Memphis Grizzlies forward Justise Winslow shared some words of wisdom for current and future rookie players on Thursday afternoon in a Q&A on Twitter in conjunction with the NBA.
The NBA recently launched “NBA Together,” a leaguewide, global community outreach and social engagement campaign to provide families, fans and the general public with the latest global health and safety information, inspire acts of caring and volunteerism and keep people and communities socially connected to our game and one another as we all cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Players have been volunteering their time to interact with fans around the world as Winslow helped participate on Thursday afternoon, which also happened to be his 24th birthday. Winslow answered a variety of questions, including what he learned from Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat and his advice to younger players.
“I just thought Marshawn [Lynch] said it best: Take care of your chicken, take care of your money and get people around you that you trust,” Winslow said. “You’re not going to play forever. Take care of your physical, take care of your body, try to stay injury-free as much as possible; the best ability is availability. Take care of your mental, just make sure you’re taking care of those things and you’ll be good.”
Q: Do you have any advice for future or current NBA rookies? #NBATogether
– @NBADraftA: 🔊 @IAmJustise pic.twitter.com/YQDJhwgLeq
— NBA (@NBA) March 26, 2020
Winslow is referencing the message that Lynch gave to his Seattle Seahawks teammates after they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs on Jan. 12. Lynch wanted his younger teammates to know he has been around the game for a while, even retiring at one point, and wanted them to know how important it is to take care of themselves first and foremost.
The advice can be applicable to nearly all walks of life but is certainly important for young athletes across all sports to make the right decisions as they navigate through the business that is basketball, football, etc.
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