I’m grateful for fireworks from my balcony. I’m grateful for not knowing what comes next. I’m grateful for a sunny morning. I’m grateful for feeling what it means to be connected, I’m grateful for chances to learn new things. I’m grateful for seeing what I couldn’t before. I’m grateful for taking things as they come. I’m grateful to be sober today.
I like to share some of the great stuff I read here on Substack, and one of my favorites is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s newsletter:
I know we kind of focus on addiction and recovery here, but I do have a pretty profound love of basketball and “The Captain” was and is one of my favorite players. I like, no, I love, the un-settleable debate about who the best players of all-time are, but will tell you that my starting squad of all-timers definitely includes Kareem.1 You can argue with me about Shaq or Hakeem or Patrick Ewing or whomever else, the fact is that Kareem did it all and I’m pretty confident that the guy who mastered the unstoppable, completely gorgeous sky-hook would probably turn out to be a pretty deadly 3-point shooter, too. A taller, tougher Kevin Durant, and I love Kevin Durant. Anyway, you should definitely check out Kareem’s newsletter, I love it.2
I also love Flow State:
It’s an eclectic mix of music, from Sonny Rollins to Arvo Part—definitely worth checking out. A new episode of Breakfast with an Alcoholic will be coming out this weekend and I think you’ll really enjoy the conversation. And one last thing:
Thanks for Letting Me Share
It would probably also include Dr. J and the guy who I think may be the greatest shooter of all time: “Downtown” Freddy Brown. Never heard of him? His 1969-70 Iowa team averaged 98 points in 40 minute games with no three-point line. My team has no Lebron or Jordan, but I guarantee, we will definitely light it up. UPDATE: George Gervin would also definitely be on this team.
Are you wondering why I’m promoting Kareem so avidly? Is it because even the slightest crumb of recognition would completely make my day, week, month and year? Partly. If I had a chance would I tell him that I used to go to the open gym on Saturdays at Ernest Horn elementary in the early 1970’s with a hand-lettered Alcindor “jersey,” actually, a white t-shirt with black magic marker? Yes, I would. Also, I was a 4th Grader, so how was I supposed to know the black magic marker would mess up an entire load of laundry?
I would like to update this post. It was a grave omission not to include George Gervin on my all-time team. He would definitely be on my squad. So my team so far is: Kareem, Dr. J., Freddy Brown and George Gervin and one spot left...
Love seeing these daily posts. They provide a sense of community and help keep me grounded.