You could say I was a little pissed when I landed back home in Houston, Texas, on July 19th of 2014.
I had just spent the previous 24 hours in Seattle checking out a Seattle Pro-Am game (now known as The Crawsover League) and interviewing one of my favorite players, Jamal Crawford. The interview was great (video below), and he and Isaiah Thomas put on a nice show at the Pro-Am.
I left the following morning feeling as if I had just crossed an item off my bucket list. Then I landed and looked at my text messages:
Gary Payton is here.
Kobe just showed up!!!
Jamal introduced Kobe as "this generation's Michael Jordan."
Jamal Crawford has 60 points!
40+ in the 2nd half!
63 and GAME WINNER!!
Yeah, I missed all of that. The hour-long drive from the airport to my house felt longer than any other airport trip I've ever taken, and I've driven in-laws through rush hour traffic, and Houston rush hour traffic is as bad as any in the country.
Later that night, I saw this tweet...
Can't thank @kobebryant enough for stopping through. One of the best to ever do it showing Seattle love. #massiverespect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 21, 2014
Oh well, I missed this game, but I feel blessed to have watched Kobe since his high school days. And, not only was I able to attend his final game in the NBA, but I also flew in Kobe's helicopter before the game.
As for Jamal, I've had the pleasure of watching him since his Michigan days, having a few conversations with him (mainly about inspiring the youth and Seattle hip-hop like Kid Sensation) over the past few years, and knowing that I'll probably get to watch him play in the NBA for the next 2, 3, 4, ? years.
So I'm good.
Here's the video I ended up making from the time I spent with Jamal...before he went off for 63 points and hit a game-winner in front of Kobe Bryant!!!
