Four-time NBA All-Star and Chicago native Shawn Marion, 29, has every right to boast if he chooses, especially when looking at the 2005-2006 season. He was the only NBA player ranked in the top 20 in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, field goal percentage, and minutes. With a career average of just under 20 points per game and 10 rebounds with the Phoenix Suns, he’s a double threat for the opponent. Not bad for a guy who keeps coming up in trade talks.
I’m sure the weather is quite different, but other than that, how does Phoenix compare to Chicago?
It doesn’t. It’s just outrageously hot. The winter time is cool there, but summers here are unbelievable and it’s really nice on the lakefront.
Do you live in Chicago during the off season?
Yes, I live downtown.
What are some of your favorite places to visit?
Los Angeles, New York, Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Toronto. Also, Italy is very nice. I love it there.
What are some of your favorite things about home?
I just love this city. I don’t get to enjoy the weather too much, but I enjoy the atmosphere when I’m here.
Do you have any favorite Chicago restaurants, or fast food joints that you simply must have when you’re here?
Japonais, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Tavern on Rush, Harold's Chicken Shack, and J&J Fish. I’m a big fan of steak and seafood.
Let’s say you were banned from Chicago restaurants but before the ban started you could pig out at one establishment. Who would be the lucky restaurant or eatery if you had to pick one?
Well, Ruth Chris is my favorite restaurant. I would say Red Lobster, but they moved it from downtown and I’m not going all the way to the suburbs!
I read that you are quite involved in various charities and that you pledged $1 million to the Valley of the Sun United Way, an organization addressing health and human service issues. Why this particular charity?
Well, it was presented to me and I thought it was something I’d like to do. I wasn't always this blessed financially. Once I achieved my goal of playing in the NBA, I thought it was imperative that I give back and make a difference.
Why is it important to you to give back to your family and community?
Sometimes with this lifestyle we take for granted what is given to us. We can always do more, whether it's money or time, to show our appreciation.
I also read that you’re starting a foundation. Tell me about it and what is it called?
It’ll involve a lot of things, but the biggest emphasis will be to help single family mothers put a down payment on a home. We haven’t decided on a name for the foundation yet.
You purchased a home for your mother in Las Vegas after you were drafted. Why Vegas and was this your first major purchase?
Yes, that and my car. Ever since I went to school there my mother has always liked Vegas.
Tell me about your relationship with your mother. How did she inspire you to be the person you are today?
She's independent and she's a very strong woman to raise four kids. More power to her. I can’t really explain in words how much she means to me and how well she has provided for all of us.
What are some other talents you have besides basketball or what other sports do you like to play?
I like doing a lot of things, but I don’t necessarily consider it a talent or anything. I like to play softball, bowling, and even though I’m not good at golfing, I can go out there and play a little bit. I usually just play for charity events.
What’s on your iPod right now?
Everything. R&B, pop, rock, and jazz.
What was the last record you listened to?
Kanye West.
I hear that you wouldn’t mind dabbling in acting and film production. What would be your ideal story line?
I don’t know. It depends I guess. It’d definitely have to be an action movie or a comedy because it’d be more fun.
Name a few of your favorite actors.
Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Johnny Depp, and Brad Pitt.
What’s your favorite movie?
Under the Cherry Moon.
What’s on your nightstand?
Remote controls, PSP, BlackBerry, and magazines.
Okay, so we all know most Chicagoans are either White Sox or Cubs fans, which are you?
Cubs! I’ve always been a Cubs fan.
I understand Reggie Miller is your favorite player.
Yeah, I’m a big fan of Reggie’s because of the way he approaches the game. I look up to all athletes as a whole because of the way they play the game. Reggie Miller was also my first nickname in high school.
In your opinion, who is the greatest NBA player of all-time?
I’d be crazy not to say Michael Jordan. That’s who I actually got a chance to see in my era. I witnessed that. You know what I’m saying. Most people can’t say that.
If you could play a game of one on one with anyone who would it be?
Halle Berry!
What is the most memorable game you played and who was the opponent?
Probably against Seattle two years ago or so. We won by one point by me blocking the shot to win the game.
What did it mean to you to have your high school jersey retired during the halftime ceremony at the September 22 game?
Definitely a privilege. Says something about my accomplishments and I'm very happy it happened.
Why did former NBA guard Kenny Smith nickname you the Matrix and how do you feel about it?
Because of the variety of things I do on the court. I love it!
Do you think you could star in a fourth Matrix movie and wow the director with your gravity-defying moves, saving the producers loads of money on special effects?
Definitely!
Would that make Keanu Reeves cry?
Nope, I think Keanu would embrace me with open arms.
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