Feels good to be back

Olowoke is the most revered elder male in Game'. The day is the Feast of the Assumption as well as the fourth day of a traditional wedding ceremony the village was holding for Lori and I. We are both dressed up for the occasion. BOW! Blazers, baby!

Lori and I spent a week in her village, Game'. We had a wonderful and crazy time. Living is pretty hard. There is no electricity. No one knows about the NBA. Zero relevance. Olowoke had no idea why I was excited about his jersey, even when we explained the connection. But a cheap jersey is cheap jersey, and West Africa, like most under-developed and impoverished areas of the world, is inundated with Goodwill cast-offs, including NBA jerseys.

Upon returning from a great adventure with many a tale, I must admit I thought a lot about the NBA on the trip. The immediate futures for both of the teams I love, Boston and Portland, looks as bright as I could imagine. With deep respect to my friends in Minnesota and fellow Wolves lovers, I am so elated that the Celtics have KG that I have been spontaneously smiling and giggling several times a day for the past four weeks.

K Motherf*ckin G.

Talk about a need for a supporting cast all you want, but the Garnett-Pierce-Allen trilogy is some serious business if they where running with Ron McDonald and Bozo. The Celtics young core of Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, and Tony Allen will be a strong compliment to the veteran triumvirate. Their energy and youth can be maximized as an asset because they will be playing with three consummate stars, as far as consistency, commitment and execution. Young players struggle when they get out of control and play outside the system. Garnett, Pierce and Allen will bring a stability to the system so the young guys thrive ala Richard Dumas, John Salley, Daniel Gibson or even Sam Cassell.

I think Boston has a serious shot at #17 in the next few years. Of course, King James' men, the Detroit 4, and da Luva-Bulls will offer some competition. The HEAT may even have some life let in em. The West remains superstacked, but luckily the C's will only have to beat one of those muthas.

By that time the C's window will close, Portland could be looking towards title contention. Nutso. Oden, Aldridge and Roy will have put in some years together, developing skills and chemistry. This coming year is going to be much fun. I am sure there will still be nights of misery, blown leads, and frustrating losses, but the amount of young talent is pretty extraordinary. Beyond the big names, Jarret Jack, Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, Sergio Rodriguez and Martell Webster all have exciting potential to contribute to a winning team. Portland even has the rights to Rudy Fernandez, the Euro league standout from Spain.

The celebration on the Feast of the Assumption was unreal. There was singing, dancing, eating, drumming, drinking. . . so much joy and exuberance. Here's how I am gonna be dancin when the Celtic's and Blazers go back to back.



















In the big cities like Lome', Togo and Accra, Ghana, people new a bit about the NBA. Sprite even sponsors these outdoor courts in Lome'. Folks like Kobe and the King. As well they should, if they care about B-Ball. LeBron and Kobe have been superb thus far on as teammates for USA, which has been great to see. Luckily for the Celtics, Blazers and everybody damn else, neither is blessed with such a running mate in the pay league.


So, let Kobe and and the King get their propers. Fans worldwide will know there fame. Meanwhile, here in the NBA, this summer has most been the best in memory. Our host Jean Pierre knows what's up.