Shaun Connolly
First off, it’s not you, it’s Brad. This is not going to be a business take on your trade. Trades are inherently business first. But, then the heart comes into play. With every transaction there is the aftermath of the emotional toll of these decisions. That’s what I am going to talk about here. Not Brad’s “optionality” or draft picks or even using off-court and on-court usage stats. I am going to talk about how much you mean to me, to New England, to basketball.
I know that this kind of reads like I am honoring someone who passed away and not someone who is still healthy, competitive and very much alive. But it feels like we’ve all truly lost something special. It wasn’t just the points scored or the defensive stops made. It was way more than that. It was how Boston was your home. We drafted you over Markelle Fultz and the entire region scratched our heads. We didn’t realize that the Gumby-haired forward would teach at MIT, donate millions into neighborhoods that need it most and offer $100,000 grants to underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Philadelphia is a great sports city, trash people, but an unbelievable sports city. You’re going to play great alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Personally, you’ve been my favorite player since Kevin Garnett. While not as explosive, your heart and grit match his. You won one championship with us and I am forever grateful for that. The only Sixers jersey I ever thought I would wear is an Iverson one when I was 11 years old, but my Brown is already in the mail. Miss you dog.
Shaun