True Professionals

by Casey Jacobsen One of the things I love most about the game of basketball is that it is a team game — it’s not just about you. It’s about getting all five guys on the court, regardless of where they are from or what God they worship, to come together for a common goal: To win. You can’t accomplish that goal with just one good player (for example, the 2008 Cleveland Cavaliers). Sure, you must have a star — a player who can take over the game on offense or defense during important moments — but for the rest of the time, the ability of that team to work together in harmony will make the difference in a victory or defeat. I’ve played with a lot of guys in my eight years as a professional. Some of those guys were great teammates — guys who earned my respect through their character and unselfishness, as well as their play on the court. Other guys weren’t so great, and I’d soon rather forget our time together, along with the losses they assisted. Today, I want to...