24. Bill Russell has received many honors during his career, just look at his fingers. Still, he received a real special one this week, thanks to basketballs most famous fan. President Barack Obama rewarded the Boston Celtic legend with the Presidential Medal Of Freedom. This honor is the United States' highest civilian award and well deserved for such a great man, on and off the floor. This honor is quoted as recognising those who have, "made an especially meritorious contribution to (1), the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." The White House issued a statement about Bill, saying in one part , "(Bill Russell) The first African American to coach in the NBA—indeed he was the first to coach a major sport at the professional level in the United States—Bill Russell is also an impassioned advocate of human rights. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and has been a consistent advocate of equality". Russell stated humbly that his father was his real hero but also stated that he was, "I am very, very flattered by this honor". You deserve it sir.
48. Bill Russell isn't the only member of the NBA family honored this week. Kobe Bryant will put his hands and feet in concrete outside Hollywood's famed Grauman's Chinese Theater, joining the likes of everyone from John Wayne to Adam Sandler. As Kobe just goes with it, during the Los Angeles held All-Star weekend, the Lakers duke will be honored by vearious celebrities. With the Celtics and the Lakers making honor roll news this week it looks like the two storied rivals are competing yet again. With all due respect however Obama beats George Lopez and Jimmy Kimmell, who will be speaking at Bryant's ceremony (no offence). Lopez a life long Laker fan will be a key-note speaker and Jimmy Kimmell's ABC late night show films across the road from the theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Get this though, Kobe is the first non-Hollywood star to have his hands and feet in cement. Now he just needs to have a star on the Walk Of Fame.
82. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the senior vice president of the Orlando Magic Pat Williams. The long-time NBA executive has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. The condition is known as multiple myeloma and the Doctors are optimistic that they have discovered this cancer early. Here's wishing a speedy recovery for this hard-worker. All the best, get well soon.
O.T. The Milwaukee Bucks are close to being back in the Redd. As their star guard Michael Redd looks to come back after a long knee injury. The Bucks look to score big as their star and his shot returns...on the flip side of the injury coin. Michael Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves will be out of the woods for the teams next game with an ankle injury...yeat another big event has been named to the All-Star weekend. As the league owners and player plan to have a meeting in L.A. regarding the labor situation. Let's hope this is one of the big highlights of the weekend. We don't want a lockout next season. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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