Tom, Sybil, and Jay Anthony. As you well know, basketballs best and brightest; from the rising starts to the legends were in Houston to celebrate the sport’s biggest showcase. As we look back at this years NBA All-Star weekend it is important to take a few lessons on how each of us can become an all-star. There are 5 lessons I want to share
Lesson 1. Cleveland Cavalier Kyrie Irving won the three-point contest, reminding us that you can make it work even when your dream seems further away than what’s comfortable. Keep your eye on the prize and shooting for victory while others believe the dream is too far away and just hold the ball.
Lesson 2. Kobe Bryant blocked Labron James twice towards the end of the game teaching us that you can be having the worst season ever, but when faced against the best player in the game prove that you can go toe-to-toe with anyone. How many of you who are listening are having a terrible start to 2013. Far worse than you could have imagined? But every time the giant comes to take you out – you look it in the eye and say not on me today. Stay encouraged knowing that if you can make it to the game our can do more than survive…you can win.
Lesson 3. Chris Paul, of the LA Clippers, was the first solo true point guard to win a solo MVP since Magic Johnson in 1992. He taught us that you don’t have to be the one who scores to be the one who makes the difference. If you are one of those servants out there who makes it possible for others to score, for others to have a chance to win in life, you may not get the headline, but you are an all-star this morning.
Lesson 4. Michael Jordon showed us that legacy is king. He has not played an NBA Game or had major presence at an All-Star Weekend in over a decade. But on his 50th birthday weekend he had the biggest brand of the event. The lesson? Your Legacy will always speak louder than your voice. To those who produce…keep pushing. Your contribution will inspire generations to come.
AND Finally
Lesson 5. Beyoncé showed us that no matter how talented you are nothing trumps work ethic. While for the second time in a month she proved she was bigger than a sporting event launching a HBO special and an Oprah interview on a weekend that would send lesser brands running for cover. She knew that being an NBA All-Star is not about the National Basketball League, but the NBA stands for Never Back Away from a challenge. And Tom there are some TJMS listeners who have never sold out a show, and wont ever meet Oprah, but the work they put in when nobody is watching will open doors that others say are impossible.
So to every NBA All-Star We salute you. Cause you don’t have to ball to be brilliant. I’m Jeff Johnson and That’s My Truth.
