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“You were a hell of a prospect, Myron You were smart You had an unbelievable touch You were loaded with talent”
“I coulda been a contenda,” Myron said
Arnstein scowled It was a famous scowl, developed over some fifty-plus years in professional basketball The scowl had made its first appearance when Clip played for the now-defunct Rochester Royals in the forties It grew more famous when he coached the Boston Celtics to nuendary trade” the coo the nicknao Clip had becoons and the sco resided in East Rutherford, right off Exit 16 of the New Jersey Turnpike His voice was gruff “Was that supposed to be Brando?”
“Eerie, isn’t it? Like Marlon’s actually in the room”
Clip Arnstein’s face suddenly softened He nodded slowly, giving Myron the doelike, father-figure eyes “You ravely “I understand that”
Dr Joyce Brothers
“Is there so I can do for you, Mr Arnstein?”
“You never played in a single professional game, did you, Myron?”
“You know very well I didn’t”
Clip nodded “Your first preseason gaae That hen fate took over”
Fate took the forton Bullets There had been a collision, a searing pain, and then nothing
“Awful thing,” Clip said
“Uh huh”
“I always felt bad about what happened to you Such a waste”
Myron glanced at Calvin Johnson Calvin was looking off, arms crossed, his sain
“That’s why I’d like to give you another chance”
Myron was sure he’d heard wrong “Pardon?”
“We have a slot open on the tean you”
Myron waited He looked at Clip Then he looked at Calvin Johnson Neither one was laughing “Where is it?” Myron asked
“What?”
“The caht? Is this the one with Ed McMahon? I’ fan of his work”
“It’s not a joke, Myron”
“It must be, Mr Arnstein I haven’t played competitive ball in ten years I shattered my knee, remember?”
“All too well But as you said, it was ten years ago I know you went through rehabilitation to rebuild it”
“And you also know I tried a coo The knee wouldn’t hold up”
“It was still too early,” Clip said “You just told ain”
“Pickup games on weekends It’s a tad different than the NBA”
Clip disument with a wave of his hand “You’re in shape You even volunteered to flex”
Myron’s eyes narrowed, swerving from Clip to Calvin Johnson, back to Clip Their expressions were neutral “Why do I have the feeling,” Myron asked, “that I’ here?”