Things are finally starting to settle down now that the Holidays are behind us. However, we are still a long way off from playoff season. I really can’t believe that we’ve played over 30 games. It seems like it should only really be game five or six. I know the season is really long, especially compared to what I’m used to with college, but really, it has just been flying by. Maybe it’s because we are winning? 26-5 feels pretty good. Really though, we are taking it one game at a time and are just focused on gaining home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Anyway, like I said, the Holidays were crazy – I had a lot of presents to buy this year. I did a little bit of my shopping at Somerset Mall in Troy, but for the first time, I had to do most of it online. By shopping on the computer I was able to have a lot of the gifts delivered to my mom’s house so that she could give it to my Grandfather and all my relatives. Of course, when my mom and my girlfriend got into town, we went to the mall. There was no way to get out of that.

It was nice having my family come into town for a couple of weeks. My mom and my brother – well he’s not really my brother, but I’ve known him since high school – they came in for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. My girlfriend also came in town the day after Christmas and stayed through New Years – it was her first trip to Detroit to visit me. I was so happy they came because the Holidays aren’t the same without the people you love around you.

Since we played early Christmas afternoon, my mom and my brother and I woke up early in the morning to exchange gifts. I was playing Santa so I didn’t care what I got. I was just happy to be able to get everyone what he or she wanted.

Christmas Day we played San Antonio at home. It was really exciting. I’ve never played a game on Christmas so that was pretty cool. It was great to see all the fans dressed up as Santa Claus. It was kind of like one giant Christmas dinner. Honestly, I was surprised by how many people came out to the game that day with it being a Holiday and all. That just proves what great fans we have in Detroit. Pulling off a victory against the defending NBA Champs just made the day that much better.

After the game we had dinner, but don’t worry it was my mom that did the cooking. I stayed out of the way. I am not the cook in the family. It’s easy to say that my favorite present of the year, though, was the home cooked meal from my mom. I haven’t had one of those in a while and nothing really compares. Once dinner ended we went to a friend of mine’s house to hang out. It was pretty low-key compared to past years when we would all get together. It was a lot smaller, but it was a lot of fun.

Once the fun was over though it was back to work – we had three more games before the year ended. First opponent up was Toronto. We took control of the game early and managed to hold the lead in front of a packed house. Rip and Chaunce combined for something like 45 points. Then, two nights later a much-anticipated Heat team rolled into town in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. Chauncey had another outstanding performance with 30 points and seven assists. He’s playing some great basketball this year and has really been leading our team. After beating Miami we headed to Cleveland for our New Year’s Eve game. It wasn’t the result we were looking for, but it just wasn’t our night.

Well, immediately after the game we jumped back on Roundball One for a short flight back into town. We were back in Detroit with plenty of time to watch the ball drop for the New Year. Rip had my family and Alex Acker’s family over for a little get together at his place. It was chill. I didn’t set any resolutions for myself this year, I never really do. I’m just going keep working on the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the season. That’s been my focus and it will remain my focus.

Before I knew it the Holiday season was over and my family had all gone back home. Looking back though, even with all the winning and having family around, the most memorable part of Christmas ‘05 was a road trip we had in Memphis. The fellow rookies – Alex Acker and Amir Johnson – some of the coaching staff, and I went to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to visit with some of the kids. We were just there to sign autographs and pass out some Pistons gear, but those kids really stuck with me. They probably made more of an impact on me than I did on them. There was one kid there, about ten-years old, his real name was Jason but we all called him ‘Dude’. That kid was hilarious and had me doing all the smiling instead of the other way around. Those kids don’t feel the best, so being able to go there and make them forget about the seriousness of life for just a minute is such a great feeling. It was so nice to be able to do things like that that I probably wouldn’t have the chance to do if I wasn’t in the league.

Well, I’m three months into my NBA career and my game has evolved and I’m learning how to adapt to the big leagues. First it was a matter of adapting to my new role with the team. My senior year in college I was used to be on the floor at all times. Now, I’m on the sidelines learning from the veterans. It reminds me a lot of my freshman year in college. When I first started off I was learning from the bench – much like I’m doing now. I just sit back and take in everything I can until it is my turn to go to work.

The NBA has also helped improve my communication on the court. I talk a lot more than I used to. I never used to say anything; I’d stay real quiet. Now, I make sure that I’m more vocal with my teammates. Coach has helped me out a lot with that. All the coaches have been there letting me know what I’m doing wrong and what I’m doing right. They have all been very helpful during practice and in games.

That’s all I have for now. I’ll be sure to get back to you guys a little sooner next time. Hey, and don’t forget to vote for the NBA All-Stars.

I’m out.

Jason Maxiell
#54