Right arm of Sacramento Kings starting guard, Mike Bibby
Posted on 05/29/2004 10:54:07 AM PDT by Smogger
Dwight Howard's strong religious beliefs will not be an obstacle if members of the Orlando Magic believe he's the best player for the organization.
But Pat Williams, the Magic's senior executive vice president who represented the team at the draft lottery Wednesday in Secaucus, N.J., also said Howard's strong religious beliefs will not be the deciding factor in the Magic's evaluation of Howard.
Howard
The 18-year-old power forward from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy has the potential to be this year's No. 1 overall pick. He's also expressed his desire to put a cross on the NBA logo, as well as use his power in the league, "to make sure that everybody hears the truth about God."
"We're first looking for a talented player, someone who will have the ability to play in this league at a very high level," Williams said. "But we're also looking for someone who a young man who is strong in character, and I believe Dwight's strong Christian stance, a la (former Spurs center) David Robinson is a wonderful part of his life.
"Despite the fact that he might make himself a target, it thrills me to see a young athlete unashamed of his stance on religion."
Williams, himself an outspoken Christian, wrote the book, "How To Be Like Jesus: Lessons On Following In His Footsteps."
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.espn.go.com ...
I don't think the NBA will be anti-religious enough to kiss off devout Christian fans. The great thing about America is that everybody's dollars are the same color, so to speak.
"...everybody's dollars are the same color..."
Yes, they are, even though they are of different denominations. ; )
Maybe it will bring a new market to the NBA. I know I quit watching about five years ago and haven't followed the league since.
I don't understand the premise of this article or at least I hope I don't understand it. Why waste ink on questioning whether an individual's strong religious convictions could hurt the team? The answer is obvious, it can't hurt and will probably help.
Now, a more appropriate topic would be, does the gangster lifestyle that so many of the NBA players have adopted as their spiritual foundation hurt the team. I guess that answer is obvious too. Probably best not to ask such inflammatory questions.
I was thinking the article would go the black muslem route. Silly me. Christianity is the great worry here.
Please remind me we're in the United States of America. Sometimes it's very hard to believe.
You're dead on target with that gangsta comment.
HOW REFRESHING, FOR A CHANGE!
HEY, ACLU BBBBBBBBBTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!
Just when you think that Hollywood, Michael Moore, the ACLU, the baby killers, the flaming queen homosexual lobby and the gay marriage advocates have won; someone like this guy surfaces and reminds you that there is still a remnant who haven't bowed the knee to Baal.
How tolerant of them
Wrong religious. Non if he were a muslim and change his name to Iman Aswholi...
For sure. Thankfully! PTL.
Hope his faith can survive the groupies.
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