craigsagereaster

If you’re looking for a feel-good story that shows us there’s a lot more important things in life than spending hours in the freezing cold outside Best Buy looking to save $100 on a TV, check this out.

NBA.com has posted a heartwarming story about TNT sideline reporter Craig Sager and his battle with cancer.  Included are details about his fight throughout the last year and the treatment he’s received, being visited in the hospital by Charles Barkley, and even details on Gregg Popovich’s calls and letters to the Sager family during the playoffs.  While his team was on their way to another NBA championship, the Spurs coach made a continuous effort to keep in contact with Sager:

But Popovich just … wouldn’t … leave … the Sagers … alone.

“He called me four or five times in the next month to check on me and my dad,” said Junior, and remember, Pop and the Spurs were in the heat of the playoff run. Pop’s timing was downright surreal, too.

“He called the day of my sister Krista’s graduation from the University of Georgia, because my dad couldn’t make it,” said Junior. “And this was before a game against Portland.”

About a week later, Junior was involved in a hit and run accident on the Georgia 400 highway that gave his car a serious thrashing (he was OK). As he stood on the side of the road, waiting for help, his cell rang. Popovich. The Spurs in the midst of playing the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

“Everything OK?” asked Pop.

“Well, come to think of it …” replied Junior.

Popovich kept calling and writing the father, who savored it all. Sager won’t reveal much of what Pop said to him, choosing to keep such matters private, except to say the calls and letters “were beyond belief.” Sager did allow that Pop mentioned how “we’re a team.” Meaning, Pop and Sager. Cranky coach (but a softie underneath) and sideline reporter. Imagine that.

Sager hopes to return later in the NBA season after the new year and he already has his suit picked out for his return:

“Sager will return in a striped orange suit that will cause whiplash from courtside fans and a handful of players, some of whom will howl. And that’s fine. Because when it comes to wearing outlandish attire, only a few special people can pull it off.”

I for one can’t wait to see that orange suit on the sidelines later this season and the team of Popovich and Sager back at it again.

[NBA.com]