Having already had one go-round with Dallas the other day, I decided not to be "that guy" getting multiple autographs in a series and opted to get selfies with players I had already gotten instead. I made an exception for Dirk because I kind of wanted both, or at least one or the other, so as to not walk away empty handed like I did with Nick Collison at the Spurs game. The roadie usuals weren't out when I first arrived in the section (I later learned they had gotten Durant), so I got the spot right at the turn where Jeremy (Pocky) usually stands. It's a pretty good spot but it can also work against you because players can just move right past you without making eye contact if they notice someone directly behind you first. Grace and her P3 friend were there. P3 was a Dirk fan and I showed her my shirt. Rawkfist! We both wanted selfies with Dirk and I really hoped we'd both walk away happy campers. Charlie Villanueva was the first one off the court and since he didn't sign my photo last time, I decided to forego the selfie and only asked him to sign. He did and it was very nicely done in gold Sharpie. I want to like this guy but after his antics with the Thunder's pre-game dance routine, I'm just not sure. His signature is nice, though. Zaza Pachulia was next and I was wondering how he'd react when I asked him for another selfie because the one at the last game didn't take. Surprisingly, there was no reaction, he understood my request and gladly obliged. It turned out nicely. I didn't bother asking him for another autograph because I didn't want to push my luck. Salah Mejri came by next and I don't know, I just feel awkward around him, so I just let him go without asking for a selfie. He'd already signed my logo photo so the selfie was my only option and I left it on the table. Still, no regrets. When Dwight Powell came by, Grace and her friend got excited. I guess they thought he was attractive? I don't know. I got my selfie and he moved on. Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons both came off at the same time, and it was a madhouse! Parsons managed to sneak off like a bandit and I suspect that was strategy on his part, but when Dirk came around, I had him sign my one photo and afterwards I tried asking him for a picture, but he either didn't hear me or he did hear me and chose to ignore my second request. From my limited experiences, I think Dirk is a 1-per kind of guy, 1-per meaning you either get an autograph or a selfie, but not both. I seriously think J.J. Barea does the same thing, because as he was signing for me, I leaned in to ask and he just kept doing his thing. I don't know how that AutographJunkie girl does it. JaVale McGee was nice again and he signed a photo and agreed to take a picture with me. He didn't smile, but that's okay. I'll have him sign that picture next go-round. Did you know that Raymond Felton is a nice guy? Sure, his gameplay made fools of the Thunder in Game 2, but Mr. Felton is actually a nice guy. He signed for me and as he was doing so, I asked him for a picture and I don't remember what he said, but it was something like, "I'll do it when I come back [from signing for the other side]." And even though I had everything out, I had some timing difficulties but Mr. Felton was nice enough to wait the extra seconds to pose and smile. Wesley Matthews was the last guy off the court again, but he did manage to sign some on his way out. I asked him for a picture also, but he said he had to go. I understand, no worries! I like it when players are polite about it and don't make weird excuses. Just be honest about it and I'll let you go. Catch you next time, maybe! Barea 1/1 + failed selfie attempt Felton 1/1 + selfie Matthews 1/1, declined selfie due to lack of time McGee 1/1 + selfie Mejri 0/0 I let him pass Nowitzki 1/1 + failed selfie attempt Pachulia 0/0 + selfie Parsons 0/1 Powell 0/0 + selfie Villanueva 1/1 This was an entertaining game to watch, and even though I failed in my primary objective, I got more pictures than I expected so I'm satisfied. I likely won't be attending Game 5 at home because my out-of-town best friend from grade school is back in town that week, so I'm selfishly hoping we'll get a Game 7 so I can have one more shot at a selfie with Dirk. If the Thunder make it out of the first round, we'll likely face off against the Spurs so I'd more than likely be graphing the Thunder and getting selfies. At least, that's the plan. Fingers crossed. Until next time, J.R.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Welcome!If you've ever wanted to know the ins-and-outs of In-Person (IP) graphing, or if you've ever wanted to know what goes through a grapher's head, this is the place to be! Archives
December 2018
Categories
All
|