"You inspire people in ways you can't even imagine!"
I was here, at my local 24 Hour Fitness clubhouse in Downey, CA, on October 17th when it happened. I was wearing my old Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz practice shirt that I ordered from Amazon in 2011, practicing my shots and dribbles, waiting to join a game, when a kid came up to me and said, “Bro! your boy is injured. They subbed him out.” I played the game like it was just another day.
Hayward had just signed a new max contract to join the Boston Celtics in July. Coming off a stellar All-Star season and playoff appearance with the Utah Jazz in 2016-2017, it was a new beginning for him and his family. I had expected him to be a sure shot East All Star, and go on a deeper play-off run this year. I was excited.
On a personal note, my 2016-2017 was a roller coaster. Musically, we were playing a lot of shows, I released an EP “Daydreaming Office Fantasies,” and I fell in love with a woman in the process. Financially, I was in between jobs, but I decided to go back to school at the urging of my family, to follow them in the medical career. Everything seem to be going fine.
However, on October 17, 2017, I came back to the locker room to take a shower after playing a few games of basketball. I looked up on the TV screens and ESPN had been covering Hayward’s injury non-stop. It was hard to see him so vulnerable and down in agony as they show the replay of his accident. I knew he was out for the remainder of the season, and I feared that the future of his playing career was uncertain.
Uploaded by Nick2KSwag on 2017-10-18.
At the same time, I wasn't doing well in school, the drama that comes with being in a relationship has consumed me, and musically, my band and I decided to take a break to recalibrate. My own personal future is uncertain. I was in a downward spiral. Nothing in my life made any sense.
As I sat there on that locker room bench, thinking of my next move and still kind of sulking, it came to me. I realized that if I expected Gordon Hayward to come back stronger than ever, why cant I expect myself to do the same? That's when my whole mindset changed. I wasn't feeling down anymore. Instead, I was more motivated.
I guess you could say that I obsessively followed his progress from post-surgery, rehab, etc., by reading his articles on “The Players Tribune,” as well as articles written about him on ESPN and Bleacher Report. I turned on notification alerts on his and his wife Robyn’s, and the Celtic’s Instagram page, so that If they post up a “progress report” on his recovery, I will be in the loop. It may seem stalker-ish, but this is my idol, my favorite player, my role model, and at this time, my motivation and beacon of hope.
On my end, I decided to be more focused, look at different career opportunities, listen to different music to gain inspiration, reach out to my friends and family, get a tighter connection with my faith, and really discover what my purpose in life is. I feel that I have done that.
Six months later, Gordon is shooting the ball. He is going through dribbling drills. He sometimes travels with the team. And I am ecstatic. He is in a great place in his recovery.
Six months later, I am in a better place too. I have decided to go to the gym more and be really mindful of my diet- Which I have not done since graduating undergrad. I have reconnected with my best friends and have a deeper relationship with my family. I am in consideration for employment with the State of California. I am writing new music and going to the studio regularly. I am performing at Open Mics, again, on my spare time. Most importantly, since I found my purpose, I started the process of seeking a law school to attend and gain further knowledge and education to fulfill this purpose. Actually, I recently went to visit different law schools in Northern California wearing the Gordon Hayward/Boston Celtics jacket my mom gave me for Christmas. I am enrolled in an LSAT Prep Course, and I am scheduled to take my first attempt in June.
So why am I writing this? I'm writing this to say thank you to Gordon. For being that uplifting figure during my time of “darkness.” For being that motivation to bounce back and get back on track.
I said this last Spring on an Instagram post, that I hope to see him on his first visit to LA- that I will be sitting so close that he couldn't miss my sign asking him for a hug. I didn't get to do that this season, but I am hopeful to do that for the upcoming 2018-2019 season either on their Fall or Spring visit.
12 Likes, 1 Comments - James Castillo (@mcj730) on Instagram: "Thanks for an incredible season, Gordon! Made the All-Star and the lead the Utah Jazz to the..."
