Being in the NBA has its perks (okay, that’s a major understatement), but there are also plenty of things that can be dreadful about it. One of them? Being traded from a team and city that you absolutely love.
That was the case for forward Quincy Pondexter, who was officially traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday after spending the last three seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Pondexter is best known for his defense, the ability to knock down an occasional 3-pointer, and some serious twitter game with the ladies. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies managed to acquire Jeff Green to fill the void at small forward, making Pondexter an expendable piece as a part of the deal to bring in Green.
After learning of the news, Pondexter wrote an emotional note about his time in Memphis:
Memphis, I will always Love you!!!! Fighting back tears right now. No lie, This is tough to come to… http://t.co/Pq4hVUUjaS
— Quincy Pondexter (@QuincyPondexter) January 13, 2015
Memphis, I will always Love you!!!! Fighting back tears right now. No lie, This is tough to come to grips with… I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the entire Memphis Grizzlies organization and the fans that have supported me since day 1. These last few years have truly been a blessing that I will always cherish forever. We made a lot of history together! I gave you guys my all and will always consider Memphis home and family! I want to give a special thanks to Lionel Hollins, Chris Wallace, and especially one of the best owners in sports, Robert Pera, for giving me a chance and believing in me from the beginning. To my teammates, I will miss you, fellas! Still rooting for all of you and believe you guys truly are a championship caliber team. From everyone in the arena, to the community, and the kids and staff at St Jude, I love and will miss you all … And finally to New Orleans. I’M BACKKKK!!! We have work to do! This team can be special.. These tears just turned into tears of Joy. #Proverbs3:5-7 #NOLA #Pelicans#TAKEFLIGHT
Pondexter now returns to the city where he began his career as a rookie in the league, joining Anthony Davis and company to start something new.
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Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.