Knicks' Harrington finds a way to give back to fans
Al Harrington appeared destined to join the Bulls a couple of times during his career.
On the day of the 2004 draft, the Bulls were prepared to send the No. 7 pick they acquired from Phoenix to Indiana for Harrington, but the Pacers backed out and the Bulls chose Luol Deng.
A couple of years later, Harrington was a free agent and the Bulls had cap room. But they spent their money on Ben Wallace, a decision that could have turned out better.
"I definitely thought it was going to be that summer (of 2006)," Harrington said. "I couldn't believe (the Bulls) chose Ben Wallace over me. Ben Wallace is a great player, obviously, but I didn't think he was what the team needed at that time."
That might as well be ancient history now. Harrington will visit the suburbs this weekend - to promote his line of shoes Sunday at Sears in Woodfield Mall - as a member of the New York Knicks, a team pinning most of its future on being able to sign a big-name free agent next summer.
"My attitude is 2010 is 2010," Harrington said. "We can't control that, nobody on my team can. All we can do is try to make the team as good as we can and reach our potential for our fans. Obviously, the playoffs are definitely going to be tough. But as you know, anything can happen if we can find a way to click."
Originally drafted by Indiana in 1998 out of St. Patrick's High School in New Jersey, Harrington is coming off his most productive offensive season. He averaged 20.7 points and shot a respectable 45 percent from the field for the Knicks last year.
He has made millions in his career, but his goal now is to give something back. Harrington has taken up the drive to provide low-cost athletic shoes. The Protégé footwear line he helped create sells for $24.99 at Sears and Kmart stores, and is often available for less.
It's not an original idea, obviously. Stephon Marbury launched the briefly popular "Starbury" brand with the now-defunct Steve & Barry's. Shaquille O'Neal teamed with Payless for a low-priced shoe.
"Steph and I used to live together in L.A. so I was around him when he created the Starbury brand," Harrington said. "We want to just help families out as much as we can, because we're in a blessed situation being able to play a game and make millions of dollars. I felt like it was an obligation."
The Woodfield block party, which lasts from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, will include games and contests on a basketball court. Hip hop recording artist Fat Joe will appear, and two of Harrington's former Golden State teammates, Stephen Jackson and Kelenna Azubuike, are also expected.
"We'll be taking pictures, signing autographs," Harrington said. "I usually play a little basketball with the kids. I'm usually there three out of the six hours (from 1 to 4 p.m.), just hanging out, making myself accessible. Really just allow kids to rub elbows with an NBA player, because a lot of times they never get that opportunity."
While discussing his appearance, Harrington shared some thoughts on a couple of ex-Bulls in the spotlight. Knicks center Eddy Curry is attempting a comeback after playing just three games last season due to a knee injury.
"I haven't seen him. But from what I've heard, he's lost a lot of weight and he's looking pretty good," Harrington said. "He's really hiding himself. I guess when he shows up to camp, he's going to surprise everybody."
Ron Artest, his former Pacers teammate, signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, which could be a risky proposition for the defending champs.
"He's going to do good, honestly," Harrington said. "He respects Kobe (Bryant), he respects Phil Jackson and I think he respects what the Lakers organization is all about. So I don't think he'll be a hothead at all."
mmcgraw@dailyherald.com