| 12 December 2011
Say what you will about the NBA, but this much is true: it is a league of second chances.
In Bonzi Wells’ case, he might fit in the third or fourth chance category.
By now you know Wells’ story. By now you’ve probably heard that the former shooting guard with the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Hornets – and stints in China and Puerto Rico – is back for one last go around in the NBA, this time in training camp with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Is this the new Bonzi?
As the story goes, it appears that way.
"When you get humbled the way I was humbled the last few years, it really puts your life in perspective. What I've gone through, that's not the way I want to go out. So I've humbled myself,” said Wells in a story by Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune.
"I really didn't like the way I left the game. You want to go out and say you're retired. You don't want to go out because someone tells you they don't want you anymore."
Reading those two quotes from Wells reminds me of two things.
The first is Stephon Marbury. Much like Wells, Marbury is often painted with a harsh brush, yet has found peace with himself and his past while now playing in China. And why Wells is “humbled” by where his life has taken him the last two years, that road has led to Minnesota and the chance to reunite with Adelman.
Back in December 2008, Wells made his Chinese Basketball Association debut for Shanxi Zhongyu and went off for 48 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 steals. He followed it up scoring 52 points and grabbing14 rebounds, including scoring 13 of the team’s 18 points in an overtime win. But soon after the New Year, Wells failed to report to his team after an extended leave and despite averaging 34 points in his 14 games with Zhongyu his contract was terminated in late January, 2009.
Secondly, this isn’t the first time Wells has been humbled.
Soon after arriving in Portland (by way of the Detroit Pistons as the 11th overall pick) in 1998, Wells was getting the full tour of the Rose Garden by a member of the Blazers front office and promotions staff. By the time the visit of the arena commenced on his new home floor, Wells became so choked-up and emotional that he fought back the tears. It was a long journey from Muncie, Indiana and Ball State to the NBA.
Thirteen years later humility has hit home again for Bonzi Wells.
Making Minnesota’s opening day roster is going to be a stretch, but the past three years Wells has also found a comfort level teaching the game and coaching AAU ball (clip below is from May, via the Star Press), while waiting for another shot at the league.
If indeed this is Wells’ last hurrah, he’s at least making it a good one.
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