SLAM MAGAZINE- "Fate Had It For Nate"

What does destiny feel like? We got at former unversity of Washinton
star and soon-to-be NBA rookie Nate Robinson on draft night 2005 to
find out.

"Its' not every day that you meet Isiah Thomas, Before the draft,I was
in New York working out for the Knicks, and he was there, taking time
to watch me, talk to me and teach Me. I could'nt belive it. My little
brother who died as a baby in His crib, was named after Isiah, My
cusin's named after Him too. My family always loved watching Him play.

I did'nt know it at the time, but meeting Him was destiny. When I left
that workout,I left my soul there. Something told Me I needed to go
back to New York,But at the time, I did'nt know how I'd get back
there,because I was headed everywhere else. I was flying all over the
counrty doing workouts.In the month leading up to draft day,I worked
out for 13 teams. I kept the Airline industry in business. My first
workout was May 21 in Denver. Then I went to
Oakland,Houston,Memphis,L.A. to see the Lakers ,Toronto,New Orleans
and the New York. After that I went to Seattle,Portland,back to L.A.
to work out for the Clippers,then the Lakers again, then Utah. I had
flights delayed,and some were cancelled. It was tiring, but I kept
remembering what Isiah told Me: You gotta fight through this. It makes
you stronger.
I did that. I've goten stronger. I went up aganst Chris Thomas,Danny
Granger,Jon Gilchrist,and I held My own. I worked out with Will Bynum
twice, and We've become great freinds. Before the Draft, people asked
Me if I thought my stock was going up or down. I didn't care, really.
I was just enjoying the thought of being a part of the Draft. I called
my buddy Jamal Crawford-We're both from Seattle-dnd asked Him what it
was like sitting there on Draft day, and He said it was crazy.

Now I know what He meant. My names was just called ,and the Suns
selected Me with the 21st pick. I'm at home celebrating with My
parents, my8-month old son Nahmier,my family and my best freind Markes
Adams. There are 200 people here, goin crazy like we just won the
lottery. But then I see the bottom of the TV screen. The Suns are
trading Me to the Knicks. I'm stunned. Memories of meeting Isiah flood
back. I can't wait to see Him again. I get to learn from one of the
greatest point gaurds ever, and I get to play with Jamal. I get to
play in the basketball capital of the world.

It's a perfect story,and here's why-what I'm about to tell you now is
no lie. I had a dream last nigt that I was going to get picked 21st.
It's weird. My baby brother Isiah died on the 21st, and it's a number
I could'nt get out of my head. Now I've been picked 21st, and I'm
playing for Isiah-the namesake of My baby brother and My family's
favorite player. It's amazing how everything works out.

God blessed me, and I thank Him every day for giving me the
opportunity to do something that others can only dream about. To
everyone who supported Me, I thank you from the bottom of My heart.
Isiah, Jamal- I'm on My way"

nice read.


thanks.