Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental SeattleSuperSonics - #4 Jack Sikma http://qwips.com/6nb6zi

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#4 – Jack Sikma

Sikma confounded and cause difficult match ups for most big men in the league.  Known as “The Banger”, he wasn't afraid to mix it up inside, but his true strength came from the ability to execute an “inside pivot jump shot” that was almost impossible to block.  A smart, team oriented and consistent player, Sikma was a true integral part of the great championship team. 

  

 

Respectfully submitted and written by:
James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

 

 

 

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental SeattleSuperSonics - #5 John "JJ" Johnson  http://qwips.com/6vsxze  

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#5 – John “JJ” Johnson

“JJ” gave the title winning championships Sonics the versatility it needed to free up the other players to be more effective.  He was among the first of the small forwards with the ability to play either guard position and run the offense effectively.  He created the “point forward” position.  His selflessness and leadership on the court was one of the reasons that the Sonics were able to win the NBA championship in 1979.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted and written by:
James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

 

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental SeattleSuperSonics - #5 John "JJ" Johnson  http://qwips.com/6vsxze 

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#5 – John “JJ” Johnson

“JJ” gave the title winning championships Sonics the versatility it needed to free up the other players to be more effective.  He was among the first of the small forwards with the ability to play either guard position and run the offense effectively.  He created the “point forward” position.  His selflessness and leadership on the court was one of the reasons that the Sonics were able to win the NBA championship in 1979.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted and written by:
James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

 

 

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental SeattleSuperSonics - #6 Spencer Haywood http://qwips.com/7yishk  

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#6 – Spencer Haywood

“Woody” was the forerunner of the prototype power forward.  He also set the stage for underclassmen to enter into the NBA.  A great player who could score, rebound, run the floor, and play defense….. people tend to forget how great he was.  He alone was probably more responsible than anyone in establishing Seattle as a great NBA city.

 

Respectfully submitted and written by:
James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

 

 

 

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Instrumental Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental SeattleSuperSonics - #7 "The Wizard" Gus Williams
http://qwips.com/70fcnz  

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#7 – Gus Williams

Gus was probably the fastest player in the league in his prime.  He could go baseline to baseline like no other.  Because he had defenders constantly “backpedaling”, he would pull up and hit the midrange jumper when needed.  A fun loving guy that many of the championship players gravitated towards, Gus kept things loose while at the same time giving the championship team terrific athletic ability and scoring from the guard position. 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted by:
James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

 

 

 

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Impactful Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Impactful Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Impactful SeattleSuperSonics - #8 "Downtown" Freddie Brown 

http://qwips.com/78hdqz

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#8 – Fred “Downtown” Brown

If the three point line had been around during the early part of this terrific marksman's career, he would have been one of the leading scorers in the league year after year.  “Downtown” gave the Sonics explosive fire power, especially coming off the bench.  A big contributor towards the championship team!

 

James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Impactful Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Impactful Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1).  Let me know what you think!

#9 – Paul Silas

Not known for his athletic ability, Paul Silas provided leadership on and off the court for many of the younger players around him.  A true gentleman and mentor (but also fierce competitor), the guys on the Sonic team always followed his lead.

 

 

James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

 

 

 

Who Are Your Top 10 All Time Most Impactful Seattle SuperSonics...Here Are Mine!

I’ve been invited to be a contributing author to an upcoming book on the NBA.  I was asked who are the Top 10 Most Impactful Seattle SuperSonics of All Time?

Listen to James Donaldson speak about the Top 10 All Time Most Instrumental SeattleSupersonics.  #10 Marvin "The Human Eraser" Webster

http://qwips.com/56aha9

Here is my list (going from #10 - #1, day by day).  Let me know what you think!

 

#10 – Marvin Webster

The “Human Eraser” gave the Sonics a much-needed presence in the middle in the late 70’s as they were building towards a championship team.  Marvin was one of the few players in the league who could match up one-on-one against the other great centers in the league of that era.  A shot blocker extraordinaire!

 

James Donaldson
Former Seattle SuperSonic 1980 – 1983

$20 per gallon gas!!! ... whoa! Gas prices at record high... discover why!

http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/pergallon/index.html

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gas-pump-prices-record-high-223313137.html

I'm reading a very interesting book titled, $20 a Gallon: How the Inevitable Rise in the Price of Gasoline Will Change Our Lives for the Better, by Christopher Stiener and it really sheds light on what's going on with energy and our dependency on foreign oils.  This article today on Yahoo hits home too!

 

NBA China News Update

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/weekly/2012-01/20/content_14479165.htm

The NBA Game is really taking hold in China... I hope it comes back to Seattle soon!  I miss our Sonics!!!

James Donaldson, Former Seattle Supersonic

 

Yao Ming is now trying his hand as a political advisor

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2012-01/16/content_14451466.htm

I'm enjoying watching Yao's maturation into a meaningful and purposeful life after basketball.  He's truely a humanitarian who wants to stand for something.  Be it speaking out against consuming Shark Fin soup or ensuring the survival of Pandas.... he's doing things!  Keep it going Yao!  You're a great example of what we'd like to see a lot of our former athletes become!

 

 

Let It Snow... Let It Snow... Let It Snow

I came out of church this morning here in Seattle and "lo and behold"... snow!

"and the Lord said... Let there be" ....snow? (smile!)

Yao Ming and ('lil Guy) James Donaldson photo from China

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/animal-house/201201/nba-legend-cuddles-panda

I'm so glad to see that Yao is taking the lead (and stance) on environmental and animal issues.  Since I'm a vegetarian (not sure if Yao is) for over 25 years and seriously concerned about environmental issues, we're definitely two of the biggest people on the planet who have this in common.  

Recently he has been working Richard Branson (Virgin Airlines, CEO and founder) in speaking out against the consumption of Shark Fin soup (over 1 1/2 million sharks are killed each week to meet the shark fin soup demand).

I'll be meeting with Yao again when I go back to China and hope to work with him in those regards.  I can envision us teaming up and speaking up about caring for our planet!

Have a great day!

 

 

Untitled

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201201/nba-legends-body-falling-apart

James wishing Earl "The Pearl" Monroe well.

http://qwips.com/9z00i3

Earl "The Pearl" is one of my favorite guys in the Retired Players Association of which I am a board member. We've become very good friends and he's a mentor to me. He truly cares about "the guys" and fights for them... "tooth and nail"... even when it takes a toll on his health. I've seen him in person many times, "sometimes having to be on heavy pain medication", speaking out on behalf of "the guys". We need more guys like him!!! There are so many of "our guys" (many times through no fault of their own... many times it is some of their fault) who are really struggling with "Life After the Game". All the best and a speedy recovery "my man"!

James Donaldson: Live at the Laoshe Teahouse in Beijing, China!

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMzM5NTAxMzcy.html

 

James Donaldson and Raymond cracking 'em up at the Laoshe Teahouse in Beijing, China.  

Laughter is universal!!!

http://qwips.com/5fpjl6

It's not quite ShowTime at The Apollo, but I had a great time being introduced to the great Chinese crowd at the world famous, Laoshe Teahouse in Beijing.

The laughs were so real and everyone had a great time!

Here's a little insight that I found out to prepare me for the jokes:

- The Chinese are very shy and modest about "baby-making and where babies come from", so when you call someone an "action taker".... it means "they've been getting down in the bedroom"

- The comment about me being a "Colored Great Wall" isn't nearly as sensituve (to me or to them) as that might be taken here in the States.  Matter of fact, during my Sonics days I was part of the Winnebago Wall along with Jack Sikma and Lonnie Shelton... so, not much difference there!

- Also, I kept hearing what I thought was the "N - word" everywhere I went, but the people where actually saying "nega", meaning "look here, or listen up", when they're having a conversation. (smile!)

 

Postings (and photos) from my recent travels to China

Here are a couple of more photos from my recent travels to China.  We had great food everywhere that we went, and here I am with my “soon to be” assistant, Alice Zhang and Mr. Chao Wang.  I haven’t mastered chopsticks yet, …..but I’m trying! (smile!)

See the full gallery on Posterous

Order you own personally autographed copy of Standing Above the Crowd www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com in time for the holidays.  Only $19.95 and autographed by yours truly, James Donaldson; author, business entrepreneur, professional speaker and former NBA All-Star. 

What better way to start the New Year out than with an inspiring, uplifting, motivating book on life, personal goals and being the best you can be… no matter what your circumstances.

It’ll make a great gift for those around you who might benefit from a little “Get – Up – And – Go” boost in their lives.

Standing Above the Crowd is also available in ebook format on www.amazon.com 

 

Happy Holidays!

James Donaldson

 

Postings (and photos) from my recent travels to China

See the full gallery on Posterous

I was so well received in China and the people are so wonderful.  I find that "people are people" and "kids are kids" around the world and it's great to be able to make ongoing relationships.

I'm going to be learning Chinese!!!  Anybody out there want to be my teacher! (smile!)

 

Order you own personally autographed copy of Standing Above the Crowd www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com in time for the holidays.  Only $19.95 and autographed by yours truly, James Donaldson; author, business entrepreneur, professional speaker and former NBA All-Star. 

What better way to start the New Year out than with an inspiring, uplifting, motivating book on life, personal goals and being the best you can be… no matter what your circumstances.

It’ll make a great gift for those around you who might benefit from a little “Get – Up – And – Go” boost in their lives.

Standing Above the Crowd is also available in ebook format on www.amazon.com 

 

Happy Holidays!

James Donaldson

 

Postings from my recent travels to China

This is me and the head schoolmaster rounding up some of the young school children that I did a basketball camp/clinic for in Jilin.  Jilin is a city in northeast China, not far from the North Korean border.  About 1,200 kids showed up and we all had a great time!

Order you own personally autographed copy of Standing Above the Crowd www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com in time for the holidays.  Only $19.95 and autographed by yours truly, James Donaldson; author, business entrepreneur, professional speaker and former NBA All-Star. 

What better way to start the New Year out than with an inspiring, uplifting, motivating book on life, personal goals and being the best you can be… no matter what your circumstances.

It’ll make a great gift for those around you who might benefit from a little “Get – Up – And – Go” boost in their lives.

Standing Above the Crowd is also available in ebook format on www.amazon.com 

 

Happy Holidays!

James Donaldson

 

James Donaldson on the speaking circuit with Standing Above the Crowd

Order you own personally autographed copy of Standing Above the Crowd www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com in time for the holidays.  Only $19.95 and autographed by yours truly, James Donaldson; author, business entrepreneur, professional speaker and former NBA All-Star. 

What better way to start the New Year out than with an inspiring, uplifting, motivating book on life, personal goals and being the best you can be… no matter what your circumstances.

It’ll make a great gift for those around you who might benefit from a little “Get – Up – And – Go” boost in their lives.

Standing Above the Crowd is also available in ebook format on www.amazon.com 

 

Happy New Year!

James Donaldson