Modest Wilks returns for ring

[howard2]

Akron Beacon Journal.com
By Brian Windhorst
Nov. 04, 2005
Link: Akron Beacon Journal

Modest Wilks returns for ring

New Cavalier excited to get championship ring

SAN ANTONIO - Were there a way to measure it, there's a chance Cavaliers guard Mike Wilks would rank as one of the most modest players in the NBA.

Soft-spoken, relatively short-statured and devout, Wilks isn't unique but does rub against the stereotypes. But tonight he's going to be all about the bling.

In a moment sure to be frozen in his memory bank, Wilks will receive a world championship ring prior to the Cavs' game with the San Antonio Spurs.

Wilks was a reserve point guard with the Spurs last season, playing in 48 games and earning a piece of their NBA championship.

``I think it's going to be great,'' Wilks said. ``It's been something I've been looking forward to for awhile. I've been thinking about it ever since they measured us for them right after we won the title.''

Wilks is one of three in the Cavs' party who will be getting rings tonight. General Manager Danny Ferry was the Spurs' director of basketball operations before coming to the Cavs just days after the Spurs dispatched the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last June. Assistant general manager Lance Blanks, who was the Spurs director of scouting and followed Ferry to Cleveland, will also be on hand to receive the hardware.

The rings contain oodles of diamonds adding up to about 2.7 carats each. The 10 returning Spurs from last year's team got their rings in a ceremony Tuesday night.

``I'll probably slide it on, admire it for awhile and then show it to my family,'' said Ferry, who won a ring as a player for the Spurs in his final NBA season in 2003. ``Then it'll go in the drawer with the other one.''

Cavs coach Mike Brown and assistant coach Hank Egan also won championship rings with the Spurs, leading NBA commissioner David Stern to joke during his visit on Wednesday that Cleveland was now like ``San Antonio-North.''

Wilks was a valuable part of the Spurs rotation during the season, but found himself the odd man out with Tony Parker as the starter and the continued development of Beno Udrih. When the Spurs signed veteran Nick Van Exel, Wilks had to look elsewhere. Ferry's influence brought him to the Cavs.

``Last season was a wonderful experience,'' Wilks said. ``Now, I'm happy to be here and I'm hoping I leave with a ring and a win.''

[pjjrfan]

I got goose bumps watching him get his ring and showing it off to James and Jones, sounds like a law firm. The kid has one of those magic johnson smiles that just lights up a room. I'm very happy for him to be able to be a part of that team and title.

[ALSPURS]

Wilks was a good kid...nice to see him get his ring in SA.

[LAfan019]

Enjoy it Ferry, you wont be seeing another one.

[RichB]

Originally Posted by LAfan019

Enjoy it Ferry, you wont be seeing another one.

Gimme a break. Don't be so sure about that.

If Ferry can keep LeBron James in Cleveland (and the recent additions of talent suggest he will) - Ferry may one day end up with as many rings as his mentor RC Buford. Perhaps even more.

We can't look into the future, but in my opinion - Cleveland winning an NBA Championship with LeBron James is not a question of if - but rather when and how many.

James has a good 15 years in front of him - Tim Duncan can't say that.

[satexan77]

Its going to take some time for everyone in Cleveland to really get down with "Spurs North" style but I really think they couldn't have chosen a better set of guys in Ferry, Blanks, Brown, and Egan. James not even 21 yet, they could be really good in a year or two.

[JoeSchmo]

Cleveland still has a ways to go, but Lebron is too good of a player to be denied. He's gonna get his rings. Hopefully it'll be after the Spurs are firmly established as a dynasty in the Duncan era.

The rings contain oodles of diamonds adding up to about 2.7 carats each. The 10 returning Spurs from last year's team got their rings in a ceremony Tuesday night.

oodles? yep it sure does have oodles and oodles of diamonds...

[howard2]

I agree Cleveland still has a ways to go.
If one compares Lebron to Oscar Roberson, Roberson didn't win big until Karrem and Bobby Danridge came on board.

[Seventyniner]

After seeing Wilks with the Cavs on Friday, I've been wondering about his jersey number. Other than in San Antonio, Wilks has worn #29 in all of his NBA stops (Atlanta, Minnesota, Houston, Cleveland), but here he wore #11. Would Pop or someone else not let him wear 29?

[howard2]

I wonder if #29 is one number which is retired at San Antonio.

[Seventyniner]

As far as I know, 13 (Silas), 00 (Moore), 44 (Gervin), and 50 (Robinson) are the only retired Spurs jersey numbers.

In fact, after looking at this site
http://members.aol.com/bradleyrd/retired.html
though it hasn't been updated in the last 4 years, I think it's a safe bet that #29 hasn't been retired by any team in the NBA.

[DDS4]

Originally Posted by RichB

Gimme a break. Don't be so sure about that.

If Ferry can keep LeBron James in Cleveland (and the recent additions of talent suggest he will) - Ferry may one day end up with as many rings as his mentor RC Buford. Perhaps even more.

We can't look into the future, but in my opinion - Cleveland winning an NBA Championship with LeBron James is not a question of if - but rather when and how many.

James has a good 15 years in front of him - Tim Duncan can't say that.

You seem more sure about Cleveland winning more than one ring than LA saying they're not.

Everyone knows it takes more than singular superstar talent to win a ring.

Ask Kevin Garnett.

[timmyduncan21]

dont forget elliot