Great article. The section about Willis’ little league career were really interesting. It’s sad to think little league parents would yell racial slurs at kids on opposing teams, but that’s the world we live in.

of a player I remember enjoying on the floor. This fills in a lot of the inferred blanks. JR was a hero in his world, but his world was a destructive one. I have great respect for those parents and teachers and others who devote themselves to making the effort to connect and guide kids into habits for successful living. All of us, really, should have a special respect for kids and the example we set for them. They are watching and learning all the time.

Uber talented, but his problems were all self made. The author looks to find a reason and kinda blames the circumstances of his upbringing, but in reality (minus not having a father figure) they weren’t all that bad compared to what many professional athletes have gone through. That sounds insensitive, but people have gone through worse and come out better. JR Rider had a million chances to take control of his life and his destiny and chose to blow it time and again.

He needed guidance and he didn’t get it growing up. But at the same time, you need to take some responsibility for your actions. He had teachers that wanted to help him, he had coaches that wanted to help him, and he had some good friends (as well as many bad friends). He just didn’t want the help.

Sad. But not worthy of my pity.

Sadly I think everyone knew this would be his post-NBA fate. As soon as the money ran out, he was done for.