It did not take too long for someone to start parodying LeBron James’ latest decision. Who would have figured that the person doing the best job of it would be none other than the “White Mamba” himself, Brian Scalabrine:
Before anyone cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid raised in Enumclaw, Washington. It’s where I walked. It’s where I ran. It’s where I did a paper route at age six. It’s always held a special place in my heart. From the moment I signed with the Celtics, I knew this was my new home. Most of the people are just like me. They work hard, they play hard, and the passion they have for their sports team is unlike anywhere in the world. I had passion for my team just like the fans. I guess I was kind of like the fans except I had a courtside seat for free and if we were up by 20 with less than two minutes to play I would get to go into the game. Where was I – the great American city of Boston. In Boston, people’s passion can be overwhelming. But it drove me. The Celtics hadn’t won a championship since the Larry Bird era of the 80s, so I wanted to give them hope when I could. I wanted to inspire them when I could. My relationship with Boston became bigger than basketball. I didn’t realize that when I left Boston in free agency four years ago. I do now.
Scalabrine penned a whole “coming back” essay a la James for his new employer, CSN New England.
Last year, Scalabrine was an assistant coach with the Warriors before a falling out with head coach Mark Jackson. He spent time broadcasting for the Bulls’ CSN affiliate after his playing days ended.
Scalabrine is the ultimate fan favorite though and fans will enjoy having him around Boston again.
As Scalabrine himself put it, he seems up for the “Scallenge.”
