FanHouse DougChristie

Former NBA guard Doug Christie and his wife have called for as much to help out in this time of financial distress. The couple put out a press release late Tuesday to announce that they will purchase 3,000 shares of corporate stock to help with what they termed "the AIG financial crisis." In addition to their cash, the release said, "the Christie ... have graciously used their star appeal to bring awareness to the issue."

The Christies kept their word, and then some. A representative for the couple said that on Wednesday the Christies bought 3,000 shares of American International Group, 1,000 shares of computer maker Apple and 1,000 shares of online retailer Amazon.com.

What really makes me mad in the turn of events since then is the fact that these events have turned into what I consider a black balling of myself in the NBA!! ...

A champion is treated in a whole different light. They are valued in the locker room and commercially on a whole different level. For years, my wife and I have been ridiculed and talked about like we are weird, all because we did not fit the "mold" of what the culture breeds in the NBA. It got to the point that these stories would precede us to the point that teams thought that I (i.e. we) would be a problem. That is bogus!!!!

It's a long, rambling post, which is more about Christie's personal struggles to get back into the league than it is about the conspiracy with the fixing of games. But since he does mention his disappointment with the situation, it's worth noting that he doesn't come out and say it wasn't true like say, the owners of the Kings did. It's just bad for the league to have former players giving any credence at all to a convicted criminal's statements, when there is zero evidence right now to back those desperate words up.

Mihajlo: I love the hypocracy in your interview about women in the NBA workplace. The exact type of behavior by young ladies that you are trying to prevent is the behavior of your wife in this picture.

DC: The last time I checked, my wife was a model. There is a difference I think when you're taking a photograph. Also, if you run back and go look at our comments, then you may catch a clue on what I said. I said I only worry about what Jackie wears. What women choose to wear is their decision. By the way, you really shouldn't try to make this out to be a topic on women's clothing. They are free to wear whatever they want, as I said. This is about everyone, I repeat EVERYONE, being treated respectful in the workplace. Thank you.

Coming off my first workout for an NBA team, I am very happy and looking forward to the others I have planned. It felt great to be back on the court with the players and play basketball. When my agent called to tell me they wanted to see me workout, it was great news.

Making a guest appearence at the practice facility today was Doug Christie, who's hoping to get back into the league. The Seattle native was just looking for a place to get a good NBA run in prior to training camp, and decided to come to Portland. He also knows some of the Blazer coaches well, and it never hurts to show someone what you still have left in the tank. The Blazers have 15 on the roster, and therefore don't have any room to sign someone like Christie to a contract. But, you never say never, so I'm not saying it.

"I think if you look at those records you see that a healthy Doug Christie is definitely a competitive one and one that is [going to] bring a lot to the table," Christie states with confidence. "I can play 20-30 minutes per night. I say that because if you're able to play more than one position, now you're able to get minutes at various positions. I think my shooting has improved tremendously. My ball-handling and passing ability [as well]. Always working on foot-speed and strength."

Anybody that has watched him play knows exactly what I am talking about. Other than finding a big man that is not a stiff, the most difficult thing for NBA GMs to find is a wing player that is ready to come in the NBA and become a top defender. Offense and flash might get all of the glory, but an athletic defensive minded player like Brewer can't take a good team and make it a great one. Think about the impact that great wing defenders such as Bruce Bowen, Tayshaun Prince, Eddie Jones, Doug Christie, and Scottie Pippen have made over the years. When those guys were playing all-league type defense, their teams were usually winning. As with Scottie Pippen, the thing that makes Brewer great on defense is freakish wingspan. When an athletic 6'8" swing man has the wingspan of a seven-footer, and the willingness to focus on defense, that usually spells trouble for NBA offenses.

Most draft boards currently have him listed as a late lottery pick. Anyone that is in need of an all-league perimeter defender shouldn't make the mistake of passing on Brewer.

According to a player agent, Doug Christie has signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Raptors fans had been looking forward to the possibility of seeing Alvin Williams in a Clippers uniform, after the team had signed the former Raptors guard to a 10-day deal. However, it wasn't to be for Williams as that contract has expired and Los Angeles elected not to re-sign him to a second one.

Instead, the Clippers enlisted the services of Christie, who remains the Raptors' franchise leader in steals with 664.