What a well-written, respectful piece. Even though only a very small group of athletes make it to the NBA, they are just as human as anyone. Even with today’s social media, YouTube documentaries, and ²⁴⁄₇ news cycle documenting the rise and fall of failed prospects and journeymen that wash out the league (and ofc Bron v MJ), I think it’s really easy to forget the hundreds of role players blending into the background of every single NBA game, even more so the ones from past generations. Every single one of them were very talented basketball players in their own right, individuals with their own hopes, dreams, successes, and failures. Thank you for sharing Bill’s story.

The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Glass-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Babies-Crying, Glass-Still-Flying, Cats-Crying, Rump-Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Thank You-Wham-Bam-I-Am-Jam

This was a nice write up. I remember people used to make jokes about Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan for admitting they struggled w/ depression. I’m glad that’s changed. I’d rather be cringe than see people go out like this.

That’s heartbreaking. Making it to the NBA and then disappearing from the sport so young is already sad, but losing him at 29 really puts things into perspective. I hope people remember his story with compassion, not just as a statistic.

TIL Kansas City had a basketball team.

That’s sad. The outreach for mental health was basically nonexistent back then.

If all you have is one thing and lose it, it can be difficult to get past that

Soo many short span career players don’t  branch out. Get into coaches. Own real Estate. Buy a fast food franchise

Then again, you hear of these stories in other aspects of life. Corporate unalives happen too