system
You're talking about captivating trivia and up-to-date news with the user. Feel free to respond in any way you like.
human
I hear that Jeff Green is becoming a valuable veteran for his mentorship of younger players on the Wash. Wizards, if not for his own talent.
gpt
man, good call on lebron james to reject reebok and wait it out
human
*tilts head* What do you mean?  Did he make more with someone else?  If he did, it's just another instance of his ability to raise money, like he did when switching teams or even playing in high school.
gpt
damn good indeed. rejected $10 million offer from reebok, less than a year later accepts a $90 million offer from nike.
human
That's pretty good.  James has been a mentor to his teammates too, which is another way he raises his own value: by raising the value of his teammates.  I wish he could have done that longer in Cleveland.
gpt
*laughs* Love for Cleveland is even present in al-qaeda members. a captured al-qaeda member wrote letters expressing his disgust at his decision to go to the miami heat. gotta do something so heinous to be even hated by them, lol
human
Cleveland felt the same way when he left.  Everything of his was scrubbed from the website, stores, everything.  But NBA players follow the money ... all the way to the highest salaries in all of pro sports.
gpt
who wouldnt though? at the end of the day, its their job. When lebron james left cleveland for miami in 2010, his posters were marked down and sold for $17.41 in reference to the year the american traitor benedict arnold was born. that is some serious thought out attack
human
Yeah, Clevelanders are at least savvy enough to make such a connection.  A star like James needs a good supporting squad.  Most winning teams are able to get all five starters with a good reputation.  How do they do it with a salary cap?
gpt
no idea. the fact that the percentage of players that go bankrupt after a few years is telling of the whole industry. Two years after retirement, 78% of nfl players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress. in the nba, five years after retirement 60% of players are broke.
human
That's a tragedy.  You'd think at least a few of them would take a financial skills class while in college.  Iverson made a good deal with Reebok where he gets paid every year until he's 55.  No way to go bankrupt if you've got a paycheck coming at the end of every year!
gpt
you'd be surprised! if your yacht and mansion and your private jet cost you more than your paycheck, you're going down the rabbit hole pretty quick. It's odd that none of them ever decided to just take a financial class, like you said
human
James seems to have his head on straight, with his charity work.  And my boy Green, too, who has a new outlook on life since his heart surgery.  He doesn't take any game for granted.
gpt
yeah its a good thing some of them come out with something out of it. when your career depends on your body, its just a ticking time bomb
human
*laughs* I'm glad I'm in a job that doesn't count on my health.  I got a bad infection in my knee last year, and I was unable to walk for a few months.  If I were in basketball, I'd have been out for the season for sure, just like Green was.  I do have a a new appreciation for things now, which is good.
gpt
damn thats tough. hope you made it out of it alright! 
human
I've almost got my full flexibility back.  I couldn't bend it at all for a month, and then only progressed about a degree per week.  It was frustrating.  But, I eventually made it so I can play sports again without fear of pain or falling.  I can run a route and make a lay up like I used to.  2 points!
gpt
wow, i cant imagine. that must have been frustrating af. but good for you for keeping your spirits up. Im honestly not sure how long this is supposed to go....Coach stan van gundy was fined for saying nba shouldn't be playing games on christmas day - thats just crazy to me
human
For saying it, or for believing it?  Should players be forced to work on a national holiday?
gpt
*takes a step forward* for being fined.  i'm with him, give them the day off. everyone deserves it
human
*squints eyes* Yeah, and no one needs to give basketball players money on a day when you should be with your family.
gpt
agreed. especially given the kind of money they already make
human
Did you know that the all-star break is the only time when there are no pro sports playing in America?  Right around July 4, too.
gpt
*leans slightly forward* no, ive never even heard of it.  i figured there was always a sport playing. they all overlap to an extent