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This week it is important to honor the accomplishments of a man who gave us the freedom and the ability to do what we do today.

A civil rights icon who represented millions of people who believed in fighting for peace, justice and equality.

A man who inspired goodwill and accountability with his powerful message that all men were created equal.

A Nobel Peace Prize winner, minister, father and husband upon whose shoulders many stood because they truly believed Dr. Martin Luther King could win the age-old battle of racism with a strong belief in God and words of wisdom that echoed around the world.

While fighting for equality for millions of black Americans, he faced some of the harshest cruelty any man could ever withstand, paying the ultimate price in Memphis in 1968.

He wasn’t fighting for himself but for equality for all. Racism was cruel and still prevalent today but Dr. King changed America. He is the reason why today we are able to associate with one another, live together in harmony and carry out his legacy and dream -- a dream that we all can live together under one-rule, one-government as a nation that would service all Americans regardless of creed or skin color.

We truly need to remember Dr. King and his legacy because he has helped us become a nation that can resolve and overcome anything if we unite. No matter what we do, we should remind ourselves and be thankful for the efforts of one man who has changed the face of America, a black man who made his mark in history with the ability to inspire so many people with his words and his actions without violence.

It is truly an honor no privilege to recognize Dr. King as a civil rights leader and a great humanitarian and to be able fulfill his legacy by remembering him for decades to come.

"Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Words to remember.

From rumors of trades to summer league surprises it has been quite interesting -- to the point where players find themselves in new surroundings and others are still waiting to be added to someone's roster. Players and organizations are feeling the crunch of the economy as teams are less willing to shell out dollars this season.

With the economy the way it is and last season's numbers down as a whole it has somewhat paralyzed teams in negotiating contract offers for unrestricted free agents. The leverage a player once had in previous summers is no longer there.

If a team makes an offer, I suggest you take the offer!

Iverson biggest name in limbo

Free agents in this position are now in limbo as they wait to hear their name called. The most noticeable name out there right now is the talented Allen Iverson, a solid player and veteran who's had a great career but has bounced from team to team within the past two seasons.

A few teams are approaching with caution as they wheel and deal and decide whether they want to take a chance and add him to the mix. A couple of seasons ago, if he was in this same position, he'd be able to join a new team in a heartbeat.

Now, teams are doing "makeovers" and basically trying to get players who cost less but are effective. Veterans who are unrestricted are helpless as they may have to take a cut in salary because of cap issues and luxury tax.

Pacers have made significant strides

In trying to keep up with other teams, your new-look Pacers have made significant strides to improve themselves and contend with the other Eastern teams.

Adding much-needed defense (Dahntay Jones) and stabilizing the backcourt with a savvy veteran free agent (Earl Watson), the Pacers are putting pieces together to help All-Star Danny Granger fend off the competition.

With Tyler Hansbrough's strong intro in the summer league and the improvement of Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush, the rest of the supporting cast looks to improve in the division and conference.

Though disappointed at not making the playoffs last year, the Pacers are now trying to be in the mix in the postseason. In the meantime, while teams jockey for position, I'm sure there will be more wheeling and dealing and maybe some trades before opening day.

Props to former Pacers

Free agency isn't what it used to be but as camp approaches I'm sure you will see names and faces in different places.

As a postscript, here's wishing former Pacers Jarrett Jack, Maceo Baston and Marquis Daniels all the best!

Thank you for your on- and off-court performance and maintaining a consistency of professionalism. Your hard work and positive attitude didn't go unnoticed. Big props! Will miss you guys.

And, as always, be Smoov.

The NBA has learned over the years to produce a program that will encourage a player to be fully equipped once his playing days are over. Players tend to take for granted off- the-court maintenance, instead focusing on working to improve their basketball skills because that's how they earn their living.

Even so, growth off the court is important so individuals can transition smoothly into society.

Stories aren't uncommon of players who've finished their careers and realized they didn't know what to do. Too often, they wind up broke or divorced – sometimes both.

Because too many players faced that situation, the NBA mandated a player development program for all teams (including the WNBA). In order to have a successful product, we must nurture the young men and women and prepare them for life after basketball.

The percentage is too high of former players living day-to-day, in some instances, and others struggling to keep their possessions. The player development program gives players insight on real-life and puts everything into perspective.

Programs deal with issues from substance abuse to depression, personal growth and self- imaging. While fulfilling his dream of playing ball, the player has a chance to work on his self-image and character.

As Vice President of Player Relations for the Pacers, my goal is to educate and assist these young men, make them aware of their surroundings while stressing the importance of reaching out into the community and supporting charitable groups in various causes.

With the NBA reaching out to the players and a development program in place, we offer resources to facilitate life after basketball because, to be a complete professional, players must expand their abilities beyond the boundaries of the court.

More fond farewells

In my last blog, I forget to say my farewells to Rasho Nesterovic, who signed with Toronto, and Stephen Graham, who is a free agent. Both were big for the Pacers last year and we wish them nothing but success.

And, as always, be Smoov.