How former Bull C.J. Watson is working to inspire children through books

C.J. Watson carved out a 10-year NBA career with not just talent but also an ability to overcome odds and tune out doubters.

So whenever the former Bulls guard encountered skepticism for his latest dream, he'd answer every "Why" with a "Why not?"

That dream? To create children's books. Watson, 36, has now published two titles: "CJ's Big Dream" and "CJ's Big Project." The first came out last November, the second in March.

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"It was just a random idea I had to challenge myself and try to push myself," Watson said in a phone conversation. "I want to try to continue to be an inspiration. Playing in the NBA is an inspiration to kids. But I wanted to continue to offer kids knowledge and tell my story through books.

"Kids are the next generation of leaders. They're the next entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers. Some kid will grow up to be President. I just wanted to try to share some gems and drops of knowledge. I want to try to propel little boys and girls and let them know it's OK to shoot for their dreams and to dream big."

The books were written by author Tamika Newhouse and illustrated by Cameron Wilson based on stories shared by Watson. Watson spent hours on the phone over a six-month period with Newhouse, sharing his stories and his vision for the project, which is scheduled to include at least one more title.

They are based on Watson's upbringing in Las Vegas, where he first experienced doubts for his NBA dream.

"These are true stories," Watson said. "I made it to the NBA after growing up in the inner city and not having the same resources or same chances as some. Growing up, seeing graffiti, abandoned houses, drugs, gangs, it can be discouraging. But I had a great support system that kept me focused on my goal."

The second book focuses on the time Watson received an F on a science project in school. But the teacher offered him a chance to re-do it, which taught him a valuable lesson.

"The second book talks about working hard and the importance of getting good grades to be able to play sports," he said. "That was the important thing in my household. If we didn't have good grades, my brother and I couldn't play sports."

Watson is the father of two children with one on the way. His parents, Cathy and Charles, stressed education and reading as they raised him and his brother. He majored in psychology at Tennessee, which is in his parents' hometown of Nashville, Tenn.

"My parents came from an area more poverty-stricken than I did," Watson said. "You always want better for your kid, right? We might not have lived in the best area, but they always put my brother and me in the best schools to give us the best chance to succeed.

"They also were big on me and my brother doing community service. We'd go feed the homeless. We'd go visit nursing homes to care for the elderly. When I was younger, I always said if I made it that I wanted to give back."

Watson and his family established his Quiet Storm Foundation in 2009. That foundation established an active presence in Chicago during his two seasons with the Bulls.

Watson is eight years removed from that stint, where he played an important role for a reserve unit so potent that it achieved its own nickname. "The Bench Mob" proved a significant reason the Bulls led the NBA in regular-season victories in consecutive seasons in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

"It was definitely fun. It goes by fast. Chicago was probably some of the best years I had in the NBA," Watson said. "We could've achieved more. We weren't picked to do much that first year and surprised everybody. Then that second year, D-Rose got hurt.

"I felt like they should've kept the team together maybe a couple more years to try to see what could've happened. But it's a business at the end of the day."

Watson isn't surprised Rose, who he backed up, is thriving again after a series of knee injuries, surgeries and rehabilitations.

"Definitely a great teammate, probably one of my favorites," Watson said. "Injuries take a toll on you. He was held up to the MVP standard and some people judged him unfairly. But he has worked so hard. I'm definitely rooting for him and I'm always watching."

Watson played for Charles Oakley's team in the Big3 last summer, a 3-on-3 pro league that was canceled this summer because of COVID-19. He isn't sure if he'll play again if the league resumes next summer.

"It was fun. But it's a different league. It's pretty brutal. They don't call any fouls. It's kind of an old man's game," Watson said. "My body may have had enough."

No matter his decision, Watson's mind remains sharp.

"These books definitely are not a money maker. It's a passion project," Watson said. "Unless you're a big-time children's author, you probably won't make a living at this. But I just did it to inspire kids and challenge myself. It's kind of like the NBA. I never thought I'd make the NBA. But lo and behold, I worked hard enough and got there."