Chat with Paul Shirley
Shirley burst onto the web scene when he started writing ''Paul Shirley's Road Ramblings" for the Phoenix Suns website last season. The ensuing attention led to a book deal with Random House. Currently, he continues to work out and look for opportunities to return to the NBA or another league.
Send your questions now and join Paul in The Show on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET!
Click here to see Paul's Diary.
Hunter, Kansas City, KS: Paul, I was actually your Director of Operations for the Kansas City Knights in the ABA when you played for us. Why would you put yourself through that again (meaning the ABA) when you know the way it is run (League and Individual Teams) and the lack of credibility it has?
Paul Shirley: Well, because I'm a sucker, actually... Oh, I guess I'm supposed to write something like, "Well, I'm here now, let's get to this chat." That's so boring, though...If only I were actually qualified to run a computer...
Graham (Memphis, TN): Now that you have a sitcom based on your so-called career in the works, any thoughts on who should play you? How about James Van der Beek? Not saying he looks like you, but he's tall, and probably available.
Paul Shirley: Good plan. I don't think he can pull off that intense, soulful look for which I am so well known. Also, I feel more like we should really funk it up and try out maybe an Omar Epps.
Russ (Dyersville, IA): What's your hometown?
Paul Shirley: Meriden, Kansas. Pop. 700. It's like something out of a bad movie. Or sitcom.
Jeff (Boston): Paul, love the blog entries, you're a very talented writer, cant wait for the book! Not to sound like a job interview...but what do you see yourself doing in say 5 years?
Paul Shirley: It's been almost exactly one year since I came home from Russia, the Suns made the trade that sent away three players to get one and, thus, signed me. Since then, I have signed a book deal and now have a column on this fine website. All that to say, I have no idea. I do feel like marine biologist might be a viable option, though.
Matt, Los Angeles: Who's your favorite Backstreet Boy?
Paul Shirley: Donnie
Jeremy, New York City: Quitting the Aoshen Olympic Extravaganza Experience? Aren't you letting Freddie Vinson down? And now how are you going to keep in shape to get back in the league and give Austin Croshere his payback in kind?
Paul Shirley: I've given up on staying in shape; I'm just going to become an Interpol groupie.
Aaron (PHX): Does Meriden Have a Home of Paul Shirley sign like Claflin does for Jackie Styles and if not will the TV show finally give ya enough juice to make it happen?
Paul Shirley: Probably not; I'm competing with two anti-abortion billboards and six church marquees.
Jebediah (Springfield): Hey Paul. First off, as a fellow abuser of parenthetical statements (I tend to throw in side comments incessantly, myself), thanks for setting a precedent for well-thought if not well-punctuated musings. Second, have you ever given any thought to making a goal of playing in every professional league around the world? I know the Beijing Aoshen Olympian experience might have soured you to playing in China, but it could make for endless comedy.. at least for us readers. Keep living the dream.
Paul Shirley: Moderately astute question, actually. Strange as it may seem, though, nearly every non-African country in the world now has a professional league. So I'd have to live to 210, or just make it a habit to leave each team after three weeks. They may catch on to that, though.
Mark (Eugene, OR): Do you see Emeka Okafor being effective when he returns from injury?
Paul Shirley: Is he hurt? I pay no attention.
Lazlo, Kansas City, MO: Everytime you have a chat, someone always asks you about what new music you are into. I guess it's time for that question again.
Matt (Los Angeles): Do think calling post-flop all-in bet with nothing but overcards is a wise move?
Brett (LA): Ever call a woman the C word?
Ron (Van Nuys, CA): If you were a car, what would you be and why?
Dan (Ottawa): Hey Paul, You have to see Sigur Ros Live. They are amazing. What is your favourite Our Lady Peace Album? Mine has to be Spiritual Machines.
Aaron (PHX): Whats your favorite Bill Murray movie?
Ron (Van Nuys, CA): Paul, What do you think about Bloc Party?
Mike (St. Louis): While mulling your exit strategy for Bejing Aoshen Olympian, did you ever consider pulling a "Ned Braden" from Slapshot and do a slow striptease down to your jockstrap? You could have caused an international incident with all of the Chinese television viewers watching. Plus, you would have earned a spot in the Sports Legends Pantheon.
Ben (Foungain Hills, AZ): Hi Paul, it seems like an NBA team should sign you soley on your current marketability. Care to comment?
Mike (Phoenix): Do you think you screwed over your chances of ever getting back to the NBA by making fun of the inherent ridiculousness of it all?
Mike (Houston): Who are you? Are you supposed to be someone famous?
Paul Shirley: No. I guess that's sort of the point.
Andy (Richmond, VA): Hey Paul,Chris Andersen's recent 2 year suspension. Punishment fit the crime?PS Conor Oberst is my idol
Paul Shirley: I'm sure these are treacherous waters for me. First of all, none of the hard-core drugs for which one can be banned could really be called performance-enhancing. I suppose it is not a good idea to be using cocaine or acid or PCP, but it isn't like doing so would convey an advantage. I suppose it is a bigger question: should one's employer ever have a say in what the employee does in his off time?
Christian (Manhattan Beach, CA): Paul, you've played all over the world. What country has the hottest chicks? I'm partial to Spain.
Paul Shirley: Russia. Although I will admit that the topless sunbathers found in Spain are without rival.
Paul Shirley: That's it for me. E-mail me at the bottom of the column. Make it entertaining...Seriously, though, thanks to anyone who reads what I write.
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Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, basketball veteran Paul Shirley, who submits a regular ESPN.com diary, "My So-Called Career," will stop by to chat. Shirley has played for 11 professional basketball teams in the four years since he graduated from Iowa State University. He most recently was a member of the Phoenix Suns last season and spent part of the 2004 season with the Chicago Bulls. Shirley has also played in Greece, Spain and Russia, and has spent time in both the CBA and ABA. Shirley burst onto the web scene when he started writing ''Paul Shirley's Road Ramblings" for the Phoenix Suns website last season. The ensuing attention led to a book deal with Random House. Currently, he continues to work out and look for opportunities to return to the NBA or another league.
Send your questions now and join Paul in The Show on Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET!
Click here to see Paul's Diary.
Hunter, Kansas City, KS: Paul, I was actually your Director of Operations for the Kansas City Knights in the ABA when you played for us. Why would you put yourself through that again (meaning the ABA) when you know the way it is run (League and Individual Teams) and the lack of credibility it has?
Paul Shirley: Well, because I'm a sucker, actually... Oh, I guess I'm supposed to write something like, "Well, I'm here now, let's get to this chat." That's so boring, though...If only I were actually qualified to run a computer...
Graham (Memphis, TN): Now that you have a sitcom based on your so-called career in the works, any thoughts on who should play you? How about James Van der Beek? Not saying he looks like you, but he's tall, and probably available.
Paul Shirley: Good plan. I don't think he can pull off that intense, soulful look for which I am so well known. Also, I feel more like we should really funk it up and try out maybe an Omar Epps.
Russ (Dyersville, IA): What's your hometown?
Paul Shirley: Meriden, Kansas. Pop. 700. It's like something out of a bad movie. Or sitcom.
Jeff (Boston): Paul, love the blog entries, you're a very talented writer, cant wait for the book! Not to sound like a job interview...but what do you see yourself doing in say 5 years?
Paul Shirley: It's been almost exactly one year since I came home from Russia, the Suns made the trade that sent away three players to get one and, thus, signed me. Since then, I have signed a book deal and now have a column on this fine website. All that to say, I have no idea. I do feel like marine biologist might be a viable option, though.
Matt, Los Angeles: Who's your favorite Backstreet Boy?
Paul Shirley: Donnie
Jeremy, New York City: Quitting the Aoshen Olympic Extravaganza Experience? Aren't you letting Freddie Vinson down? And now how are you going to keep in shape to get back in the league and give Austin Croshere his payback in kind?
Paul Shirley: I've given up on staying in shape; I'm just going to become an Interpol groupie.
Aaron (PHX): Does Meriden Have a Home of Paul Shirley sign like Claflin does for Jackie Styles and if not will the TV show finally give ya enough juice to make it happen?
Paul Shirley: Probably not; I'm competing with two anti-abortion billboards and six church marquees.
Jebediah (Springfield): Hey Paul. First off, as a fellow abuser of parenthetical statements (I tend to throw in side comments incessantly, myself), thanks for setting a precedent for well-thought if not well-punctuated musings. Second, have you ever given any thought to making a goal of playing in every professional league around the world? I know the Beijing Aoshen Olympian experience might have soured you to playing in China, but it could make for endless comedy.. at least for us readers. Keep living the dream.
Paul Shirley: Moderately astute question, actually. Strange as it may seem, though, nearly every non-African country in the world now has a professional league. So I'd have to live to 210, or just make it a habit to leave each team after three weeks. They may catch on to that, though.
Mark (Eugene, OR): Do you see Emeka Okafor being effective when he returns from injury?
Paul Shirley: Is he hurt? I pay no attention.
Lazlo, Kansas City, MO: Everytime you have a chat, someone always asks you about what new music you are into. I guess it's time for that question again.
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Paul Shirley: I, of course, wonder if this is the real Lazlo--perhaps the best dj in the US--from 96.5 in KC. Probably not. Anyway; I've been listening to the new Cat Power, this band called Oceansize, a friend of a friend's band called Goldspot. With the recent quasi-move to LA, though, I've been firing through a bunch of old, comforting music: NIN, Bright Eyes, Our Lady Peace, etc. As I do this, I'm listening to Sigur Ros, the strangest band ever. Matt (Los Angeles): Do think calling post-flop all-in bet with nothing but overcards is a wise move?
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Paul Shirley: If a moron: good plan. If not: questionable, at best...I hear crazy/beautiful was a good movie.
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Paul Shirley: Also, first person to say hello and reference this chat at Commerce Casino can have...none of my chips. Brett (LA): Ever call a woman the C word?
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Paul Shirley: By C word, I assume you mean...cavorting, cantankerous, or perhaps, charming? The answer is no, but my brother has. Ron (Van Nuys, CA): If you were a car, what would you be and why?
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Paul Shirley: 1964 Continental Convertible. It's big, it doesn't run very well, and it's not afraid to take its top off if it is hot outside. Wow. Dan (Ottawa): Hey Paul, You have to see Sigur Ros Live. They are amazing. What is your favourite Our Lady Peace Album? Mine has to be Spiritual Machines.
You must be registered for see images
Paul Shirley: I know we've covered music, but I like it, so we return. Plus, this is like a personal communication with Dan from Ottawa because he's obviously good people if he has seen Sigur Ros live....Strangely, Dan, I agree about OLP. I don't think anyone else in the world shares our view though. Aaron (PHX): Whats your favorite Bill Murray movie?
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Paul Shirley: Lost in Translation. Exactly how I have felt when I've been overseas. Ron (Van Nuys, CA): Paul, What do you think about Bloc Party?
You must be registered for see images
Paul Shirley: Big fan. Good pick-up. Mike (St. Louis): While mulling your exit strategy for Bejing Aoshen Olympian, did you ever consider pulling a "Ned Braden" from Slapshot and do a slow striptease down to your jockstrap? You could have caused an international incident with all of the Chinese television viewers watching. Plus, you would have earned a spot in the Sports Legends Pantheon.
You must be registered for see images
Paul Shirley: It crossed my mind. If only I weren't so pale. Is it strange that the only way I learned what the word 'pantheon' meant was from Simmons' columns? Ben (Foungain Hills, AZ): Hi Paul, it seems like an NBA team should sign you soley on your current marketability. Care to comment?
You must be registered for see images
Paul Shirley: I suppose I would feel bad if that were truly the only reason a team hired me. The bi-weekly five-figure check would salve my wounds, though. Mike (Phoenix): Do you think you screwed over your chances of ever getting back to the NBA by making fun of the inherent ridiculousness of it all?
You must be registered for see images
Paul Shirley: It certainly isn't helping. But, we all only live once, right? Mike (Houston): Who are you? Are you supposed to be someone famous?
Paul Shirley: No. I guess that's sort of the point.
Andy (Richmond, VA): Hey Paul,Chris Andersen's recent 2 year suspension. Punishment fit the crime?PS Conor Oberst is my idol
Paul Shirley: I'm sure these are treacherous waters for me. First of all, none of the hard-core drugs for which one can be banned could really be called performance-enhancing. I suppose it is not a good idea to be using cocaine or acid or PCP, but it isn't like doing so would convey an advantage. I suppose it is a bigger question: should one's employer ever have a say in what the employee does in his off time?
Christian (Manhattan Beach, CA): Paul, you've played all over the world. What country has the hottest chicks? I'm partial to Spain.
Paul Shirley: Russia. Although I will admit that the topless sunbathers found in Spain are without rival.
Paul Shirley: That's it for me. E-mail me at the bottom of the column. Make it entertaining...Seriously, though, thanks to anyone who reads what I write.
