Dwight Howard I was recently talking to one of my friends about how dating is like sports and they found this philosophy to be very interesting. We were discussing how when you date someone it works similar to sports. (For the sake of conversation I'll use basketball to explain the analogies). First when you meet some you are putting them in training camp. Training camp consist of you asking a series of questions to determine their capabilities, acceptance of their teammates, and a physical/mental evaluation. You should always evaluate them because you want to know how they will play in your "system". If they're lucky enough to make it through training camp and you want to bring them into your team, you must draft them. Drafting gives them the ability to choose if they want to play for your squad. Some other teams will offer things such as recognition, money, and other amenities. Once they're involved you put them on a 10 day contract to still reconsider if you want to keep this player. (In 80% of my drafts, I drop players at this point) Now this is the part where you test them on their skills and abilities. You may go out and see if they offer to pay. You may ask them to find something to do, and rate their creativity. However you check out their skills, you do it your way. Now they have one of two options on your squad. You can bring them in and make them a starter (like most people do because they are excited by the newness). Now you have a young superstar who has not worked very much to get their position, so they may not appreciate the spot their placed in. My suggestion would be to put them on the bench. Even though you might be madly in love with their attributes and they may be the perfect person for you. You must still place them on the bench so that they appreciate every time they get playing time (or attention). While they are on the bench you spend some time developing the rest of the team. You may want to bring on some more young players. You may feel the need to reevaluate your veteran, who may have been declining for some time. Or you may simply just let time do its job...increase intrigue. Once you have brought this player into a position where they are gaining playing time, you must start out with a little bit of time. Walk them into the full schedule if that's what you are looking for. I choose to watch them play with their time allotted and see if they play harder to get more time or sit back and do nothing but waste time. As your team develops and grows you must make sure to never sacrifice your position as the General Manager, so that you can be on the same level as the player. If you are professional and good at your craft you can be an owner and recognized by all the great "players" of your time:) lol
