I asked Markieff Morris about his brother’s mindset after being relegated to the D-League. The answer was barely audible so I didn’t bother uploading, but basically he said something like “he’s still a basketball player,” or something like that. I’m not exactly sure. Like I said, there’s a reason I didn’t upload it.
Speaking of Markieff though, boy was I impressed last night. They said he was more of a true ’4′ than Marcus, but he had some ridiculous driving spin moves against the Rockets that you just don’t see out of big men. I think the future is bright for both of the twins.
Last night was strange. For one, it was by far the loneliest I’ve ever been in the visiting lockerroom. By the time I got there, right after McHale finished, most of the Suns had already left. The main guy who I wanted to talk to was Grant Hill and luckily he still hadn’t left. After he came out of the shower, I stood and waited for him to dress for close to twenty minutes, the longest I’ve ever seen any player take since I’ve been doing this.
I’m really exposing my ignorance with regard to medical technology, but after he sat down, he began applying these electrical suction type things with wires at the end to his legs. This took about ten minutes. Then I think he applied some cream, and then finally, he put on the compression leggings that Dwayne Wade used to wear during the game. He then put his real clothes on over the leggings.
Most NBA players wear jeans and sneakers but Grant Hill put on a full suit. In fact, other than Courtney Lee, I don’t remember ever seeing anyone else wear a suit. He then got up and walked toward the mirror at the side of the room and took his time carefully tying his tie. As Channing Frye walked out, he said to Hill, “Catch you later, Armani.”
Finally Grant was ready to talk. I asked him about playing injured for the Pistons, against his better interests, and what one piece of advice he would give to younger players. I thought he’d say something about trusting your body, and looking out for yourself against the pressures of team doctors, but when you’re 39 and as intelligent as Hill, you’re much more careful with your words.
I had to get something good from Grant Hill. This was Grant Hill, man! From the Duke championship teams and the Sprite commercials! We forget it but this was, standing in front of me, ‘the next Michael Jordan’ at one point. I took a Hail Mary and asked him about T-Mac and the potential of that duo hoping he’d shed some light on the prowess of a young McGrady. His mood immediately changed and you could see it on his face; “I don’t want to talk about the past. I’m sorry, man.” I don’t really blame him. You could almost see the pain in his face upon hearing the question. Aside from the fact its been asked dozens of times, who wants to be reminded of what could have been at one point in their life were it not for a cruel twist of fate?
At 39, what Hill is doing now is just remarkable but even more, an inspiration to even the regular Joe. It’s incredible enough to play, as a wing, into such a late age. But to come back after a string of demoralizing injuries? Incredible. It’s a lesson that if you truly do want something, keep trying and never lose hope.
