In the 2006 NBA Draft, LeBron James practically hand-picked Daniel Gibson aka ‘Boobie Gibson’ with Cleveland’s 42nd overall draft pick. Come 2008, he signed a five-year, $21 million dollar extension which changed his life dramatically. It’s hard making it in the league when you’re picked late in the draft but he never lost faith in his ability. Unfortunately, Gibson encountered multiple setbacks and injuries which served his cause of failing to sustain a long career in the league.
“There was a pretty big misconception of why my career ended so abruptly. It seemed like people thought I quit basketball to pursue entertainment and music and that was just not the case.”
Gibson also went on the record during this interview with Oliver Maroney and said the following.
“I was just hit with a flurry of events. Mentally, It just took away my ability to workout. I was suffering from depression and anxiety. Honestly, basketball was my sanctuary, but I couldn’t even do that. […] I really got to the point where being alive wasn’t something I wanted anymore.”
After Gibson’s last season, he tore a tendon in his foot which required surgery. He was out for three months during free agency, all while going through a divorce. Gibson was completely out of it while his anxiety and depression were in full effect. Ultimately, his career being cut short wasn’t intentional.
When asked about how LeBron had an effect on his life, Gibson went into detail.
“Oh man, when I first got to the Cavaliers, LeBron made my transition so easy. He was one of the first people to contact me and he told me ‘I told them (Cleveland management) that I wanted you on this team because of what you could bring to this team and from what I saw of you in college. We’re going to get some work in this summer and I’ll be right here with you every step of the way.’ So coming into the league, I knew who LeBron was because he was only a year ahead of me, but the fact that he’d done that was impressive.”
Gibson then brought up his favorite moment with LeBron which was before Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron went up to him and said “This is going to be your night. I’m going to get doubled and just be ready to shoot.” It turned out LeBron was right because it most certainly was Boobie’s night.
When Gibson was asked about how he got through his anxiety and depression, he said he managed to do so by writing.
“That’s where people don’t really understand me. I’ve always had a special ability to write. I could’ve gone to UT (University of Texas) on an academic scholarship as well as an athletic scholarship. And so, a lot of people don’t know that about me because all they know is that I can shoot threes and just keep shooting threes, we already know what you’re great at. But writing has always been my other safe place for me. So once the injury happened, the divorce, and then losing my grandmother who lived with me, normally it was basketball that would be the place I’d go to feel normal or feel sane. But I couldn’t even do that. So I just started writing.”
Lastly, Maroney asked Gibson if playing basketball will be a part of his future. Gibson is still uncertain about what the future holds in store for him, but nevertheless, he responded voluptuously.
“Right now, I’m trying to do two-a-days, eaten right, doing everything that I’m supposed to do physically so my body and mind can reach its peak. Then, once I get to that point, I’ll make decisions on everything else. So for me, the door is open for every possibility. But it’s really about how dedicated I am to this grind and reaching a level where no one can say no to me.”
