Had a great time in Naples, Florida over all star break. Unfortunately my wife and daughter had the bug and were feeling under the weather most of the time. At least we got some time together and we were with our friends Mike and Annie. The time went by quickly, it seems like I never get enough time with the family. While in Florida I got a couple of workouts in and got some shots up. I also watched a high school basketball game and the referee’s were awful. All that they did was blow the whistle and there was no flow to the game. I felt bad for the kids playing because they really didn’t get a chance to play.

    Got back to DC Sunday night. Practice was on Monday at 5:00pm. Everyone seemed like the break did them good. The practice was a good one with the players all working hard and they were enthusiastic too. It seemed like everyone wanted to be there. Gilbert practiced and so did Andray. It is good to see Gil back doing what he should be doing. Hopefully he will be able to play again and regain his all star form.

    First game back against Minnesota. They are a team that is alot like us. They are struggling and are suffering from injuries as well. They also had a coaching change during the season. Their record is also similar to ours. It will be good to see JB Bickerstaff and Dean Cooper, two guys that I met over the summer doing camps in China and India.

    Had our morning meeting and then shootaround. After shootaround I spent some time with Brendan on the practice court and worked him about a bit. He is shooting the ball better than I expected. His wrist seems to be fairly flexible. We really miss him on the floor. BWood anchored our defense and really talked to his teammates. Get back soon Wood, we need you and miss you. Brendan will go see the doctor on Friday when we are in New Jersey. Hopefully we will have some good news and a date as to when he can participate in practice.

   The game never gets here soon enough. Time seems to drag from shootaround until tip off. The highlight of my day is when Adam or Chase (two of our ballboys) come looking for me and want to challenge me to a shootout. I have to shoot with my left hand. They are great guys and we have alot of fun and laughs. They have gotten better from last season as they have beaten me a few times this season. My left hand has also improved shooting against them. It is funny to see how happy they are when they do win, which isn’t too often I might add. It gets my mind off of the game and keeps me loose. I also make sure that I get my workout in, don’t want to miss any workouts.

    WE WON. We beat Minnesota and I was happy to see my brother and friends at the game. My brother Skip came down from Baltimore with Lee Miles, Joey and Michael Schultz. Maybe they are our good luck charms. It feels good to win.

    Remember to count your blessings, we all have something to be thankful for and tell your loved ones how much you love tham and how much they mean to you.

   Last night we suffered another loss, this time to the Memphis Grizzlies. The final score was 113 to 98. The sad part of this game is that we had a lead in the third quarter, but the end result is what matters. We have had a number of games where we have been ahead in the second half only to let the game slip away. We are now 10 and 38. That is almost as many losses as we had all of last year and we are not even at all star break. Speaking of all star break I am looking forward to going away with the family to Naples, Florida and catch some sun. This year we were shut out with any all stars. When you are losing there are no rewards.

    We have a few more games before all star break. We have New Jersey at home tomorrow night, then the Denver Nuggets come in and I get to see my good friends George Karl, Tim Gruguvich, Jahmal Mosley and John Welch. They are playing well and Chauncey Billups was a great addition to their team. After the Denver game we have another home game against Indiana on Sunday. It will be great to see TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic, two great guys who were in Toronto when I was up there two years ago. Then we go on the road for two games. First up we have Atlanta on the 10th and then Charlotte on the 11th.

     Atlanta has my friend JT on the bench. That is Jim Todd, a great guy who is responsible for getting me involved in the NBA. He tried to hire me as his assistant when he took over the head coaching job for the Clippers a few years back. Then JT and Sam Mitchell brought me up to training camp in Toronto, when Sam first got the job. Then two years ago JT was instumental along with David and Dana Pump in convincing Bryan Colangelo to hire me. The rest is history. Who knows what the future will hold.

    I do know that I have a blessed life and to be doing something that I love is truly a blessing, especially in these difficult times. Thank the LORD for all of your blessings and don’t forget to tell your loved ones that you love them and how much they mean to you. Take care and God Bless.