Big man Eddy Curry had an unforgettable career. Considered the top-ranked high school player in 2001, the Chicago Bulls took a chance on the center and drafted him fourth overall in the NBA Draft. But, his career never took off as he was plagued by injuries, laziness, and weight problems.
Curry, though, had a solid veteran looking after him during his rookie year in renowned enforcer Charles Oakley. Yes, the player once tasked with protecting Michael Jordan’s back during his younger days, had taken Curry under his wing. Here’s a story of how Oak got Curry in hot water for almost missing a team flight.
Oakley’s penchant for getting soul food
Already in the twilight of his career, Oakley returned to the Chicago Bulls for the 2001-2002 season and played 57 games, starting 36 of them as a 38-year-old. He also mentored a rookie Curry, who had a hard time adjusting to the NBA lifestyle. The veteran forward was well-known for his love of soul food and took it upon himself to show Curry the ropes when it came to eating in restaurants.
“After a home game, we’d be leaving and had a certain amount of time to get to the plane, but he had to go get his soul food. He’d always make me take him. I’d take him in his car. He could never get his food and leave. He knew the guy who owned it. He’d hang out like we had nowhere to be,” said Curry.
Naturally, Oakley would lose track of time, resulting in him and Curry having to hustle through the highways to make it to their flight. Curry narrated that the team would never berate Oakley but would give him a tongue-lashing instead.
“They wouldn’t say anything to Oakley, but they’d say something to me for being late even though they know I’m with Oakley,” shared Curry.
Speeding on the highway
Curry continued to narrate how he and Oakley would race down the highway in an intense effort not to be late for their flight.
“He’d have me in his Range Rover on the highway. Every time we ran late, he had a switch that had police lights. He’d hit the lights and had me riding on the shoulder and barked out these orders while I was driving. I used to be so scared. I was like, “Oak, I’m going to get arrested.” He’s like, “F*ck that. You heard me. I got you. Don’t worry.” We’d barely make it to the plane.”
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