We can say that the 13 brings him luck. King of “globetrotters” in the NBA, Ish Smith will have waited for his 13th NBA season, and his 13th team to win his first NBA title.
Arrived last summer in the exchange between Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Will Barton, this substitute point guard will not have played much in the regular season (one game out of two), and even less in the playoffs (12 minutes in four game ends ), but the main thing is elsewhere with this first ring won at 34 years old.
” It’s a great adventure, a long journey. 13 years, 13 teams summed up Ish Smith before the start of the final. ” To get to this stage and this level is really, really positive. (…) I’m like a child who doesn’t really realize I’m there until it’s over. »
“All these sacrifices have paid off”
Another “globetrotter” titled last night, Jeff Green, with his 11 teams in 15 years. In 2018, alongside LeBron James, he was “swept” by the Warriors. Today, six years later, at 36, he is rewarded. He who is a miracle, since he underwent open heart surgery at the start of his career.
“It’s hard to put words to it… We live for this, it’s only sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears” he answers on NBA-TV. “For me, there was this operation, eleven teams, the adaptation to each environment. This is the reason for all of this. All these sacrifices paid off. We let ourselves be tempted by each team, by the daily work… We are appreciated, we remain positive… We don’t give up. You never know when his name is going to be called, but when he is called, you have to be ready! »
Oldest player in the squad, Jeff Green wishes to salute Ish Smith but also DeAndre Jordan. The former Clippers pivot has traveled less than his two teammates, but he will have waited 15 years, and his 7th team to play his first final and win it!
“It’s just a matter of staying positive” insists Jeff Green. “You have to stay positive every day in routines and rehearsals, and have fun. I think it just depends on that… I had great teammates this year, with Ish and DJ. We had a blast the whole process, from start to finish, and that’s what fills you with joy when you get up every day. »
