Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

In the aftermath that was the destruction of last season’s bench mob, Ronnie Brewer was of the victims who was ultimately waived. He was than picked up by the New York Knicks last summer and than just six months after, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a measly second round pick during the february NBA trade deadline.

Though it may be hard for anybody to adjust to a new team’s system all over again Bulls head coach, Tom Thibodeau said it won’t be difficult for Ronnie Brewer. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Thibodeau said,

“He’ll fit in fine because of the type of character he has,” Thibodeau said. “Their team is made up of great character. He’ll do whatever they ask of him. That’s just play great defense, move the ball, run the floor, move without the ball. Ronnie is just a good player. He can fit into any system.”

Although Brewer may be part of a whole new team in a different conference, he says his time with the Bulls was like no other and that he still keeps in touch with his former Bulls’ teammates no matter where he is.

“When I was in Chicago, it was a close-knit group,” he said. “We thought we were so close to winning a championship. Our whole team was fairly new (in 2010). We became like a brotherhood. I feel like that’s what every NBA team is supposed to be like.”

Brewer spent All-Star weekend with Jimmy Butler.

“I check on them still,” he said of his former teammates. “They’re kind of like family. And they do the same for me.”

Thunder head coach, Scott Brooks, would’ve liked it if Brewer played in Sunday’s game against the Bulls, however he wanted him to participate in a full practice with his new teammates.

Coach Scott Brooks said he wants Brewer to participate in at least one full practice before playing, which didn’t occur in time for Brewer to face his former Bulls teammates because of paperwork and physicals that were completed Saturday evening.

“He has played in a lot of big games,” Brooks said. “We like guys who can guard two or three positions.”

When all is said and done, Brewer was a great player on the Bulls’ bench mob back in 2010-11. It appears all good things come to an end and it’s unfortunate that he’s no longer part of this Bulls team. From the Windy City to the Big Apple and now to the Loud City, Brewer would always be part of Chicago Bulls’ history. Here’s to him having a great season with his new team and wherever he goes.

Jay Williams, once a star for the Chicago Bulls, fell by the wayside after a motorcycle accident in 2003. Williams is now an analyst for ESPN.
Credit: Jerry M. Lange/The New York Times

Nearly 10 years after the accident, Williams spoke with Greg Bishop of the New York Times in a powerful piece of literature and reflected on his life before the accident and after.

At his lowest point, Williams did more than consider suicide. “I remember lying in my bed,” he said. “And I’m just tired of being here. I didn’t want to be here anymore. I was so afraid to face people. And I didn’t really know who I was. And I didn’t really want anybody to see me. And I didn’t want to talk to anybody. I didn’t want to talk about it.”

Williams glanced at his mother, Althea Williams, as he recounted the story. He continued: “I mean, to the point where I sat there, and I had this pair of scissors in my hand. I just kept going on my wrist. I wasn’t trying to go sideways. I was going vertical. I didn’t want to be here. At all.”

His mother added: “I came in. I saw it. I slept in the room every day after that.”

“That was the lowest point in my life,” Williams said. “And if I had more time, if the scissors weren’t dull, I think I would have followed through with it. I can’t say for sure. But I was leaning toward that.”

To go from a guy who had it all. A national championship, future face of the Bulls, the fame, fortune and all its glory and then to a guy who made one mistake, one single mistake and may not walk again. A mistake that changed his life forever only to find himself to blame. Being that guy, living with tremendous regret would be hard and nearly impossible for anyone to life with. Fortunately, Williams is able to find peace, move on and life his life.

What rescued him from going in his darkest parts of his life was the one person that’s always been there for him. His mother who still remains an important and close person to William’s life.

Williams now works for ESPN as a college basketball analysts. Not exactly the life he visioned but a good life nonetheless. As a fan of the game, It’s hard not to imagine what could’ve been and all these “what ifs.” However it’s hard to not be happy for him. Happy that he found peace and gratitude in his life.

I honestly suggest reading the whole article by Greg Bishop if you have time to spare. It’s an amazing, magnificent piece and a few paragraphs can’t do justice. As Williams notes in the article, he doesn’t want pity or sympathy as he moved on with his life.