FanHouse

When you think of Chucky Atkins, what's the first thing that comes to mind? I'm guessing "journeyman backup" is pretty high on your list -- the type of guy who'd be honored to give his fans a high-five -- if only they'd stop moving their hands at the last second!

Truth be told, though, Atkins has started over half of his 576 career games and is probably a better player than a lot of people realize. He's working on yet another one-year deal with this season, but he's hoping to change his image around the league. From the Memphis Commercial Appeal:

''Sometimes, you just learn from your mistakes,'' Atkins said. ''When people speak of me, they always speak of 'when he was with the Lakers, they lost.' Nobody ever speaks about the three or four years I was with Detroit and we were the top team in the East and we went to the Eastern Conference Finals. Nobody really speaks about that. They just speak about the bad ...

''I've proven that I can play at the highest level of any guard in this league. Whether I start, or whether I come off the bench, it doesn't matter to me. I add versatility, I add depth, to any team. Every player wants to be secure. I'm 32 years old. I want to play for as long as I can. I don't want to be on a one-year deal every year. I think I have a lot of value in this league, just as any other player does. I'm a guy that's dependable. I come to practice every day. I play hard every game. Knock on wood, I haven't been injured. I'm durable. I've shown that I can get it done. I can win games, I can help win games.''

While I'm not sure a team can win a championship with him playing 35 minutes a night, he's not a bad guy at all to bring off the bench. He's a capable passer with a great -- if sometimes streaky -- long-range shot. So give the guy a break: if you're a GM, look past all the losing when his agent comes calling this summer; and if you're a fan, just give him some skin, already.

(via Ben Maller)