Earl Cureton, a pro basketball player for 17 seasons, started out with the Sixers in 1980 and played for six other NBA teams, as well as in five foreign countries. Spent some time in the USBL and CBA as well.
Did any of that matter when he went back home to Detroit every summer?
No. No, it did not.
In fact, he said in a phone interview that the assessment of opponents when he took part in pickup games – whether in St. Cecilia’s Gym, a legendary Motor City proving ground, or elsewhere – could best be summed up in three words: You ain’t shit.