Little Sandman21 sat in his corner so close to the little fire that he surely would rub his hands raw from trying to absorb the warmth. For his employer would not allow him to place any additional coal or wood on the fire because that would be taking an defensive stance toward the matter. His employer demanded that all things must be done offensively and with space, so young Sandman21 could warm himself & not spend a penny more on luxuries of coal or wood.
Sandman21, shouted his employer, I don't pay you to sit there wasting time daydreaming by the fire! Get back to work and I'll not hear one word from you until you have completed printing every single Gallanari T-Shirt.
Yes sir, replied Sandman21.
Knowing that tomorrow was Christmas he did not want to raise the ire of his employer so that he would be able to get his full day off and maybe even some form of bonus. Young Sandman21 went back to diligently stitching each shirt by hand.
A knock at the front door was heard.
Well don't just sit there get the door, yelled Sandman21 employer.
Yes sir, replied Sandman21.
While rapping himself in a gold colored comforter that had a large Pacers emblem on one end young Sandman21 slowly made his way towards the door without hesitation, but with full knowledge that a cold chill accompanied opening that frigid door.
Another knock and Sandman21 was opening the door.
In the doorway stood the cheery face of Pogi with his wife.
Come in come in before you catch your death of cold, Sandman21 cheerfully said to Pogi.
Pogi & his wife swiftly walked into the small shop and brushed the snow away from each other, laughing in the goodness of the day.
Is your master in? Asked Pogi.
But of course he is, said Sandman21, however I fear you will find him in poor humor these days.
Nonsense, Pogi replied, I come about today to invite him to Christmas lunch & to enjoy the merry tidings of the season and to watch the former Pacer Paul George play against former greatest coach in Pacers NBA history Frank Vogel on Christmas day.
BAH HUMBUG a deep voice said.
The room grew colder, even though the door was shut, and a dark shadow was cast over the gathering of people. For there standing in the stairway looking down upon the group was Sandman21 employer.
He was wearing an official Devin Booker jersey, he had on Adidas Yeezy shoes and was wearing a Carmelo Anthony gold chain.
It was Vnzla81.
Uncle, come with us to lunch upon the morrow and we will feast then we will retreat to watch the former Pacer giants do battle and we will talk and dream of a day when the Pacers will play on Christmas day again.
A Hum bug upon the Pacers, Vnzla81 stated.
A hum bug upon the Pacers? questioned Pogi.
Yes, A hum bug, said Vnzla81.
You keep the Pacers in your way and let me keep it in my own way, said Vnzla81
But you scarcely keep them at all anymore, Pogi said sadly.
Then let me leave it alone then, responded Vnzla81.
What reason do you have to dislike the Pacers, you've spent enough time over the years on them? Asked Pogi
What reason do you have to like the Pacers, you've scarcely posted on the Pacers Digest for years now? Responded Vnzla81 sourly.
I will keep my Christmas cheer about me & wish you the merriest of holidays and will hold hope that you will join us for lunch and the game tomorrow, said a smiling Pogi.
Bah Humbug said Vnzla81 under his breath as he turned and went towards the staircase.
Without a further word a smiling Pogi & wife turned towards young Sandman21 and gladly wished the seasons greeting upon him. In turn young Sandman21 warmly returned their wishes, even though he was cold of body he still was flowing with the promise of the day & the joy that is Pacers pride. With that Pogi and Sandman21 each said "merry christmas" followed by a rousing "Boom Baby".
Old Vnzla81 blood was steaming.
Not another word out of you young Sandman21 lest you find yourself without your situation, said Vnzla81
Yes sir, replied Sandman21 as he shuffled back to his stitching.
As Pogi & wife walked out the door a good natured big fellow walked in.
Is this the business of "all things Pace & Space" with the owners of Vnzla81 & Uncle Buck? Asked the man.
I've spent a good deal of money on a sign to advertise that very fact, said Vnzla81.
Smiling widely the man said, my name is Big Mac and I've come from the Pacers foundation. Do I have the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Vnzla81 or Mr. Buck?
Uncle Buck has been dead for these past 7 years. Actually he died seven years ago this very night, said Vnzla81
Well, I'm sure the liberalism and goodness in nature of Uncle Buck will be represented by his partner. Replied Big Mac.
Snickering Vnzla81. said, yes Uncle Buck and myself were kindred spirits.
Good good then, said Big Mac, we are collecting for the poor and underprivileged of Indianapolis so that they may go to the Victor Oladipo youth camp this summer. Victor will be teaching the young players the importance of driving to the rim and how to be feathery.
Will there be no three point shooting taught? Asked Vnzla81
Will there be no education of how to send two front court players to the corners to space the floor? Further queried Vnzla81
Yes, yes I'm certain these skills will be taught but Victor will be focusing on complete fundamentals of the game. Said Big Mac
How much can I put you down for? asked Big Mac.
Nothing, replied Vnzla81
You wish to remain anonymous then? asked Big Mac.
I wish to be left alone, said Vnzla81 I don't make merry at the holidays anymore and if someone wishes to learn basketball skills they should go to the God Mike D'Anotoni offense above all program to learn the trade.
With that Big mac turned and left the business.
I suppose you will be wanting the whole day off tomorrow, asked Vnzla81 sourly to Sandman21.
If it's not to much trouble sir, he sheepishly replied.
Yes, it is troublesome. What reason is it to celebrate the robbing of a man every December 25, if I paid you $1.00 less you would feel yourself ill used, said Vnzla81. You be back in here all the earlier the next day.
Yes sir, said Sandman21 who then wrapped himself up in his comforter & placed on his Pacers gloves and ran out the door.
Humbug, thought Vnzla81
Vnzla81 closed up the shop & he removed the one little lump of coal from the fire that he allowed Sandman21 to burn. He rubbed off the used pieces and placed it to the side proud of the fact that he could use the coal again come Monday.
Vnzla81 gathered himself up and wrapped himself in his new red jacket that had a Houston Rockets emblem on it. He placed his new hat on that had a suns logo on it and headed out the door.
On his way home he stopped by the local dank restaurant so that he could eat his stew and read NBA twitter feed. After reading all the postings, skipping any reference to the Pacers, he slowly made his way home.
As he approached his house the wind was stirring almost to the point of a howl being in the air. As he wrestled with his keys in the dim light his eyes betrayed him for there on his door knocker appeared a face, a face that was in pain and anguish. He could not make out the face but he recognized the painful look on the face. Then it was gone.
Bah Humbug, thought Vnzla81 as he slowly opened his door.
The night progressed and Vnzla81 sat down to enjoy a cup of soup before going off to bed. He sat in his corner chair that faced the fire place sipping at his soup & watching the fire.
Then a sound began. Clanking of chains and a moan filled the air.
Vnzla81. sat stunned.
No, he thought to himself, this is just in my mind.
Then the fire blew out with a whoosh. The smoke began to envelop the room and Vnzla81 began to cough. As he was rising to his feet he stopped, stared and then fell deep into his chair. For there standing before him in the room.
UNCLE BUCK'S ghost.
Who are you spirit? asked Vnzla81
Ask me who I was, stated the spirit.
Who were you then, asked Vnzla81, stating you are awfully particular for a ghost.
In life I was your partner, replied the spirit.
Uncle Buck, is that you? Asked Vnzla81
Yes, replied the spirit.
Why do you wear such a burden and why are you here haunting me? Asked Vnzla81
These chains are the excuses I formed in life, replied Uncle Buck. I made them link by link every time Ron Artest did something bad but I excused it because he was such a good player. Every time that I called Chris Copeland Crapperland and nobody noticed it wasn't you
Do you not believe in me, said Uncle Buck, seeing that Vnzla81 had an uncaring look upon his face.
The mind and senses can be fooled, said Vnzla81 suddenly feeling smart about himself, a piece of cheese an undigested potato. Why there is more gravy than grave to you I fear.
With that Uncle Buck let out a loud ear piercing howl.
Visibly shaken Vnzla81 states, why do you haunt me my old friend?
I am here to warn you? said Uncle Buck. These links I wear I forged in life and now I am cursed to walk the earth never resting never sleeping, the chain you bear is seven times longer than my own. I am here to warn you to change your ways or you will be cursed to the same fate I am.
But you were a good man of the spacing business, cried Vnzla81.
Rebounding was my business, shot blocking was my business, fundamental basketball was all part of my business but I didn't learn this till it was to late.
With that a hand appeared from the fire place and pulled on Uncle Buck's chain.
Quick I have no more time said Uncle Buck. You will be visited by three more spirits before this night is over I pray that the lessons they teach will not be lost on you.
With a puff of smoke he was gone.
Vnzla81. ran to his room, threw off his cloths put on his new p.j.'s with the Dallas Mavericks logo on it and pulled the covers over his head.
He was shaking so that he fell fastly to sleep.
The gentle tolling on the clock bells rang, quarter past the hour, half past the hour, quarter till the hour then the hour itself.
Vnzla81 set up in bed and looked around the room, nothing came.
Whew it was all a bad dream, thought Vnzla81 and with that he laid back down turned to his side. He closed his eyes but felt a lump behind him in the bed. He rolled over to remove the out of place pillow when he came face to face with a spirit wearing a familiar Pacers #33 jersey.
Vnzla81 jumped from the bed and shouted, who are you?
I am the ghost of Pacers past. Said the spirit.
The far past? asked Vnzla81
Your past, replied the spirit.
Take me where you will spirit for I am tired, said Vnzla81
Grab my jersey then, said the spirit.
Vnzla81 looking oddly at him as he realizes that the spirit is only covered by an oversized jersey.
Call me Monte slayer as you did when I was alive, Vnzla81 knew immediately the spirit was none other than the great Danny Granger who Vnzla81 secretly had a man crush on.
As he takes hold of his jersey, Vnzla81 feels his body lift from the floor & through his roof.
Oddly in the air Vnzla81 hears the sounds of Jerry Baker, Bob Lamy and Mark Boyle calling out play by play from years past.
The snow grows heavy to the point where Vnzla81 cannot see, then poof he is in a warm room.
It is his old house. He see's himself sitting before a television as a very young child. On the T.V. are the Pacers and it looks like they are playing the Detroit Pistons.
Why have you brought me here Danny? Asked Vnzla81. What is there to benefit me here?
These are the memory's of your past, stated Danny Granger. These are the times that make a young man who he is in life.
But these days sucked, cried Vnzla81. just look out there. That's T.J. Ford and Travis Diener. My God that is washed *** Rasho Nesterovic in the middle.
Yes, but remember this is a couple of years after the Brawl, said Danny Granger. The N.B.A. took a heavy toll on the team and then our franchise made a colossally bad trade.
Yes, it's true said Vnzla81 but I hated the losing so bad.
It got worse didn't it? Asked Danny Granger
Yes, sadly it did said Vnzla81
With that a mist swirled about them and they were in another time.
My God is that Jim Boylen on the sidelines as an assistant? Asked Vnzla81.
Yes, I'm afraid it is said Danny Granger. The team suffered long and hard under the coaching of the fallen angel and Boylen was there all along. But soon a new spirit will be in the air.
Vnzla81. now sees an older version of himself sitting at his house watching the Pacers play the Heat during a regular season game.
There he is, proudly watching as Josh McRoberts lays down a hard charging dunk, Vnzla81 remembers vividly saying "one day he will be a star".
The young Vnzla81 is on the digest after the game typing "man someday we will be as good as the Bulls are, I can see us winning fourty eight games some day and making the playoffs" The spirit of his youth was spilling over.
A smoke envelopes Vnzla81 and the spirit and again they are in another time.
Vnzla81. finds an older version of himself standing on his feet jumping up and down cheering wildly.
I don't ever recall cheering out loud like this for the team when the Clown was the coach
Look closer, Said Danny Granger
Looking down on the floor Vnzla81 sees Roy Hibbert jumping up to block a shot by Carmelo Anthony. He see's Melo walking to the bench dejected with other Knicks in tow and he realizes he is watching game 6 of the 2013 second round playoffs between the Knicks and Pacers.
A tear wealed up in the eyes of Vnzla81
What is it? said Danny Granger
Oh I only wish I could have said something to Pogi right now, said Vnzla81 hiding the tear.
He looked on his younger self. He could see the pride that he had from years of watching basketball played the right way.
Again smoke enveloped them and again they were gone.
This time they came back and he saw an older Vnzla81 not one with the lines of age but one in the prime of life. However he could see that some of the joy was gone.
His younger self was sitting at a computer typing. He peeked over his shoulder and saw what he was typing.
Great Monte killer, said Vnzla81, take me away from here I don't want to see anymore.
What troubles you? asked Danny Granger could it be what you are typing? With that Danny Granger projects the words that the young Vnzla81 is typing on the Pacers digest forum.
Over and over again he kept typing the same thing. Spacing wins games, I don't care about statistics, Monte Ellis is the perfect basketball player, I'm glad we got rid of Lance Stephenson because he wasn't worth the money.
No Danny, said Vnzla81, don't make me see the next part.
With a wave of his hand Danny Granger projects in big red letters on the wall the words that an older U.B. is typing.
OK, I have waited as long as I can. You knew this was coming, I waited as long as I could, and I freely admit I should wait until Paul George comes back at full helath to make this post. But I can't wait any longer. Pacers will not win a championship without Monte Ellis. I believe that with all my mind, heart and soul
With that Vnzla81 falls to the ground weeping shouting, take me away take me away.
Danny Granger having grown smaller and older in a very short time says, My time is almost up and there are still things to be learned on this night and I pray you learn them.
Poof, Vnzla81 was back in his bed. He falls asleep weeping.
Ding Dong Ding Dong sounded the clanging of louder bells.
In the hallway Vnzla81 could see a light and hear a loud sound of music playing in the air.
He made his way to the hallway and opened the door. When he gazed in the room he saw a Shining gold light with blue sparkles coming off of it. There were pacemates dancing and there was Michael Grady in the corner playing "let's go" by trick daddy.
Are you the next spirit that Danny Granger spoke of? Asked Vnzla81. in amazement.
No my man, I'm now doing my thing in the big apple, but I'm still a believer at heart, I just came by to do the P.A. duties and introduce to you "the man in the middle, from the University of Texas standing at 6'11" tall MYLES TURNER' And with a shout of Indy followed up by an echoing ANA that sounded and awful lot like Roaming Gnome, Michael Grady disappeared.
Standing ominously next to Vnzla81 was the clean cut and dapper looking Myles Turner.
.
Are you the spirit that Danny Granger warned me of? asked Vnzla81.
Indeed I am, replied a calm but smiling Turner.
Take me where you will then, I would profit from what you seek to teach me as I have already learened from Danny Granger.
Grab a hold of my jersey and we will be away, stated Myles Turner.
Vnzla81 hesitantly reaches out & grabs his jersey noticing that his fingers feel hot and there is smoke coming from his fingernails.
They fly out to the northwest area. They land at Squeelers.
Inside there is a party going on. Pogi is there along with his wife. Jose Slaughter is there and Vnzla81 see's he is studying everybody present. Owl is there as is Roaming Gnome, BillS is there introducing himself to Imawhat for the 23rd time while Dr. Fife is in a corner scribbling away in a notebook.
There is joy and good tidings in the room.
At this time Pogi steps forward and offers a toast. To Vnzla81, although he won't have good Pacers pride about himself anymore I say merry Christmas to him and a long happy life.
Pogi's wife turns to him and says for all of the good a toast will do him.
Pogi then says, I will greet him every year and if he finds me in good humor than I say that he will hard pressed to turn me away.
With that the party fades.
Vnzla81 & Myles Turner are flying through the air again now they find themselves berried in snow up past their butts in a house on the West Side.
Here he they come upon Vnzla81's poor clerk Sandman21. He is watching old reruns of Pacers playoffs past.
Myles Turner shakes off his head and sprinkles some dust on Sandman21 to which Sandman21 smiles.
Is there some particular blessing in your dandruff? asked Vnzla81
Without a doubt, said a coy looking Myles Turner.
At this point in time CableKC enters the room on crutches.
Myles what is wrong with CableKC, asked Vnzla81
Sad sauce, said Myles, he went on a cruise and met me on an island and caught jump shooting fever.
Will he make it? asked Vnzla81
I see an empty chair at the next pacersdigest party if things don't change, said Myles Turner shaking his head.
They are back in the hallway of his house now and any remnants of Michael Grady are gone and only a dimly lit candle lights the room.
Myles Turner, said Vnzla81., I don't mean to speak out of place but under your warm-ups I see two appendages that stick out from behind your legs are they claws?
Myles Turner says, they might as well be claws for all the good they will do. Then from out walk a boy and a girl both drawn and disfigured.
Myles Turner states, the girl is the floor spacing and the boy is three point shooting but beware the boy the most for he is the downfall of franchises.
Spirit won't a good defense with solid fundamental save them? Asked Vnzla81
Will there be no three point shooting taught? Will there be no education of how to send two front court players to the corners to space the floor ? yelled Myles Turner as he faded away.
Vnzla81 was in a ball in the corner by the wall when a light brightly shined on him. The windows opened and a spirit appeared through the curtains.
He pointed a bony cold finger at Vnzla81
You are the spirit I fear most of all, said Vnzla81 from his fetal position, for you are the ghost of Pacers future.
The ghost shook his head and in doing so revealed that his face looked strangely like Frank Vogel. Odd, thought Vnzla81
Take me where you will spirit, Vnzla81 I have learned my lesson well this night & I would learn what you have to teach me.
Vnzla81. took the spirits cape & away they flew. West they flew far far west landing in the lights of Las Angeles.
Why have you taken me here, asked Vnzla81?
The spirit pointed behind him to the Staples Center.
Vnzla81. quickly averted his eyes. No spirit, please tell me what is on the sign for I cannot bare to look. Said Vnzla81
The spirit stood silently.
Why must you torment me so, cried Vnzla81
Along the side of the road he saw two young men walking wearing Lakers jersey's but one said Oladipo and the other said Sabonis.
Well, at the very least the when Frank won his 3rd straight title after LeBron retired the team allowed him to take over personnel decisions as well. It was straight genius of him to trade for Vic and Domas from the struggling Pacers new G.M. Monte Ellis said one fan to the other. Yea but I heard that trading Devontae Cacok and 43 year old Rajon Rondo was really the idea new director of player personnel Danny Granger, he said that Monte always bit for the fake during a game and was tricked by old flash replied the other fan.
No spirit please please don't let this be, cried Vnzla81
The spirit pointed to the Marque.
The sign said the congratulations to the new league MVP Domantas Sabonis.
Vnzla81 screamed with all of his might dropping to the ground to plead with the spirit. No, I've learned my lesson. If fans don't support the team they have then they may have no team at all. Winning is only good if it is done with honor and no one player is above game. Offense is only one side of the floor and Mike D'Antoni is a fraud who is not qualified to coach 8th grade basketball. I've changed I've changed I've changed.
Ding ding ding ding went the clock.
Vnzla81 opened his eyes. I'm back I've made it.
He jumped out of bed, threw open a window & saw a small boy.
You, young fellow, said Vnzla81 what day is it?
Why it's christmas day, said the boy.
Then I haven't missed it, the spirits did all of their work in one night yelled a joyous Vnzla81.
He threw off his p.j.'s & dug in his closet finding his Tyler Hansbrough jersey put on gold and blue warm-ups then threw on his Pacers jacket he had under the bed and ran out the door.
He drove as fast as he could to Squeelers.
He opened the door and a silence came over the room. Pogi walked towards him.
Pogi, said Vnzla81, I want to come to the party. I want to watch the pacers.
Merry Christmas Vnzla81 Merry Christmas to us all, said Pogi.
It was said from that day forward that no man alive kept the spirit of Pacers pride as well as Vnzla81. He was as good a friend, neighbor and employer as any man alive.
And to young CableKC who did not die, he became an older brother to care for him for the rest of his life.
The end.
Sandman21, shouted his employer, I don't pay you to sit there wasting time daydreaming by the fire! Get back to work and I'll not hear one word from you until you have completed printing every single Gallanari T-Shirt.
Yes sir, replied Sandman21.
Knowing that tomorrow was Christmas he did not want to raise the ire of his employer so that he would be able to get his full day off and maybe even some form of bonus. Young Sandman21 went back to diligently stitching each shirt by hand.
A knock at the front door was heard.
Well don't just sit there get the door, yelled Sandman21 employer.
Yes sir, replied Sandman21.
While rapping himself in a gold colored comforter that had a large Pacers emblem on one end young Sandman21 slowly made his way towards the door without hesitation, but with full knowledge that a cold chill accompanied opening that frigid door.
Another knock and Sandman21 was opening the door.
In the doorway stood the cheery face of Pogi with his wife.
Come in come in before you catch your death of cold, Sandman21 cheerfully said to Pogi.
Pogi & his wife swiftly walked into the small shop and brushed the snow away from each other, laughing in the goodness of the day.
Is your master in? Asked Pogi.
But of course he is, said Sandman21, however I fear you will find him in poor humor these days.
Nonsense, Pogi replied, I come about today to invite him to Christmas lunch & to enjoy the merry tidings of the season and to watch the former Pacer Paul George play against former greatest coach in Pacers NBA history Frank Vogel on Christmas day.
BAH HUMBUG a deep voice said.
The room grew colder, even though the door was shut, and a dark shadow was cast over the gathering of people. For there standing in the stairway looking down upon the group was Sandman21 employer.
He was wearing an official Devin Booker jersey, he had on Adidas Yeezy shoes and was wearing a Carmelo Anthony gold chain.
It was Vnzla81.
Uncle, come with us to lunch upon the morrow and we will feast then we will retreat to watch the former Pacer giants do battle and we will talk and dream of a day when the Pacers will play on Christmas day again.
A Hum bug upon the Pacers, Vnzla81 stated.
A hum bug upon the Pacers? questioned Pogi.
Yes, A hum bug, said Vnzla81.
You keep the Pacers in your way and let me keep it in my own way, said Vnzla81
But you scarcely keep them at all anymore, Pogi said sadly.
Then let me leave it alone then, responded Vnzla81.
What reason do you have to dislike the Pacers, you've spent enough time over the years on them? Asked Pogi
What reason do you have to like the Pacers, you've scarcely posted on the Pacers Digest for years now? Responded Vnzla81 sourly.
I will keep my Christmas cheer about me & wish you the merriest of holidays and will hold hope that you will join us for lunch and the game tomorrow, said a smiling Pogi.
Bah Humbug said Vnzla81 under his breath as he turned and went towards the staircase.
Without a further word a smiling Pogi & wife turned towards young Sandman21 and gladly wished the seasons greeting upon him. In turn young Sandman21 warmly returned their wishes, even though he was cold of body he still was flowing with the promise of the day & the joy that is Pacers pride. With that Pogi and Sandman21 each said "merry christmas" followed by a rousing "Boom Baby".
Old Vnzla81 blood was steaming.
Not another word out of you young Sandman21 lest you find yourself without your situation, said Vnzla81
Yes sir, replied Sandman21 as he shuffled back to his stitching.
As Pogi & wife walked out the door a good natured big fellow walked in.
Is this the business of "all things Pace & Space" with the owners of Vnzla81 & Uncle Buck? Asked the man.
I've spent a good deal of money on a sign to advertise that very fact, said Vnzla81.
Smiling widely the man said, my name is Big Mac and I've come from the Pacers foundation. Do I have the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Vnzla81 or Mr. Buck?
Uncle Buck has been dead for these past 7 years. Actually he died seven years ago this very night, said Vnzla81
Well, I'm sure the liberalism and goodness in nature of Uncle Buck will be represented by his partner. Replied Big Mac.
Snickering Vnzla81. said, yes Uncle Buck and myself were kindred spirits.
Good good then, said Big Mac, we are collecting for the poor and underprivileged of Indianapolis so that they may go to the Victor Oladipo youth camp this summer. Victor will be teaching the young players the importance of driving to the rim and how to be feathery.
Will there be no three point shooting taught? Asked Vnzla81
Will there be no education of how to send two front court players to the corners to space the floor? Further queried Vnzla81
Yes, yes I'm certain these skills will be taught but Victor will be focusing on complete fundamentals of the game. Said Big Mac
How much can I put you down for? asked Big Mac.
Nothing, replied Vnzla81
You wish to remain anonymous then? asked Big Mac.
I wish to be left alone, said Vnzla81 I don't make merry at the holidays anymore and if someone wishes to learn basketball skills they should go to the God Mike D'Anotoni offense above all program to learn the trade.
With that Big mac turned and left the business.
I suppose you will be wanting the whole day off tomorrow, asked Vnzla81 sourly to Sandman21.
If it's not to much trouble sir, he sheepishly replied.
Yes, it is troublesome. What reason is it to celebrate the robbing of a man every December 25, if I paid you $1.00 less you would feel yourself ill used, said Vnzla81. You be back in here all the earlier the next day.
Yes sir, said Sandman21 who then wrapped himself up in his comforter & placed on his Pacers gloves and ran out the door.
Humbug, thought Vnzla81
Vnzla81 closed up the shop & he removed the one little lump of coal from the fire that he allowed Sandman21 to burn. He rubbed off the used pieces and placed it to the side proud of the fact that he could use the coal again come Monday.
Vnzla81 gathered himself up and wrapped himself in his new red jacket that had a Houston Rockets emblem on it. He placed his new hat on that had a suns logo on it and headed out the door.
On his way home he stopped by the local dank restaurant so that he could eat his stew and read NBA twitter feed. After reading all the postings, skipping any reference to the Pacers, he slowly made his way home.
As he approached his house the wind was stirring almost to the point of a howl being in the air. As he wrestled with his keys in the dim light his eyes betrayed him for there on his door knocker appeared a face, a face that was in pain and anguish. He could not make out the face but he recognized the painful look on the face. Then it was gone.
Bah Humbug, thought Vnzla81 as he slowly opened his door.
The night progressed and Vnzla81 sat down to enjoy a cup of soup before going off to bed. He sat in his corner chair that faced the fire place sipping at his soup & watching the fire.
Then a sound began. Clanking of chains and a moan filled the air.
Vnzla81. sat stunned.
No, he thought to himself, this is just in my mind.
Then the fire blew out with a whoosh. The smoke began to envelop the room and Vnzla81 began to cough. As he was rising to his feet he stopped, stared and then fell deep into his chair. For there standing before him in the room.
UNCLE BUCK'S ghost.
Who are you spirit? asked Vnzla81
Ask me who I was, stated the spirit.
Who were you then, asked Vnzla81, stating you are awfully particular for a ghost.
In life I was your partner, replied the spirit.
Uncle Buck, is that you? Asked Vnzla81
Yes, replied the spirit.
Why do you wear such a burden and why are you here haunting me? Asked Vnzla81
These chains are the excuses I formed in life, replied Uncle Buck. I made them link by link every time Ron Artest did something bad but I excused it because he was such a good player. Every time that I called Chris Copeland Crapperland and nobody noticed it wasn't you
Do you not believe in me, said Uncle Buck, seeing that Vnzla81 had an uncaring look upon his face.
The mind and senses can be fooled, said Vnzla81 suddenly feeling smart about himself, a piece of cheese an undigested potato. Why there is more gravy than grave to you I fear.
With that Uncle Buck let out a loud ear piercing howl.
Visibly shaken Vnzla81 states, why do you haunt me my old friend?
I am here to warn you? said Uncle Buck. These links I wear I forged in life and now I am cursed to walk the earth never resting never sleeping, the chain you bear is seven times longer than my own. I am here to warn you to change your ways or you will be cursed to the same fate I am.
But you were a good man of the spacing business, cried Vnzla81.
Rebounding was my business, shot blocking was my business, fundamental basketball was all part of my business but I didn't learn this till it was to late.
With that a hand appeared from the fire place and pulled on Uncle Buck's chain.
Quick I have no more time said Uncle Buck. You will be visited by three more spirits before this night is over I pray that the lessons they teach will not be lost on you.
With a puff of smoke he was gone.
Vnzla81. ran to his room, threw off his cloths put on his new p.j.'s with the Dallas Mavericks logo on it and pulled the covers over his head.
He was shaking so that he fell fastly to sleep.
The gentle tolling on the clock bells rang, quarter past the hour, half past the hour, quarter till the hour then the hour itself.
Vnzla81 set up in bed and looked around the room, nothing came.
Whew it was all a bad dream, thought Vnzla81 and with that he laid back down turned to his side. He closed his eyes but felt a lump behind him in the bed. He rolled over to remove the out of place pillow when he came face to face with a spirit wearing a familiar Pacers #33 jersey.
Vnzla81 jumped from the bed and shouted, who are you?
I am the ghost of Pacers past. Said the spirit.
The far past? asked Vnzla81
Your past, replied the spirit.
Take me where you will spirit for I am tired, said Vnzla81
Grab my jersey then, said the spirit.
Vnzla81 looking oddly at him as he realizes that the spirit is only covered by an oversized jersey.
Call me Monte slayer as you did when I was alive, Vnzla81 knew immediately the spirit was none other than the great Danny Granger who Vnzla81 secretly had a man crush on.
As he takes hold of his jersey, Vnzla81 feels his body lift from the floor & through his roof.
Oddly in the air Vnzla81 hears the sounds of Jerry Baker, Bob Lamy and Mark Boyle calling out play by play from years past.
The snow grows heavy to the point where Vnzla81 cannot see, then poof he is in a warm room.
It is his old house. He see's himself sitting before a television as a very young child. On the T.V. are the Pacers and it looks like they are playing the Detroit Pistons.
Why have you brought me here Danny? Asked Vnzla81. What is there to benefit me here?
These are the memory's of your past, stated Danny Granger. These are the times that make a young man who he is in life.
But these days sucked, cried Vnzla81. just look out there. That's T.J. Ford and Travis Diener. My God that is washed *** Rasho Nesterovic in the middle.
Yes, but remember this is a couple of years after the Brawl, said Danny Granger. The N.B.A. took a heavy toll on the team and then our franchise made a colossally bad trade.
Yes, it's true said Vnzla81 but I hated the losing so bad.
It got worse didn't it? Asked Danny Granger
Yes, sadly it did said Vnzla81
With that a mist swirled about them and they were in another time.
My God is that Jim Boylen on the sidelines as an assistant? Asked Vnzla81.
Yes, I'm afraid it is said Danny Granger. The team suffered long and hard under the coaching of the fallen angel and Boylen was there all along. But soon a new spirit will be in the air.
Vnzla81. now sees an older version of himself sitting at his house watching the Pacers play the Heat during a regular season game.
There he is, proudly watching as Josh McRoberts lays down a hard charging dunk, Vnzla81 remembers vividly saying "one day he will be a star".
The young Vnzla81 is on the digest after the game typing "man someday we will be as good as the Bulls are, I can see us winning fourty eight games some day and making the playoffs" The spirit of his youth was spilling over.
A smoke envelopes Vnzla81 and the spirit and again they are in another time.
Vnzla81. finds an older version of himself standing on his feet jumping up and down cheering wildly.
I don't ever recall cheering out loud like this for the team when the Clown was the coach
Look closer, Said Danny Granger
Looking down on the floor Vnzla81 sees Roy Hibbert jumping up to block a shot by Carmelo Anthony. He see's Melo walking to the bench dejected with other Knicks in tow and he realizes he is watching game 6 of the 2013 second round playoffs between the Knicks and Pacers.
A tear wealed up in the eyes of Vnzla81
What is it? said Danny Granger
Oh I only wish I could have said something to Pogi right now, said Vnzla81 hiding the tear.
He looked on his younger self. He could see the pride that he had from years of watching basketball played the right way.
Again smoke enveloped them and again they were gone.
This time they came back and he saw an older Vnzla81 not one with the lines of age but one in the prime of life. However he could see that some of the joy was gone.
His younger self was sitting at a computer typing. He peeked over his shoulder and saw what he was typing.
Great Monte killer, said Vnzla81, take me away from here I don't want to see anymore.
What troubles you? asked Danny Granger could it be what you are typing? With that Danny Granger projects the words that the young Vnzla81 is typing on the Pacers digest forum.
Over and over again he kept typing the same thing. Spacing wins games, I don't care about statistics, Monte Ellis is the perfect basketball player, I'm glad we got rid of Lance Stephenson because he wasn't worth the money.
No Danny, said Vnzla81, don't make me see the next part.
With a wave of his hand Danny Granger projects in big red letters on the wall the words that an older U.B. is typing.
OK, I have waited as long as I can. You knew this was coming, I waited as long as I could, and I freely admit I should wait until Paul George comes back at full helath to make this post. But I can't wait any longer. Pacers will not win a championship without Monte Ellis. I believe that with all my mind, heart and soul
With that Vnzla81 falls to the ground weeping shouting, take me away take me away.
Danny Granger having grown smaller and older in a very short time says, My time is almost up and there are still things to be learned on this night and I pray you learn them.
Poof, Vnzla81 was back in his bed. He falls asleep weeping.
Ding Dong Ding Dong sounded the clanging of louder bells.
In the hallway Vnzla81 could see a light and hear a loud sound of music playing in the air.
He made his way to the hallway and opened the door. When he gazed in the room he saw a Shining gold light with blue sparkles coming off of it. There were pacemates dancing and there was Michael Grady in the corner playing "let's go" by trick daddy.
Are you the next spirit that Danny Granger spoke of? Asked Vnzla81. in amazement.
No my man, I'm now doing my thing in the big apple, but I'm still a believer at heart, I just came by to do the P.A. duties and introduce to you "the man in the middle, from the University of Texas standing at 6'11" tall MYLES TURNER' And with a shout of Indy followed up by an echoing ANA that sounded and awful lot like Roaming Gnome, Michael Grady disappeared.
Standing ominously next to Vnzla81 was the clean cut and dapper looking Myles Turner.
.
Are you the spirit that Danny Granger warned me of? asked Vnzla81.
Indeed I am, replied a calm but smiling Turner.
Take me where you will then, I would profit from what you seek to teach me as I have already learened from Danny Granger.
Grab a hold of my jersey and we will be away, stated Myles Turner.
Vnzla81 hesitantly reaches out & grabs his jersey noticing that his fingers feel hot and there is smoke coming from his fingernails.
They fly out to the northwest area. They land at Squeelers.
Inside there is a party going on. Pogi is there along with his wife. Jose Slaughter is there and Vnzla81 see's he is studying everybody present. Owl is there as is Roaming Gnome, BillS is there introducing himself to Imawhat for the 23rd time while Dr. Fife is in a corner scribbling away in a notebook.
There is joy and good tidings in the room.
At this time Pogi steps forward and offers a toast. To Vnzla81, although he won't have good Pacers pride about himself anymore I say merry Christmas to him and a long happy life.
Pogi's wife turns to him and says for all of the good a toast will do him.
Pogi then says, I will greet him every year and if he finds me in good humor than I say that he will hard pressed to turn me away.
With that the party fades.
Vnzla81 & Myles Turner are flying through the air again now they find themselves berried in snow up past their butts in a house on the West Side.
Here he they come upon Vnzla81's poor clerk Sandman21. He is watching old reruns of Pacers playoffs past.
Myles Turner shakes off his head and sprinkles some dust on Sandman21 to which Sandman21 smiles.
Is there some particular blessing in your dandruff? asked Vnzla81
Without a doubt, said a coy looking Myles Turner.
At this point in time CableKC enters the room on crutches.
Myles what is wrong with CableKC, asked Vnzla81
Sad sauce, said Myles, he went on a cruise and met me on an island and caught jump shooting fever.
Will he make it? asked Vnzla81
I see an empty chair at the next pacersdigest party if things don't change, said Myles Turner shaking his head.
They are back in the hallway of his house now and any remnants of Michael Grady are gone and only a dimly lit candle lights the room.
Myles Turner, said Vnzla81., I don't mean to speak out of place but under your warm-ups I see two appendages that stick out from behind your legs are they claws?
Myles Turner says, they might as well be claws for all the good they will do. Then from out walk a boy and a girl both drawn and disfigured.
Myles Turner states, the girl is the floor spacing and the boy is three point shooting but beware the boy the most for he is the downfall of franchises.
Spirit won't a good defense with solid fundamental save them? Asked Vnzla81
Will there be no three point shooting taught? Will there be no education of how to send two front court players to the corners to space the floor ? yelled Myles Turner as he faded away.
Vnzla81 was in a ball in the corner by the wall when a light brightly shined on him. The windows opened and a spirit appeared through the curtains.
He pointed a bony cold finger at Vnzla81
You are the spirit I fear most of all, said Vnzla81 from his fetal position, for you are the ghost of Pacers future.
The ghost shook his head and in doing so revealed that his face looked strangely like Frank Vogel. Odd, thought Vnzla81
Take me where you will spirit, Vnzla81 I have learned my lesson well this night & I would learn what you have to teach me.
Vnzla81. took the spirits cape & away they flew. West they flew far far west landing in the lights of Las Angeles.
Why have you taken me here, asked Vnzla81?
The spirit pointed behind him to the Staples Center.
Vnzla81. quickly averted his eyes. No spirit, please tell me what is on the sign for I cannot bare to look. Said Vnzla81
The spirit stood silently.
Why must you torment me so, cried Vnzla81
Along the side of the road he saw two young men walking wearing Lakers jersey's but one said Oladipo and the other said Sabonis.
Well, at the very least the when Frank won his 3rd straight title after LeBron retired the team allowed him to take over personnel decisions as well. It was straight genius of him to trade for Vic and Domas from the struggling Pacers new G.M. Monte Ellis said one fan to the other. Yea but I heard that trading Devontae Cacok and 43 year old Rajon Rondo was really the idea new director of player personnel Danny Granger, he said that Monte always bit for the fake during a game and was tricked by old flash replied the other fan.
No spirit please please don't let this be, cried Vnzla81
The spirit pointed to the Marque.
The sign said the congratulations to the new league MVP Domantas Sabonis.
Vnzla81 screamed with all of his might dropping to the ground to plead with the spirit. No, I've learned my lesson. If fans don't support the team they have then they may have no team at all. Winning is only good if it is done with honor and no one player is above game. Offense is only one side of the floor and Mike D'Antoni is a fraud who is not qualified to coach 8th grade basketball. I've changed I've changed I've changed.
Ding ding ding ding went the clock.
Vnzla81 opened his eyes. I'm back I've made it.
He jumped out of bed, threw open a window & saw a small boy.
You, young fellow, said Vnzla81 what day is it?
Why it's christmas day, said the boy.
Then I haven't missed it, the spirits did all of their work in one night yelled a joyous Vnzla81.
He threw off his p.j.'s & dug in his closet finding his Tyler Hansbrough jersey put on gold and blue warm-ups then threw on his Pacers jacket he had under the bed and ran out the door.
He drove as fast as he could to Squeelers.
He opened the door and a silence came over the room. Pogi walked towards him.
Pogi, said Vnzla81, I want to come to the party. I want to watch the pacers.
Merry Christmas Vnzla81 Merry Christmas to us all, said Pogi.
It was said from that day forward that no man alive kept the spirit of Pacers pride as well as Vnzla81. He was as good a friend, neighbor and employer as any man alive.
And to young CableKC who did not die, he became an older brother to care for him for the rest of his life.
The end.
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