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Clippers Share Thanksgiving Memories

Rowan Kavner

LOS ANGELES - Jamal Crawford knows what it’s like to play on Thanksgiving.

It’s something the guard did his first year in Atlanta during the 2009-10 season, but the NBA has since done away with games on the holiday, and some of the Clippers will get to use that time with family.

For Cole Aldrich, it’s hard to say what a normal Thanksgiving is. He’s been on the road at times and back home other times. This Thursday, he’ll get to eat with his wife for the holiday.

“We’ve got a three-pound turkey, got a little stuffing, a little mashed potatoes and asparagus,” said Aldrich, who added he’s most looking forward to the stuffing.

Wesley Johnson said his family was in town earlier this week to celebrate before the Clippers’ latest road game. Now, Johnson hopes to build some memories this Thanksgiving with his two kids.

Aldrich said when he was a kid he used to always go to his grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving. Some of the Clippers took a trip down memory lane and shared their favorite Thanksgiving memories, as well as the foods they most look forward to eating, with the holiday now upon us.

Clippers’ Memories:

Wesley Johnson – “When I was younger, all my family came over to my house. Seeing everybody over there was cool, seeing cousins I don’t get to see a lot. Recently, I’ve spent time with my family, my kids and everybody, building memories with them. One of my favorites would probably have to be now, my family with my kids.”

Jamal Crawford – “Just being around family, eating a lot of food, going to everybody’s house seeing how much you could eat. You had to make your rounds. You go to your friend’s house and their family’s house.”

Lance Stephenson – “When you have your whole family come and gather around and enjoy the good times and good days together, it’s always good.”

Josh Smith – “Just the times I spend with my siblings, my brother and my sisters, being able to have my mom and dad around and sit at the table and get that stuffing and that potato salad and turkey. I can’t wait.”

Clippers’ Favorite Thanksgiving dishes:
Jamal Crawford – “I don’t eat stuffing or cranberry. I love eggnog. I know it’s eggnog season. The meal with the eggnog, that’s good. And I think the best part is eating meals late at night. You don’t have to go out for food, its’ still there. But being around family is always nice.”
Lance Stephenson – “I’ve got to say the turkey. Come on man, the turkey’s the best thing.”
Josh Smith – “A little cranberry sauce, I love when my sister whips up that potato salad, that’s it. The stuffing. I’m not a real big fan of turkey, so my dad cooks some mean ribs…I’ve got many favorites. Sweet potato pie, all that.”