I met Bill Russell on Monday!!

This topic contains 56 replies, has 19 voices, and was last updated by NBAjunkie81 10 years, 9 months ago.

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:05am #61389

TRC1991
Participant
We both live on Mercer Island – a suburb just outside Seattle. When he coached the Sonics from 77-80 he fell in love with Seattle and never left. I knew he lived on the island but it was well known that he’s a bit of a recluse. Anyways, I was on a run and I see this black man sitting in the passenger seat of a Mercedes SUV. I didn’t think anything of it but out of the corner of my eye I sort of recognize his knees were up really high and he had a grey beard and it instantly registered…so I take a couple steps back and look in the car. He’s got his cell phone in his left hand, Starbucks drink in his right hand and the AC is on and the window rolled down and he’s just chilling in the passenger seat. So I go "hey Mr. Russell" and he’s staring straight ahead a bit almost like he was scared or uncomfortable and then I said "you’re bill Russell right?" And he nods his head and I stick my hand inside the car and say "it’s nice to meet you buddy my names Taylor" after about 5 insanely awkward seconds, he reaches his monstrous, colossal hand out and shakes my hand. He’s got a Finals Ring on his ring finger with a Celtics insignia..I said "I’ll let you do your thing! Great to meet you" and went back on my run. He said 0 words.
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:11am #1012311

Espressoprodigy
Participant
I ran into Lebron, and told him thanks for coming to Miami
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:11am #1012451

Espressoprodigy
Participant
I ran into Lebron, and told him thanks for coming to Miami
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:18am #1012313

The Scare Crow Rises
Participant
but damm, why are celebrities and athletes so closed off from society, almost every celeb/athlete I’ve ever come across treats everyone the same, awkward silences and uncomfortable human contact
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 5:06pm #1012497
  
  220
  Participant
  I imagine most celebrities are closed off from society because they never dreamed how much their privacy would be invaded simply because they are awesome at their job. They are busy people too and it has to be hard not going out in public without having countless people want to talk to you, take a picture with you, and/or get an autograph. Plus they don’t know who’s crazy and/or dangerous.
  I remember hearing that Bill Russell had his house broken into when he lived in Boston. People crapped in his bed and vandalized his walls…that was more a matter of racism than him being a celeb, but I imagine it could be scary at times.
  
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 5:06pm #1012357
  
  220
  Participant
  I imagine most celebrities are closed off from society because they never dreamed how much their privacy would be invaded simply because they are awesome at their job. They are busy people too and it has to be hard not going out in public without having countless people want to talk to you, take a picture with you, and/or get an autograph. Plus they don’t know who’s crazy and/or dangerous.
  I remember hearing that Bill Russell had his house broken into when he lived in Boston. People crapped in his bed and vandalized his walls…that was more a matter of racism than him being a celeb, but I imagine it could be scary at times.
  
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:18am #1012453

The Scare Crow Rises
Participant
but damm, why are celebrities and athletes so closed off from society, almost every celeb/athlete I’ve ever come across treats everyone the same, awkward silences and uncomfortable human contact
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:22am #1012315

canadabasketballisrising
Participant
Was he still in Miami, or did he come back allready!
Thats so cool..

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:22am #1012455

canadabasketballisrising
Participant
Was he still in Miami, or did he come back allready!
Thats so cool..

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:58am #1012319

TRC1991
Participant
I wish I had met LBJ…but I’ll settle for Bill Russell…Poor guy just wasn’t sure what to think of the experience
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 12:34pm #1012333
  
  dcase
  Participant
  Screw that…..I would take meeting Bill Russell over LBJ any day
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 12:34pm #1012473
  
  dcase
  Participant
  Screw that…..I would take meeting Bill Russell over LBJ any day
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 9:58am #1012459

TRC1991
Participant
I wish I had met LBJ…but I’ll settle for Bill Russell…Poor guy just wasn’t sure what to think of the experience
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 11:31am #1012323

RUDEBOY_
Participant
it would been beyond cool if you had taken a selfie with him!!! and used it as your avatar…….lol
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 11:39am #1012325
  
  TRC1991
  Participant
  It ran through my mind briefly, but I realized he’s 81 years old, and he’s a well-known grouch, I didn’t want to piss him off
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 11:39am #1012465
  
  TRC1991
  Participant
  It ran through my mind briefly, but I realized he’s 81 years old, and he’s a well-known grouch, I didn’t want to piss him off
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 11:31am #1012463

RUDEBOY_
Participant
it would been beyond cool if you had taken a selfie with him!!! and used it as your avatar…….lol
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 11:55am #1012327

Sand
Thats pretty cool. Probably the first real basketball legend, along with Red Aurbach..

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 11:55am #1012467

Sand
Thats pretty cool. Probably the first real basketball legend, along with Red Aurbach..

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 1:45pm #1012337

Hitster
Participant
Bill is on the Mount Rushmore of bigs, could have easily ingnored Taylor or wound the window up but instead he acknowledged him without even having to say anything and his lowkey gesture gave Taylor and unforgettable moment he’ll always remember,
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 1:45pm #1012477

Hitster
Participant
Bill is on the Mount Rushmore of bigs, could have easily ingnored Taylor or wound the window up but instead he acknowledged him without even having to say anything and his lowkey gesture gave Taylor and unforgettable moment he’ll always remember,
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 1:47pm #1012339

DrivingDownTheStreetinmy64
A bit of correction…he wasnt coacHing the Sonics when they won the title in 79.. It was Lenny Wilkens.. Russell coaching years in boring sleepy Seattle was 1973-77….who can forget Downtown Freddie Brown ? He was the microwave befo Vinnie Johnson
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 1:47pm #1012479

DrivingDownTheStreetinmy64
A bit of correction…he wasnt coacHing the Sonics when they won the title in 79.. It was Lenny Wilkens.. Russell coaching years in boring sleepy Seattle was 1973-77….who can forget Downtown Freddie Brown ? He was the microwave befo Vinnie Johnson
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 1:50pm #1012481

DrivingDownTheStreetinmy64
Told Yall !! Bbbme!! Aka Best basketball mind ever
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 1:50pm #1012341

DrivingDownTheStreetinmy64
Told Yall !! Bbbme!! Aka Best basketball mind ever
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 2:47pm #1012489

psam24
Participant
Calling an 81 year old buddy? Lol ok
You probably came off as a little too strong

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 2:47pm #1012349

psam24
Participant
Calling an 81 year old buddy? Lol ok
You probably came off as a little too strong

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 5:11pm #1012499

ZachAttack
Participant
I remember about 5 years ago, I saw Jeremy Evans walk into a Wal-Mart with some of his friends. This was back when he first got drafted by the Jazz. I thought it was really cool, not Bill Russell cool, but I was 9 at the time and thought it was pretty cool.
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 5:11pm #1012359

ZachAttack
Participant
I remember about 5 years ago, I saw Jeremy Evans walk into a Wal-Mart with some of his friends. This was back when he first got drafted by the Jazz. I thought it was really cool, not Bill Russell cool, but I was 9 at the time and thought it was pretty cool.
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 8:15pm #1012512

Illadelph
Participant
Bill Russell was just sitting in his car, drinking his coffee, making some calls… and some random dude (you) comes up to his car window and stik your hand in his space, and say "hey buddy?" LMAO. Total invasion of his privacy, and totally uncool. It’s not like he was at a convention signing autographs. Just because he is a famous person, doesn’t give you the right to treat him as your own personal entertainment. LOL.
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 8:15pm #1012372

Illadelph
Participant
Bill Russell was just sitting in his car, drinking his coffee, making some calls… and some random dude (you) comes up to his car window and stik your hand in his space, and say "hey buddy?" LMAO. Total invasion of his privacy, and totally uncool. It’s not like he was at a convention signing autographs. Just because he is a famous person, doesn’t give you the right to treat him as your own personal entertainment. LOL.
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 8:24pm #1012514
  
  TRC1991
  Participant
  Look I’m all about respecting someone’s privacy, but I was polite and smiled. I don’t think I invaded him too much.
  
  And I called him buddy, despite his age, because I wanted to show him I could be seen as a friendly, neighborhood community member, not some fanboy dying for a signature.
  
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- Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 8:24pm #1012373
  
  TRC1991
  Participant
  Look I’m all about respecting someone’s privacy, but I was polite and smiled. I don’t think I invaded him too much.
  
  And I called him buddy, despite his age, because I wanted to show him I could be seen as a friendly, neighborhood community member, not some fanboy dying for a signature.
  
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  - Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:40pm #1012598
    
    BEARDED-DRAGON
    Participant
    one question… at what point of this run was it? im sure you were totally polite and fine and this isnt the case, but when i read that im imagining a sweaty mess huffing and puffing out the words, extending a dripping paw inside of the window. when i’ve had run-ins while on my runs thats usually how it goes and i am always embarrassed.
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  - Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:40pm #1012458
    
    BEARDED-DRAGON
    Participant
    one question… at what point of this run was it? im sure you were totally polite and fine and this isnt the case, but when i read that im imagining a sweaty mess huffing and puffing out the words, extending a dripping paw inside of the window. when i’ve had run-ins while on my runs thats usually how it goes and i am always embarrassed.
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  - Posted on: Mon, 09/21/2015 - 9:19am #1014595
    
    NBAjunkie81
    Participant
    especially that he had the Rings on his fingers – that is amazing! I would Luv to have seen Russell & Wilt square off live but it was before my time…. Russell was a Legend! I met Daryl Dawkins a few years ago at a Charity function in Washington D.C. – I’m a big man, I’m 6’5” 315 lbs w/ 11” hands & size 15 feet & when I shook Dawkins hand his hand swallowed mine – the man was a giant & he was such a gentleman – total class act but I felt like a little kid standing next to him…. I think we all become more private when we get older so it’s got to be tough for these guys who really are legends to have strangers approach, but I think you did a nice job respecting his boundaries & obviously you made a good impression on him b/c it sounds like a he took a moment to size you up & he decided to shake your hand…. Very cool experience, thanks for sharing it, it’s a great visual….
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  - Posted on: Mon, 09/21/2015 - 9:19am #1014456
    
    NBAjunkie81
    Participant
    especially that he had the Rings on his fingers – that is amazing! I would Luv to have seen Russell & Wilt square off live but it was before my time…. Russell was a Legend! I met Daryl Dawkins a few years ago at a Charity function in Washington D.C. – I’m a big man, I’m 6’5” 315 lbs w/ 11” hands & size 15 feet & when I shook Dawkins hand his hand swallowed mine – the man was a giant & he was such a gentleman – total class act but I felt like a little kid standing next to him…. I think we all become more private when we get older so it’s got to be tough for these guys who really are legends to have strangers approach, but I think you did a nice job respecting his boundaries & obviously you made a good impression on him b/c it sounds like a he took a moment to size you up & he decided to shake your hand…. Very cool experience, thanks for sharing it, it’s a great visual….
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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 8:59pm #1012518

DolanCare
Participant
I met Jerome Williams once. Sort of. Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and the great Jerome ‘Junkyard Dog’ Williams were doing a literacy event in a Mid-town Mcdonalds about 10 years ago.
My friends and I, small teens at the time, banged on the window of the Mcdonalds like manics screaming "JYD" at the top of your lungs. JYD responsed with a genuine looking smile and the peace sign. Stephon and Jamal looked like they want to slit our throats.
In that same Mcdonalds, years later, I saw Mike Sweeney.

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 8:59pm #1012378

DolanCare
Participant
I met Jerome Williams once. Sort of. Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and the great Jerome ‘Junkyard Dog’ Williams were doing a literacy event in a Mid-town Mcdonalds about 10 years ago.
My friends and I, small teens at the time, banged on the window of the Mcdonalds like manics screaming "JYD" at the top of your lungs. JYD responsed with a genuine looking smile and the peace sign. Stephon and Jamal looked like they want to slit our throats.
In that same Mcdonalds, years later, I saw Mike Sweeney.

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 10:46pm #1012522

XYRYX
Participant
Cool story!
I used to work for a Company in Germany which has a branch in DC. When I was there for the first time I desperately wanted to see my first live NBA game there and a US colleague and I went to see John Wall and Company against Blake Griffin (2nd season I think) and the Clippers.
After the game we went for some drinks and were hopping the bars. We went into one bar which seemed to be nice but it was almost empty inside. We went in a few meters and then decided to go back outside. When we turned around and walked through the door I noticed two guys were walking to the exit too and I held the door open for them just to find out, that one of them was Chris Kaman.
I was absolutely stunned and damn is this guy huge! He was very nice and I told him I’m from Germany and he was with the german national team back then. We talked for a couple of minutes and I took photo with him where I looked completely goofy next to Mr. Kaman…

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Posted on: Wed, 09/09/2015 - 10:46pm #1012382

XYRYX
Participant
Cool story!
I used to work for a Company in Germany which has a branch in DC. When I was there for the first time I desperately wanted to see my first live NBA game there and a US colleague and I went to see John Wall and Company against Blake Griffin (2nd season I think) and the Clippers.
After the game we went for some drinks and were hopping the bars. We went into one bar which seemed to be nice but it was almost empty inside. We went in a few meters and then decided to go back outside. When we turned around and walked through the door I noticed two guys were walking to the exit too and I held the door open for them just to find out, that one of them was Chris Kaman.
I was absolutely stunned and damn is this guy huge! He was very nice and I told him I’m from Germany and he was with the german national team back then. We talked for a couple of minutes and I took photo with him where I looked completely goofy next to Mr. Kaman…

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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 3:30am #1012528

B-dizzle97
Participant
I just hope you guys velieve this story cause it is 100 percent true i promise. Back in the 90s my grandpa and grandma were in Indianapolis eating dinner at a really nice resturant (i cant remember the name). My grandpa went up to pay the bill and these big guys were in line infront of him. Now my grandpa is a farmer and never watched any sports. He looked at the guy infront of him and said "you’re awfully tall you should play basketball." And the man turned around and said "my name is Michael Jordan, nice to meet you." Then Michael Jordam took my grandpas bill amd payed for his meal. My grandpa met the greatest player to ever play and he payed for his meal, and didnt know who he was until he got home. I always love hearing him tell that story.
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 3:30am #1012388

B-dizzle97
Participant
I just hope you guys velieve this story cause it is 100 percent true i promise. Back in the 90s my grandpa and grandma were in Indianapolis eating dinner at a really nice resturant (i cant remember the name). My grandpa went up to pay the bill and these big guys were in line infront of him. Now my grandpa is a farmer and never watched any sports. He looked at the guy infront of him and said "you’re awfully tall you should play basketball." And the man turned around and said "my name is Michael Jordan, nice to meet you." Then Michael Jordam took my grandpas bill amd payed for his meal. My grandpa met the greatest player to ever play and he payed for his meal, and didnt know who he was until he got home. I always love hearing him tell that story.
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- Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 5:19am #1012542
  
  XYRYX
  Participant
  Bill Russell, MJ, ………………………, Chris Kaman
  I feel bad now
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- Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 5:19am #1012402
  
  XYRYX
  Participant
  Bill Russell, MJ, ………………………, Chris Kaman
  I feel bad now
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  - Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 5:48am #1012548
    
    ZachAttack
    Participant
    Hey, Chris Kaman was better than Jeremy Evans
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  - Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 5:48am #1012408
    
    ZachAttack
    Participant
    Hey, Chris Kaman was better than Jeremy Evans
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 7:23am #1012554

Skeating12345
Participant
Saw Terrence Williams at the mall when he was in Houston briefly. Told my friend he could end up being a hell of a player. Lol
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 7:23am #1012414

Skeating12345
Participant
Saw Terrence Williams at the mall when he was in Houston briefly. Told my friend he could end up being a hell of a player. Lol
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 8:25am #1012560

SkalAndJamal
Participant
All I got to say is Gordon Hayward and Deron Williams are polar opposite personalities lol.
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 8:25am #1012420

SkalAndJamal
Participant
All I got to say is Gordon Hayward and Deron Williams are polar opposite personalities lol.
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- Posted on: Sun, 09/13/2015 - 3:48am #1013002
  
  XYRYX
  Participant
  Explanation to Hayward anyone to personal experiences?
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- Posted on: Sun, 09/13/2015 - 3:48am #1012861
  
  XYRYX
  Participant
  Explanation to Hayward anyone to personal experiences?
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:51pm #1012600

BEARDED-DRAGON
Participant
i have never met a professional basketball player. living in victoria bc, the only one who really comes here is steve nash, and a heck of alot of people here have a meeting steve nash story, you can imagine, they all say he’s super nice. my dad and his dad played soccer together, hes met him a few times, but i never did.
but on the plus side, i did do cocaine with michael pena about a year ago. and that guy was pretty cool.
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 12:51pm #1012460

BEARDED-DRAGON
Participant
i have never met a professional basketball player. living in victoria bc, the only one who really comes here is steve nash, and a heck of alot of people here have a meeting steve nash story, you can imagine, they all say he’s super nice. my dad and his dad played soccer together, hes met him a few times, but i never did.
but on the plus side, i did do cocaine with michael pena about a year ago. and that guy was pretty cool.
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 2:08pm #1012610

Mopgrass
Participant
Ever time I walk down a dark alley I hope to not meet Javaris Crittenton.
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Posted on: Thu, 09/10/2015 - 2:08pm #1012470

Mopgrass
Participant
Ever time I walk down a dark alley I hope to not meet Javaris Crittenton.
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