http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8252812/the-dallas-mavericks-27-year-old-draft-pick-air-force-veteran-bernard-james-not-your-typical-nba-playerThis is a James that took a much different route to the NBA. He isn't the Chosen One, groomed from junior high to be an NBA player. Bernard James wasn't groomed on the AAU circuit, but instead in Iraq. How can anyone not root for this man? I hope he makes the Mavs and carves out a career for himself in the NBA. If he does not, he'll probably go back into the Air Force and continue to serve our country.
If he sticks in the NBA, James will be in a unique position, as a young ex-soldier in a very high profile job, and an inspiration to the approximately 1.5 million young men and women who served in wars since 2001.
It was great to see Mark Cuban take a chance on the 27 year old James. When I was a kid, post Vietnam War, there were TV public service announcements with a catchy phrase - Don't Forget - Hire a Vet."
I hired an Iraq war veteran for my company this year and am thrilled with the abilities and determination this young man has brought to us. I would suggest that other Celticsbloggers who are in a position to hire people to make a conscious effort to do the same. Your company will be the stronger for it, and you'll pay back in some small way the young men and woman who put their lives on the line for our country.
Topic: Grantland piece about Mavs' 27 year old rookie/Iraq war vet Bernard James. (Read 1024 times)