Ronny Turiaf celebrates his 40th birthday, a glimpse of a man with a heart of gold

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Ronny Turiaf is also on the list of French players who have won an NBA title. The former interior has had a very special career in the NBA and has also crossed the French team box. Ronny is first and foremost a mind of steel… combined with a heart of gold. Let’s all sit together to revisit the career of this great man.

Ronny Turiaf, a name known to all basketball fans since 2003. Later, at the age of 20, the young interior was selected to compete in the world basketball championship with the French team. He spent only 14 minutes on the field, but 14 minutes full of promise. His journey? Of course, INSEP, then the faculty of Gonzaga in Zétasunis before officially joining the project in 2005. Drafted 37th overall by the Lakers, he gave it his all during the Summer League and got a guaranteed contract, a dream start … but also a concern.

As in the NBA, players undergo all medical tests before signing a contract. This dear Ronnie’s tests lead the doctors to discover a heart defect in the aorta. Everything falls apart in a second. It will take open-heart surgery and five months of rehabilitation, fully supported by the Lakers, before he can finally make his first appearance on the court. He will always remember his gesture Purple and goldwith no contractual obligation to finance his care.

“‘Gratitude’ is my word for the Lakers. Once my physicals were released, there was zero commitment to pay for surgery. Zero. I had not even met Dr. Buss at that time. But they did, and when I returned to the field, they added to the list of people I had to respect. […]

I don’t think many people know this, but after every home game I played with the Lakers, I went to Dr. Buss’s office. Just to make sure you know I’m grateful. We had this secret language. He knew why I came to see him and looked at me: “I protected you, my son.” You are already a member of the family.” – Ronnie Turiaf

The story is already great, but wait until you read the sequel. In his first game with the Lakers, Ron was entitled to an exclusive reception from all of his teammates, including Kobe Bryant. All this when he played just 52 seconds. A great example of the best the NBA can produce.

“I don’t know if we’ll ever have enough time to talk about Kobe’s impact on me and the entire generation of players…

I remember very well, I think it was February 7 or 8, 2006. It was my first game against the Rockets. I remember feeling so slow, everything going so fast. But what I remember most is after the game, when everyone jumped on me in the locker room.

They threw Gatorade on me, dusted me, it felt so good, and they said, ‘Welcome to the NBA, you’re officially an NBA player. I remember the excitement of my teammates, my peers and myself.

I remember being so happy when I saw that I had heart surgery six months ago, I was so grateful that, okay, all the effort I had put in so far was worth going through. Even though I played for 52 seconds” – Ronnie Turiaf.

Traded to the Warriors in 2008 and then to the Knicks in 2010, Ronnie’s career would be somewhat bohemian in the Major Leagues. He will also go through Washington, then Denver, where his contributions will be minimal due to injuries. Consecration will come in 2012, when it descends on South Beach in the middle of winter. NBA title with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Heat of Tres Amigos, also known as Chris Bosh. The Ultimate Grail in his pocket would join the Clippers for one season before ending his career with the Timberwolves in 2016.

Ronnie Turiaf’s very unique career will make him a favorite of the Lakers community. A guy who never gave up and invested a lot through the Heart to Heart organization by providing financial support to people with heart problems. Full commitment to the blue jersey he wore from 2003 to 2011. NBA players are always in a difficult position when it comes to selection, but apart from injuries, nothing kept Ronny from wearing the jersey. he can.

“People tend to forget and consider it normal to come to the aid of French basketball every summer. They don’t realize the sacrifice we made to be there. You have to understand the economic and sporting benefits it brings to NBA clubs” – Ronny Turiaf.

Ronny is now living his best life with his family in addition to playing the role of NBA ambassador in Africa. It is also linked to associations and even a language program. Busy schedule, but well suited to the fighter’s temperament.

A life full of twists and turns but above all built on determination is what makes Ronny Turiaf strong! NBA champion, historic member of the French team… and above all, in the hearts of all basketball fans.

Sources: Fox News, Liberation, EuroHoops, FFBB, ESPN

Published by novoqac.com

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