I was checking the updates from the NBA playoffs when I came across a story. It was Game 3 between the New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs. The game was won by the Spurs. Amid the game recaps, stats and hype, a small story was tucked away that caught my eye. The Hornets' point guard Chris Paul played the game with the name "Brian" written on his shoes.
Brian was the name of an eight year old child who was battling leukemia. He was granted an opportunity, through NBA's Make-A-Wish foundation, to watch the Hornets play the Spurs and also meet his beloved star CP3. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. Little Brian came down with an intense fever, was hospitalized, and passed away as the Hornets were playing the Spurs in their second home game.
Brian had apparently said that he knew he was going to heaven, and wanted to meet Jesus in his Chris Paul jersey. The story left Paul speechless and humbled. To honor the memory of Brian, he wrote the boy's name on his shoes.
For a guy who's just 23 years old, Paul is doing a great job of carrying the hopes of an entire city which is still trying to get back on it's feet from the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. No offense to Kobe fans, but to me this year's MVP award rightfully belonged to CP3. But who needs an MVP award, when you know that you are loved, cherished, respected and cheered by fans like Brian.
