Open Letter to Ron:
Ron, I know you have said in the past that you read blogs and websites. Well just in case you happen to read this one, here is my message to you:
Ron, you have a great gift, as you unfortunately insist on reminding everyone. Its already made you a wealthy man. But whether its made you a happy one is another question. And the problem isn't your gift, it has been you yourself. Instead of a hero, you have turned yourself into a villain. I saw you trying in Sacto, really trying, to make it a home. To mentor the kids, to cozy up with the owners. But you just kept on tripping over yourself, over your ego. And for what? Where has it gotten you? We all make mistakes Ron, but the sign of an intelligent man is that he learns from them and does not repeat them.
But now you have yet another chance. You have an amazing opportunity opening up for yourself -- a chance to play for an elite team, to be that piece that gets them over the top, to maybe even play on the biggest stage there is. You have a coach who maybe more than any coach since Chuck Daly retired really does give his guys clean slates. You've worked together before, and the results were special. You are going to be playing alongside two superstars, both of whom are desperately hungry to get over the hump and are going to greet you as the potential answer. You are going to be playing alongside another defensive stopper -- and it is up to you Ron whether you connect with him as a fellow defensive oriented spirit or alienate him with arrogance. There is even a fellow former troubled New Yorker who has found himself under Rick. Everything is in place. You have the talent, as does the team you are going to. There is hunger all around. There is a coach who has done everything but win it all. This could be special. But its up to you. If you show up in town willing to do anything and everything it takes to make the Rockets win, your career and reputation can be reborn and your team can be seriously scary. If you show up and make it about yourself, about Ron and his shots and his ego and his money, if you spout off to the media, then nothing changes. It will be the same story all over again for you. And again, for what?
Stats are irrelevant -- the magic man who elevates his team from first round exits to a deep playoff run is going to get far more respect and attention than the guy talking about himself over in the corner as his team goes home for the summer. Look at the guys in Boston -- have KG, Allen, Pierce ever put up worse stats? And yet have they ever been more respected? They sacrificed their numbers to win. And in winning, gained the only universal respect there is -- that for the champions. Let them be your models.
You've got an opportunity here, a real chance to turn the tide of your career and your reputation. It is time to take it. There is nothing in your way now except you yourself. Look in the mirror and take control of the face you see staring back at you, and you can prove all the doubters wrong. But it is all up to you.
And yes Ron, I do wish you luck.