NBA Christmas Day Games:
Saturday, December 25, 2010
It's Christmas Day and after the unwrapping presents and spending time with loved ones things are settling back to normal again. One thing that did bring back memories beyond my Christmas time childhood ones was having a couple of NBA games on TV. The Boston Celtics went up against the Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat outplayed the Los Angeles Lakers. I've never been a huge sports fan, especially the type that plops myself down in front of the big screen wasting away countless hours. Even when I was a professional athlete I seldom spent time that way watching game after game. We spent enough time watching game film with the irritating voice of one of the coaches narrating throughout.
I do remember playing an NBA game on Christmas day on a couple occasions through my career. It was at the early stage of my career when I was with the Seattle Supersonics and both games were against the regional rival Portland Trailblazers. I can still remember now how the players and coaches would grumble about having to play on Christmas Day. I was just a young whippersnapper and didn't have any family or kids to devote a lot of time to, so I didn't mind it as much as some of the older guys who had family. I do remember how difficult it was to emotionally get yourself up to play the game, simply because day games (especially on a holiday) have a way of throwing you off your rhythm and out of sync. It was fun for the fans, as they would stream into the arena, fresh from unwrapping Christmas gifts and spending the morning together. But we as players; were either spending time in a hotel room if we were the visiting team, or dashing out the door first thing in the morning after seeing everyone open their presents and heading off to the arena to get ready for the game. Christmas Day games are typically in the early afternoon, so that means you’ll be arriving at the arena at least by noontime.
I don't blame the NBA (and all the other major league sports leagues playing on holidays) for trying to capitalize on having people either come to the arena to watch the game or tune in by the millions from the comforts of home. I just read an article in regards to the Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy stating that the NBA ought to abolish Christmas Day games. He mentioned he spent 15 minutes unwrapping presents, kissing the wife and kids goodbye and heading off to the arena to get ready for the game. He has a point there, but as long as the almighty dollar dictates the schedule and TV coverage for major league sports, that's the way it's going to be.
The life of a professional athlete is one in which he or she is used to live in our hotel rooms, keeping one bag packed and being ready to respond to the call of duty. I guess I shouldn’t make it that serious; it is after all just a game and entertainment.
Happy Holidays to everyone and enjoy the games!!! As a special treat, here's a photo of me and Bob "The Voice" Blackburn (who unfortunately passed away earlier this year) back in the day. (<:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” (A Success Roadmap for High Achievement in Business, Athletics, Community Involvement and Life). He is also an accomplished motivational/inspirational speaker in which he shares his strategies and stories that he has utilized to become a “High Achiever” in lengthy (20 years) careers in professional sports and being a small business entrepreneur with The Donaldson Clinic www.donaldsonclinic.com . He recently ran for the office of Mayor in the City of Seattle and has been passionately involved in various communities around the Seattle metropolitan area since graduation from Washington State University ’79.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@standingabovethecrowd.com and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.standingabovethecrowd.com
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