Currently, nine NBA head coaches were also players in the league. NBC Sports Chicago recently interviewed seven of them and asked about their participation in pickup games following their playing career in the pros.
Although they are still around the game in a coaching capacity, most of them have stopped playing full-court basketball due to injuries. They all loved playing for as long as they could, and Steve Kerr made this interesting comment:
“I actually enjoyed the pickup ball more than the NBA because I was finally the most talented player on the floor. I could actually cross somebody up and get to the rim. I’d be like, ‘What just happened?’”
Steve Kerr had a memorable 15-year NBA career playing in 910 games with six teams while averaging six points per game. Of course, he’s known for hitting a big shot for the Bulls after Michael Jordan passed it to him, and winning three championships with Chicago and two more with the Spurs.
However, he was a role player who only averaged 17.8 minutes per game and not the focal point of the offense, so no wonder he loved lighting it up against guys playing pickup ball!
It’s funny to think about him actually enjoying that more than playing alongside Jordan, but on the other hand, don't we all love to be the best player on the floor or the smartest person in the room or the wealthiest person at the table or the best looking guy at the party?
I was swimming at the YMCA earlier today and loved knowing I was the fastest guy in the pool - Haha!
The desire to stand out and be better than others is probably our default, but when we really think about it, is it really beneficial to always be “the most talented player on the floor?”
I would argue that surrounding ourselves with people who are more gifted, wiser, and more experienced is better because they push us to be even greater.
If we step onto the court and we’re already the best compared to the other players, then what reason do we have to take it to another level? It may feed our ego when we’re the top dog in a group, but I also think it can cause us to settle for less than our actual best.
This principle is very important when it comes to the friends we choose and the people we pick to spend our time with. We’ve got to find those that will raise the bar, motivate us, teach us, inspire us, and challenge us.
We want to be around those who are amazing spouses and effective parents, filled with integrity, actively following Jesus, and who know the Bible even better than we do.
I would guess Steve Kerr played a lot better when he shared the floor with Jordan and Pippen than when playing with Billy and Timmy during a pick-up game. Sure he played better than the others in the gym, but did he actually play at his peak level?!
Who we play with, walk with, and spend time with affect who we become. The Bible provides the following truths in these verses:
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20; ESV).
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals'” (1 Corinthians 15:33; ESV).
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another ” (Proverbs 27:17; AMP).
Today, are we settling and lowering our standards? Or, are we becoming wiser...more in love with Jesus...hungrier for scripture...and more passionate about our spiritual maturation because of the people “on the floor” with us?
Let’s take on the challenge to consider who’s in our circle...and embrace the kind of sharpening that needs to take place for maximized personal growth and spiritual development.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn’t allow my ego or insecurity to prevent me from finding friends and mentors that push me to be greater in all areas of my life. Most importantly, I desire to know You more and become more like You. I know I’ll become wiser when I’m with the wise. Please bring those kind people into my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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