Sherman on the stand

Avid fan Sherman Alexie compares NBA players to Greek gods

Four days into the Sonics trial, the fans finally had their say. After hours of testimony this week from Mayor Greg Nickels, chairman Clay...Alexie talked for 37 minutes of his love for basketball, particularly the NBA, beginning when he was a child in Spokane. He said his father introduced him to the game, and the sport strengthened their relationship.

Alexie likened LeBron James to Hercules and said hundreds of years from now, people will talk about NBA players like today's generation talks about Greek mythology.

Alexie could hardly contain his enthusiasm. He said he enjoys the diverse crowds at KeyArena and noted the variety of ethnicities and countries seen in the NBA. Alexie, a Native American born in Spokane and raised on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Stevens County, said he also likes the NBA because "rise from poverty."Comment:  For more on the subject, see All About Sherman Alexie.