A year ago, Ray – who’s been instrumental in the development of numerous star big men, from two-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard to Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson – thought he was done with the game for good. 一年前，Ray 一直在指导着Dwight Howard 跟 Al Jefferson 球技 上的进步 After countless knee operations and various surgeries, Ray officially filed for retirement and permanent disability benefits. 经历过无数大小手术，Ray 正式退休以及申请伤残津贴 Then, however, came the pivotal call from Kings Head Coach Keith Smart, who asked for his assistance last March. The University of Oklahoma product didn’ t have to think twice, immediately advising the government he was going back to work. 今年三月，国王教练寻求他的协助。Ray没有二话立即允诺 向政府提出可以正常工作的证明 “(Keith is) like my son, and when he said he needed my help, I couldn’t turn it down,” says Ray beaming. “If I could help him do anything in his life to be successful, then I would like I would for my son.” Ray 说『Keith 就像我儿子，当他说希望我帮忙。我无法拒绝 　　　　如果我能帮我儿子得到成功，我愿意做任何事。』 Ray’s longstanding ties to Smart extend back to their days in the Continental Basketball Association with the Fort Wayne Fury in the mid-1990s, as well as the 2000-03 Cleveland Cavaliers, where Smart gained his first NBA head coaching experience. Ray 跟Smart的关系要追溯到90年代中期ＣＢＡ的球队 Fort Wayne Fury 还有 2000-03 年Smart 首次执教骑士队时的合作经验 “I’ve known him since he first started … and I told him, ‘You have the material and the organizational skills to become a great coach,’’ says Ray. “So, I came and helped him in the CBA and I’ve always admired his work ethic, what he brings and how enthusiastic he is about the game.” Ray：『我认识他自从他第一次执教，然後我告诉他 　　 『你有成为一位伟大教练的特质』 　　　　所以我跟他在ＣＢＡ的期间我一直鼓励他朝这方面发展 　　　　称赞他对比赛的热情与职业道德。』 For Smart, Ray has served as an inspirational figure and longtime mentor for whom he holds an inordinate amount of respect. 对Smart来说，Ray 是怎样的影响他呢? “Clifford is like a father to me – when I started my coaching career, he was right by my side.” says Smart. “He’s one of the guys that can put his hand on my shoulder and say, ‘Coach, don’t do this today’ or ‘Coach, back off a little bit here’ because he knows me inside-out. Smart说:『他就像我爸一样，当我开始我的执教生涯他一直在我身旁 我们的关系是那种直言不诲的关系 他可以搭着我肩膀说，"教练，你最近表现有点退步喔 教练，这样打不好喔!" 因为他非常了解我』 “When I coached in the CBA, every big guy I had (was) either called up to the NBA or signed to a nice, lucrative deal in Europe,” continues Smart. “ He just has a way of talking and communicating with (players).” Smart『当我在CBA执教，每个大个子最後都进入了NBA不然就是在欧洲 赚到大合约。』 『RAY就是有办法搞定跟球员们的沟通。』 -- 『把汤分成两半并不是奇蹟，那是魔术。 一个单亲妈妈，打工兼差，还能找出时间来陪孩子练球，那才是奇蹟。 一个青少年可以拒绝毒品，并接受教育，那才是奇蹟。』 摘自电影《王牌天神》 --

※ 发信站: 批踢踢实业坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 118.168.250.24