The NBA is harsh on the mind. There’s the long physical grind of the regular season, sure, but there are also other ineffable mental tolls to be paid, particularly by the marginal player. To be told, this is who you are, this is what you can do, do not stray from this set of instructions or you will be punished — it must be tough at times. All this, as others summon greatness as if from some other transcendent realm, given free rein to exert their talents as they wish. To make it to the NBA is to be one of the best in the entire world, and yet it is still possible to feel very far away from the sublime.
Bringing Up Bebe Week 25: Greatness always at arm’s length
