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It could become the feel good story of the NBA if it somehow works out. In fact, everyone who knows Vin Baker personally is hoping that he can overcome his off court issues and once again play some solid basketball, this time for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Once an All Star, Baker was one of those athletes who signed a big contract only to respond by putting on weight. The extra pounds led to a decrease in his athleticism and some major confidence issues. That in turn led to his biggest problem, a bout with alcoholism.

Having played college basketball at the University of Hartford, many thought his return to New England to play for the Celtics would be the incentive to key a complete a recovery. Instead, his propensity to drink overcame him as a member of the Celtics as well, leading the team to eventually buy out his contract. The former all star would spend just two years in Boston, playing just 89 games between his alcohol-related suspensions, then his contract buyout.

But with his return to the NBA, the Vin Baker story has a chance to be one for the story books. It could become the ultimate story of recovery after a gifted player became an alcoholic, then denied the bottle was in fact an issue for him. Baker would finally confront his demons and seek treatment, only to suffer a relapse, to now confront his demons once again and somehow return to become a player in the premiere basketball league in the world.

The Clippers don't seem to be in a rush to see what Baker can do. Instead, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, states that Baker is merely insurance in case one of LA's big people gets hurt. Dunleavy, of course, drafted Baker out of college when the LA coach was running the Milwaukee Bucks.

Now 34 years of age, Baker's signing came as a huge surprise to veteran sports writers, especially those that had noted the significant fall from grace that accompanied Baker to Boston. But the former Celtic had spent the previous six weeks working out in Houston under the tutelage of one John Lucas. A former NBA guard and star, Lucas is also a recovering alcoholic.
Baker noted that the lessons Lucas learned on and off the court proved to be an enormous part of the six week process. Baker calls him a father figure, a man who was able to help give Baker advice on dealing with adversity.

The Clippers have been considering Vinnie for quite some time, going as far back as October when Baker was waived by the Houston Rockets. Baker knew he wasn't ready for the rigors of the NBA. In fact, Baker knew initially that he was neither physically nor mentally ready to play.

But after six weeks of work with Lucas, Baker declares that he is ready. He is in better shape physically but his biggest issue will of course be the mental piece. The key question will be his ability to fight off a public perception that sees him as likely to simply regress once again to the throws of his troubling disease, along with perhaps a desire to drink should the going get tough.

For right now, though the story is a positive one. It is a story about recovery and about getting yet another chance at redemption. Those on the inside are rooting for Baker, a person that many call one of the sweetest people on earth, a person said to have a heart of gold and a teammate that everyone enjoys having, even in spite of his alcohol problems.

And with the new look Clippers making some headway in the Western Conference, if somehow Vin Baker could contribute some key minutes during the final months of the season and the playoffs, then his story could actually become one of complete redemption.

If he can somehow fight off the demons then the Baker story could indeed become one for the ages.