Sunday, July 31, 2011
Motivating Yourself
Watch Allen Iverson Score 30 Points In The Crossover Celebrity Basketball Game
Pac-12 to launch six regional networks, national outlet
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Huskies? Cooper out for season after re-injuring knee
PJ Tucker signs in Germany
German League champion Brose Baskets added more fire power to its team by inking versatile forward PJ Tucker to a one-year deal, the club announced Friday. Tucker (1.96 meters, 26 years old) arrives from Quebradillas Pirates, where he finished a very eventful 2010-11 season, averaging 15.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in 15 Puerto Rican [...]
Video: KG and Steph, back when their bond was ?real?
"This is the real, right here."
To be a sports fan, a rabid one, is to live in perpetual disappointment. Even if you make a point to follow consistent winners, there will still be something that brings you down. And even though we've seen Kevin Garnett follow MVP-worthy (and winning) seasons with a championship in 2008, and have become rightfully disengaged with our one-time hopes of Stephon Marbury, few things as an NBA fan hurt more than the out-of-nowhere news that had Marbury forcing his way out of Minnesota during the lockout season of 1999.
Maybe it was because the Timberwolves were everyone's second-favorite team, at that point. Maybe it was because my favorite team was limping toward 13 wins that year. Maybe we just wanted to believe. Whatever the reason, less than a year before, those youngsters (with greybeards like Terry Porter and Sam Mitchell in the starting lineup) pushed the respected Seattle SuperSonics to five games in an opening-round series.
What we have here is a video, found by Ben Polk of Wolf Among Wolves, featuring an interview with KG and Steph before their Game 5, one that they would lose as Hersey Hawkins floated to the corner again and again on his way to 24 killer points:
And, of course, the killer is Marbury arguing against (at around the 2:40 mark) the mindset that enervated and then aggravated him enough to force a trade away from Minnesota the year after this clip was filmed.
Apologies for the armchair psychology, but Kevin Garnett was exactly what Stephon Marbury needed, on several levels. And he made sure that, from 1999 onward, KG wasn't a part of his life. "Disappointment" isn't a strong enough word.
Timberwolves Fire Kurt Rambis
Marcin Gortat and Robin Lopez are weird enemies
Last season's post-Amar'e Suns had some glaring holes inside. Robin Lopez was tabbed to take on a bigger role after impressing during the Suns' 2010 playoff run, but he struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness. The team also obtained Marcin Gortat in December, but he's a merely serviceable player with a much-too-big contract earned in the wake of looking solid as Dwight Howard's backup when the Magic made the NBA Finals in 2009.
Despite their troubles, Lopez and Gortat are still in direct competition with each other for playing time. According to Gortat, they may not be the best of friends. At a camp in Poland, he explained what happened when they first met. Seth Pollack had the story translated into English for SB Nation Arizona (via PBT):
Marcin said that on his first day in Phoenix he asked Robin if practice started on the court or with a video session. Robin told Marcin that he didn't know so Gortat went to the gym while Lopez went to watch video. According to Gortat, a coach came to get him and asked why he was late and Marcin said that he had asked Robin and was told he didn't know where practice was starting. The coach said everyone knew where they were supposed to be. Marcin took that as a sign of where things stood between himself and Lopez.
Gortat went on to talk about the opportunity that Lopez had to earn�and keep the starting job.
"This guy (Lopez) had such a big chance, such a big opportunity, to play in the best league. When I was Orlando, playing behind Dwight (Howard), I was praying to get a chance to play and he (Lopez) has had this chance for two years and he didn't take.
So I thought, when you don't want it, there will be 50 persons behind you, waiting to take this chance, and then I came by and I took (it). Sorry, that's business, that's life."
Gortat's claim that Lopez willfully deceived him is the most controversial, so let's start with that one. Pollack notes that Lopez later emailed him to say that the team does not know if practice will start with basketball work or video on any particular day, so it's likely that he was mistaken on this particular day. I have firsthand experience with Lopez and am inclined to believe him. He has quite a bit of talent, but he's also quite scatterbrained and needs to be told exactly what to do on a particular day. If he had really been trying to trick Gortat, he would have told him the wrong place to go, not gone back to his business of playing pogs with Alvin Gentry's young son.
Plus, even if Lopez had been trying to embarrass Gortat on his first day, he wasn't right to air their apparently one-sided feud in public. Lopez has been the subject of trade rumors recently, but he's still a member of the Suns. Gortat just called out a teammate's drive in public. What happens if neither player is dealt? What's that locker room going to be like?
Lopez has his problems as a player, and it was certainly disconcerting for Suns fans that he didn't take more of a leap in 2010-11. But that doesn't mean he has it out for his positional competition or doesn't care about being a good basketball player. Airing this out in public wasn't the answer. More than anything, Gortat comes across as paranoid and insecure.
Friday, July 29, 2011
FIBA clears NBA players under contract to play overseas during lockout
FIBA has confirmed it will approve the transfer of players under contract with the NBA deciding to play for clubs of FIBA affiliated leagues during the on-going lockout.
During a lockout NBA players who continue to be under contract with an NBA team are free to play anywhere [...]
Jalen Rose sentenced to 20 days in jail for drunk driving
Former Michigan star and NBA player Jalen Rose was sentenced to 20 days in jail on a drunken driving charge after crashing his sport utility vehicle on a snowy suburban Detroit road earlier this year.
FOX 2’s Al Allen reports Rose will begin serving his sentence on Tuesday.
Rose was arrested March 11. He told a [...]
Jalen Rose sentenced to 20 days in jail for drunk driving
Former Michigan star and NBA player Jalen Rose was sentenced to 20 days in jail on a drunken driving charge after crashing his sport utility vehicle on a snowy suburban Detroit road earlier this year.
FOX 2’s Al Allen reports Rose will begin serving his sentence on Tuesday.
Rose was arrested March 11. He told a [...]
Why Did The Heat Lose? Simple ? Spoeltra Failed Them
Dwayne Schintzius got traded because of his awesome hair
Do you remember Dwayne Schintzius? If not, you should. After being drafted in 1990, Schintzius spent eight seasons as a backup big man for several NBA teams. He was a journeyman, but he was also a character, remembered best for a certain arrogance and one of the greatest hairstyles in league history.
Not surprisingly, he loved that hair. One time, it even got him traded. From Tampa Bay Online (via TBJ):
Former University of Florida basketball center Dwayne Schintzius, of Brandon High, was the NBA draft's 24th overall pick in 1990. He liked the San Antonio Spurs and anticipated a long career there. But Spurs general manager Bob Bass didn't care for Schintzius' "lobster'' hairstyle.
"He told me to cut it,'' Schintzius said. "So I got it cut and sent him the shavings in an envelope. I'm not sure he appreciated that. And then, away I went.''
Some people may think that a young player like Schintzius was at the time should have done what management told him and shut his mouth. After all, he hadn't proven anything in the league. Then again, maybe a person should be able to wear his hair however he pleases, especially when it's as majestic as Schintzius' mullet. Would you have asked Oscar Gamble to cut his afro? Only if you were anti-fun.
Schintzius was not a particularly successful NBA player -- he dropped in the draft due to concerns about his attitude and didn't turn out to be very talented, either. But he made the league more interesting, and for that we should be thankful. Asking him to cut his hair was like requesting he sacrifice part of his personality. There's a fine line between discipline and unnecessary harshness.
Plus, if a GM feels the need to trade a guy, he shouldn't make him cut hair that probably took him 20 years to perfect. That's like telling Tim Duncan he can't take bank shots from the post anymore.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Alonzo Mourning cited for leaving scene of traffic crash
Such is the case here.
The AP reports:
Former NBA star Alonzo Mourning is being cited by police for leaving the scene of a traffic crash in Miami Beach last week.
The Florida Highway Patrol issued a report Monday saying Mourning is being issued a notice to appear in court for the [...]
The 10-man rotation, starring Karl Malone and Brian Grant?s massive fish
A look around the league and the web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.
C: Portland Trail Blazers' Twitter account. Just Karl Malone, some guy, Brian Grant, and some giant fish.
PF: Cowbell Kingdom. "Is DeMarcus Cousins Salvageable."
SF: The Basketball Jones. "Just Some Dogs Wearing NBA Hats."
SG: Glory Days. A Jerry Stackhouse/George Gervin conversation that may or may not have happened.
PG: Yahoo! Sports. You've likely read this, but Marc Spears' interview with Rajon Rondo was fun and insightful.
6th: The Point Forward. And we're re-linking to it again because it allows for Zach Lowe's Boston breakdown.
7th: SB Nation. This is older, but let's rip on some rappin' NBA players!
8th: Sports Illustrated. Phil Taylor breaks down his time spent covering the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.
9th: Hardwood Paroxysm. "Shaq, Ron Artest, and Michael Jackson."
10th: Eight Points, Nine Seconds. Tim Donahue with another one of his must-read lockout takes, delving into the ideas of fixed costs and percentages, and why it's not so much the contracts that are the answer but the answer is to change how these contracts are created and what stringent rules they have to fit "up" to. That was a long description. Read the post.
Got a link or tip for Ball Don't Lie? Holler at me at KD_BDL_ED (at) yahoo.com, or follow me on Twitter.
Dave Chappelle goes silent at a charity show sponsored by Alonzo Mourning
Alonzo Mourning probably needs a good laugh; and it's a shame Dave Chappelle just couldn't provide more than one at Zo's Summer Groove charity event over the weekend. Upset with audience members taping his act, Chappelle reportedly stood on stage near-silently for over 45 minutes until his set ended.
At a charity event, mind you, and in continuation of Mourning's July from Hell. Police in Miami are suspecting Mourning of leaving a scene of an early morning accident from earlier this month, and a lawsuit has been filed against him in the wake of the accident. Chappelle was supposed to open up for D.L. Hughley at the comedic portion of Mourning's charity event, now in its 15th year, but apparently you can't cross the former Chapelle's Show co-creator with a camera during his set.
Here's what CNN anchor Roland Martin tweeted during Chappelle's act:
This Dave Chappelle set is bizarre. He's spent more time going back & forth with one audience member, & pretty much stopped telling jokes
One woman just yelled, "Can you tell a joke so we can enjoy ourselves!" He got texted four times during his show and actually checked them
I'm jut not understanding what threw him off. He's complained about folks videotaping his set, yelling out loud. I don't get it
"This crowd is serious as hell," he says. Dave, we're trying to figure out what we've listened to for the last 25 minutes.
Chappelle says this is a "test of wills." He keeps saying "tick tock" & he has "nothing but time." He's just staring at the crowd & sighing
"As s****y as the show is, I can't wait to explain this on CNN." Dave Chappelle complaining about a guy taping his whole show
Then Dave started talking to me, asking if I was putting this on CNN. Yes, from the stage! He's been on stage 46 minutes & told one joke.
He kept saying "I respect your work." And then he said, He'll send me a tape of his better comedy work. This is a trip!
A trip indeed.
Can He Bounce Back?: Tyreke Evans by Sebastian Pruiti
Ex-UCLA center Carl Kraushaar dies
Carl Kraushaar, starting center for the late John Wooden’s first two years as coach of UCLA, has died, the school said Saturday.
Kraushaar died of natural causes surrounded by his family in Newport Beach on Thursday, UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins said in a statement. He was 84.
Transferring from Compton College the same year the [...]
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Video: Michael Jordan can still dunk, even at age 48
Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan last played an NBA game eight years and two months ago. He won his last Slam Dunk Contest 23 1/2 years ago, and he's two years away from turning 50 years of age.
Also, he can still dunk a basketball on a 10-foot goal. With ease, it should be noted.
Watch the video, which was taken at the Bobcats' fantasy camp for local kids and Charlotte season ticket holders:
And, in case you were also wondering, Jordan is still ridiculously, some would say needlessly, competitive. From the Charlotte Observer:
"I can still beat anybody in here - including my staff," Jordan says.
Same Mike -- from 2003, 1988, 1998, or any point you can name in between.
What to do when having a stitch
Alonzo Mourning?s alleged hit-and-run accident will see him in court
Today's Zo-related traffic report is a little sketchier. According to a gentleman by the name of William Candelario, Mourning was on the giving end of a hit-and-run accident last weekend, and Mourning is being sued for allegedly fleeing the scene of the accident in question.
According to Candelario, his Audi was stopped on the road after a previous accident not involving Mourning. Alonzo's Porsche allegedly slammed into the parked Audi, flipping it several times. Mourning reportedly took off, and this is where things get even more unseemly.
From the Sun-Sentinel, via Pro Basketball Talk:
The collisions occurred between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Sunday on the causeway near the intersection with I-95.
The incident is still being investigated and charges are pending, [Sgt.Tom] Pikul said.
Candelario told his attorney the 6-foot-10 former All-Star returned to the crash scene about 45 to 50 minutes later in a vehicle driven by his wife, Tracy.
That early in the morning, no pun intended, and he allegedly returns nearly an hour later with someone else driving? This might not turn out well.
If you'll allow my car nerd-dom to take over for a second, I do have to question the idea that any typical Porsche could ram into a recent make of Audi, flip it over several times (that, to me, is dubious enough) and then be able to drive away.
Audis are famous for their all-wheel drive, a feature that results in heavier cars, whereas most makes of Porsches are prized for their light weight. It's hard to believe that the speed needed to crash into and roll over a parked Audi would still leave the Porsche in working shape -- even if the Porsche in question was either the sturdier four-door Panamera or the Cayenne SUV.
It's an odd story, that's all. Especially while you try to reconcile Candelario claiming he was "nearly killed" in the upcoming lawsuit, and Mourning allegedly hitting a car he wasn't even in at the time. After his parents drove him to the hospital, Candelario was treated for injuries�that were apparently unrelated to Mourning's crash-and-dash.
If it's true that Mourning was driving when he shouldn't have been, true that he destroyed this guy's car, and true that he initially left the scene only to return later with another driver, then he should have to pay up, and we should be questioning his judgement. But unless something is being left out by Candelario, taking Mourning to the cleaners over some near-vehicular manslaughter charge seems a bit much.
UPDATE: A more recent Miami Herald story sounds much, much more plausible than the Sun-Sentinel's take:
William Candelario, 20, said he was driving home from Miami Beach at around 3 a.m. when he collided with another car causing his Audi 2010 to flip over several times, according to Coral Gables attorney Spencer Aronfeld.
At some point, Mourning, driving a Porsche, collided into Candelario's disabled car.
C-a-C Past Lives: The Mavs? ?Patch Adams? Night was a hit
Gotta get�back in time ... Welcome to another edition of�Create-a-Caption Past Lives.
Getting buy-in from key stakeholders like coaches Don Nelson and Del Harris really helps, and having Eduardo Najera commit himself to a mental institution was a nice touch. But it's probably best for everybody that "The Gesundheit! Institute" never caught on as a nickname for Dirk Nowitzki.
Still, great work, Dallas Mavericks' promotions team. "Patch Adams" Night was a much better idea than "One Hour Photo" Night.
Best caption wins a mustache with which to be reckoned. Good luck.
In our last adventure: INTO THE PAST! Paul Westphal calls the least inspiring play of all time.
Runner-up, King Of The World: Paul Westphal gives his assessment of Dan Devine's ability to correctly pick C-a-C winners. (EDITOR'S NOTE: The only thing hotter than the heat-dome-infused air outside was this hot, hot burn. Well played, KOTW.)
Second runner-up, Vaffanculo: "Kill the wabbit!!! Kill the wabbit!!!"
Deron Williams? Turkish club has its assets frozen
As we've stated several times in this space, the biggest story of the NBA lockout so far, apart from its existence, has been Deron Williams' decision to sign with the Turkish club Besiktas should the NBA cancel some games next season. It was a bold move, and one that could convince other stars to follow suit.
While playing overseas has seemed like an intelligent option for some players during the lockout, the option is mysterious enough that we're still learning things about what playing in Europe entails. For Williams, things got a lot more complicated in a matter of a few days. Because he signed with a club that just had its assets frozen, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com. Daren Butler has more details for Reuters.com (via EOB):
A Turkish court jailed the coach and deputy chairman of Istanbul club Besiktas pending trial on Wednesday in a match-fixing investigation which has overshadowed preparations for the new soccer season, media reports said.
The Istanbul court has already jailed 26 people including the chairman of champions Fenerbahce, who feature highly in the probe, and the latest ruling targeted a second of the city's "Big Three" clubs which dominate Turkish football.
However, Turkey's soccer federation has said it will not launch its own investigation until the indictment is prepared, effectively confirming Fenerbahce as champions who can take their place in the lucrative Champions League next season.
This particular scandal applies to the soccer club Besiktas, but, as with most sporting teams in Europe, the same organization overseas both its soccer and basketball teams. So while the basketball team may not have fixed games, it will receive indirect punishment just by virtue of being associated with the soccer team.
It's a bummer for Williams, who may now not be able to play in Turkey, unless he wants to be paid in coffee and baklava. In a broader sense, though, this incident helps underscore the fact that any American player who decides to do a sabbatical in Europe is entering a world he doesn't quite understand. The on-court differences are somewhat clear, but the basketball cultures, including what goes on behind the scenes, are much different. What at first glance may seem like a fun way to spend a year could be an uncomfortable and confusing situation.
Perhaps this scandal will end Deron's Turkish sojourn before it starts. If he does end up making the trip, he's sure to run into some more uncomfortable moments like this one. Culture shock is a fact of a move like this one.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? After World Cup heartbreak, what's next for the U.S. women's soccer team?
? Pitching will fetch a premium at baseball's trade deadline
? Video: NBA star D-Wade's desperate move to avoid losing
Huskies picked to finish third in Pac-12 North
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
NBA Rookie Transition Program postponed
?Without a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players’ union, we will [...]
Video: Steve Nash steals a parking spot, busts out a nasty little dance
We generally don't like to showcase commercials here at BDL, there's enough ad placement in your lives, and you don't need to be subjected to more of them while you're busy trying to kill hours at work. And, speaking for myself, I generally find the Toyota Prius to be a hateful little car. Sorry, polar bears stuck on an ever-shrinking ice floe, but I'm not a fan.
I'm a fan of this commercial, though, and of Steve Nash's strange little dance at the end of it. And the sheer implausibility of it all:
(There are, like, 80 open spots left! And who dances like that?)
basketball x\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s and o\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s basketball games
Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Jon Brockman saves some money
At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.
Anthony Tolliver: Is it weird that I play in the league but I still got kinda geeked that ndumakong sue is on my flight? Lol #NFLfan
Evan Turner: Just drove past a cat fight. Wasn't bad
Jon Brockman: One of my favorite things in the entire world... Hitting up Costco on fridays with @kimipohlman4 when samples are in full force. Get some!
Brandon Rush: Only 8 episodes of entourage this season. #weak
James Harden: Just had dinner with The PRIME MINISTER of the Philippines. His house is Amazing!!!!!
You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.
Sources: Kobe Went To Germany For Knee Procedure
The key to Dallas? championship run? Cold, cold air
The Dallas Mavericks are a strange case. Nobody had them pegged as championship shoo-ins entering 2010-11, but several NBA observers understood that if everything aligned itself properly, the Mavs would have enough to make it all the way to the franchise's first title. As it turned out, everything came up Mavericks. The team wasn't lucky, nor did it receive any big breaks along the way, but the squad remains an unlikely champion. A veteran outfit that made its own fortune.
And, as ESPN's Ric Bucher pointed out this week, a group that took expert care of its respective bodies along the way. To a chilling degree, literally.
Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion and Brian Cardinal (who drove the group there, I suspect) all repeatedly schlepped to Plano, Texas, during the team's two-month postseason run to take part in cryogenic therapy. The Mavericks stripped to their skivvies at this facility and stepped inside a 6-foot-tall silo of sorts that would whir around and possibly remind each of these guys of an episode of "Lost in Space" -- if any of these Mavericks (all in their 30s, Bucher points out, save for Chandler) were old enough to remember that show.
For 2 1/2 minutes -- at a cost of $75 per person, billed to Mavs owner Mark Cuban -- blasts of nitrogen-chilled air emanated from the walls, quickly dropping the air temperature to as low as -320 degrees Fahrenheit. By the last 30 to 45 seconds, their bodies would be shaking uncontrollably.
"The first time Shawn did it, I thought he was going to jump out after 30 seconds," Terry says. "He was yelling, 'My nipples are about to fall off!'"
Marion's always been the excitable sort, but can you blame the guy for thinking that things might go awry at that temperature? Hell, given 2 1/2 minutes at that temperature, my nipples would be the last appendages I'd be worried about.
The Mavericks certainly don't credit this sort of treatment for their championship run, but given the way the players mentioned above looked and played deep into June, who wouldn't want to try this? Dirk Nowitzki was missing jumpers in the first round last year that he was swishing with regularity in the fourth round last month. Terry was actually picking up opposing point guards with full-court defense, Marion had to guard LeBron James and score on his own, Kidd clearly has turned back the hands of time, and Chandler was everywhere in the Dallas defense.
Whatever the reason, even if it was a placebo of sorts, these guys looked entirely better this year than they have in past postseasons, with the possible exception of Nowitzki (who is routinely brilliant). These particular Mavs, at the very least, defied expectation considering their respective ages. Cryogenics or not, something was up. And that's coming from the most dismissive and cynical mug you've ever met.
"Crynosaunas," kids. It's the cold wave of the future.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
? Soccer star Hope Solo gets date request from Marine
? Uproar over suspension of ESPN personality
? Minor league ballpark offers up one expensive hotdog
Monday, July 25, 2011
Cory Booker is My Basketball Idol
Chris Paul is open to playing basketball overseas
Already accustomed to international basketball, thanks to his 2008 Beijing Olympic experience, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul this weekend is heading to the Philippines for a two-game exhibition series, and said Wednesday he?s keeping his options open about playing overseas this fall if the NBA lockout persists.
Paul [...]
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Jackasses We Call Timberwolves
Nets Following Path Of Heat?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Video: Michael Jordan can still dunk, even at age 48
Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan last played an NBA game eight years and two months ago. He won his last Slam Dunk Contest 23 1/2 years ago, and he's two years away from turning 50 years of age.
Also, he can still dunk a basketball on a 10-foot goal. With ease, it should be noted.
Watch the video, which was taken at the Bobcats' fantasy camp for local kids and Charlotte season ticket holders:
And, in case you were also wondering, Jordan is still ridiculously, some would say needlessly, competitive. From the Charlotte Observer:
"I can still beat anybody in here - including my staff," Jordan says.
Same Mike -- from 2003, 1988, 1998, or any point you can name in between.
Timberwolves to interview Rick Adelman for coaching job
According to league sources, former Houston coach Rick Adelman will be the fourth candidate to interview with the Wolves when he comes to town tomorrow to see David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor.
Adelman all along has looked like the dream hire who’d solve a lot of the Wolves’ [...]
C-a-C Past Lives: ?You owe me 20 bucks, Coach Lenny?
Gotta get�back in time ... Welcome to another edition of�Create-a-Caption Past Lives.
The wager seemed like a sure thing to Lenny Wilkens ? his Toronto Raptors were in the middle of a game, the arena doors were pretty well closed up, and Mark Jackson had only started practicing his bird calls on the plane that morning. But sure enough, as soon as Jackson let his song cry, there was Forest Whitaker, materializing as if from the ether into a seat right in the front row. Wilkens never trusted Jackson again.
Best caption wins an important lesson about money (specifically relating to its color, because you need to double down on Forest Whitaker references whenever you get the chance). Good luck.
In our last adventure: Kobe Bryant's Ab Workout can only make one person a day happy, and it don't look like it's going to be either of you two ladies.
Runner-up, Roger Mason Jr. = Hero: Kobe: "Are you almost done?"
Girl: "No, I'm struggling ? I'm only done with a quarter of my sit-ups: 6 out of 24."
Kobe: "You know I can make you disappear, right?"
Second runner-up, In This Country We DUNK!: "After this set of 1000 stomach crunches, use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower, use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face, an exfoliating gel scrub."
C-a-C Past Lives: ?You owe me 20 bucks, Coach Lenny?
Gotta get�back in time ... Welcome to another edition of�Create-a-Caption Past Lives.
The wager seemed like a sure thing to Lenny Wilkens ? his Toronto Raptors were in the middle of a game, the arena doors were pretty well closed up, and Mark Jackson had only started practicing his bird calls on the plane that morning. But sure enough, as soon as Jackson let his song cry, there was Forest Whitaker, materializing as if from the ether into a seat right in the front row. Wilkens never trusted Jackson again.
Best caption wins an important lesson about money (specifically relating to its color, because you need to double down on Forest Whitaker references whenever you get the chance). Good luck.
In our last adventure: Kobe Bryant's Ab Workout can only make one person a day happy, and it don't look like it's going to be either of you two ladies.
Runner-up, Roger Mason Jr. = Hero: Kobe: "Are you almost done?"
Girl: "No, I'm struggling ? I'm only done with a quarter of my sit-ups: 6 out of 24."
Kobe: "You know I can make you disappear, right?"
Second runner-up, In This Country We DUNK!: "After this set of 1000 stomach crunches, use a deep pore cleanser lotion. In the shower, use a water-activated gel cleanser, then a honey almond body scrub, and on the face, an exfoliating gel scrub."
Detroit Pistons reportedly want Lawrence Frank to be their new head coach
The Pistons have decided to hire ex-Nets coach Lawrence Frank as their new head coach, according to league sources.
Frank, 40, will succeed John Kuester, who was fired after failing to get the Pistons to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. Frank coached the Nets [...]
Friday, July 22, 2011
Making Moves: Five That Could Spell Trouble by Kevin Pelton
Making Moves: Five That Could Spell Trouble by Kevin Pelton
Someone You Ought To Know: Danielle Robinson
Layups.com Speedlinking #013
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Evan Turner cannot enjoy his McNuggets
At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.
Mario Chalmers: Who thinks Miami should start a Pro-Am league?? For the amount of NBA players that come and stay out here we should have a league. Opinions?
Avery Bradley: Everybody should go get that Avery Bradley jersey!!!
Landry Fields: ESPYS tonight! Last night I was having a little too much fun in some of the gifting suites #putsometrebleinit http://twitpic.com/5pn5zm
Patrick Peterson: Why do the street lights change when no car is around? ... Why do the street lights change when no car is around?
Evan Turner: Dear mcdonalds, plz notify me before I get to cashier window that you don't have any BBQ sauce or else I wouldn't order chicken nuggets!!
You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.
NBA 2K12 covers: Jordan, Bird and Magic
Donnie Walsh Lied to By Psychotic James Dolan ? Knicks Betrayal
Jason Kidd wants to play three more years
Jason Kidd has some time to enjoy himself after a long playoff run that resulted in the Dallas Mavericks’ first NBA title. What better way than joining the likes of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and former Stars Mike Modano and Brett Hull?
When asked of his future plans Saturday during an on-course interview with [...]
Cory Booker is My Basketball Idol
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Evan Turner cannot enjoy his McNuggets
At this point, seemingly half the NBA is on Twitter. It's a wild world of training updates, questions as to which movies they should go see, and explanations of their Call of Duty prowess. Every so often, though, you also get a picture into the more interesting aspects of NBA life. This feature is your window into that world.
Mario Chalmers: Who thinks Miami should start a Pro-Am league?? For the amount of NBA players that come and stay out here we should have a league. Opinions?
Avery Bradley: Everybody should go get that Avery Bradley jersey!!!
Landry Fields: ESPYS tonight! Last night I was having a little too much fun in some of the gifting suites #putsometrebleinit http://twitpic.com/5pn5zm
Patrick Peterson: Why do the street lights change when no car is around? ... Why do the street lights change when no car is around?
Evan Turner: Dear mcdonalds, plz notify me before I get to cashier window that you don't have any BBQ sauce or else I wouldn't order chicken nuggets!!
You can also follow Eric Freeman on Twitter at @freemaneric.
Carlisle Attempts to Save Spoelstra ? While the Jackass Lebron Continues!
D-I`s Top 100 Players: 21 to 35 by Drew Cannon
Marcus Slaughter signs in Germany
German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg kept loading up for 2011-12 with the signing on Saturday of forward Marcus Slaughter for the upcoming Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season. Slaughter (2.04 meters, 26 years old) arrives from Valladolid of the Spanish League, where he averaged 9.9 points and 6 rebounds in 34 games last season. Although [...]
David Kahn finally fires Kurt Rambis
We've explained at length just how badly David Kahn has screwed up the potential dismissal of coach Kurt Rambis. How he's turned Rambis, who clearly is overmatched at head coaching at the NBA level, into a sympathetic figure by dragging his dismissal out. How no coach with Rambis' level of professionalism, no matter how poor his record, should be forced to endure what Rambis has gone through since the season ended three months ago. And how Kahn has absolutely no excuses for treating Rambis in this manner -- again, regardless of Rambis' poor record and/or acumen.
Well, it appears to be official. Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted on Tuesday that Rambis has been officially let go. Here's his message:
And here's our message, once again, to Kahn -- you screwed this up.
Rambis deserved another chance after his time with an out-of-shape and overly dramatic Lakers outfit from 1999, though he wasn't up to the task back then, and he wasn't the best choice for a coach, as it turns out, this time around, either. But Minnesota's last game was on April 13, and Rambis should have been fired the day after -- if not after the end of the 2009-10 season.
Instead, David, you ignored him for a spell and eventually fired him (in your own head) in June. In order to get some return on your owner's investment, you tried to shove a meaningless front office gig his way earlier this month, and then he refused.
You then waited nearly another three weeks after the June 22 "firing" before officially letting him go on July 12. And this, I'm sorry, is classless. Rambis should have been let go. But no coach, unless they're an outright and absolute jerk behind the scenes, deserves to be let go like this.
There are some things about the way David Kahn puts together basketball teams that are admirable. There are a lot of things he does that are funny. Most things, actually.
This is neither. This is just needless and wrong.
NBA players cannot file for unemployment benefits
I was unemployed twice in the span of a year. The first time, I got unemployment benefits, and they helped keep me alive while I looked for more permanent work. It's useful money, and an incredibly important government service at a time when a lot of people are out of work.
NBA players are currently without jobs. It should not surprise you to learn that they are not yet eligible for unemployment benefits. From Rick Bonnell for the Charlotte Observer (via TBJ):
Larry Parker, spokesman for the N.C. Employment Security Commission, emailed this response to an Observer question about whether NBA and NFL players might qualify for unemployment benefits:
"The answer right now is no," Parker replied. "NBA players would not be eligible for benefits, mainly due to fact the NBA season is not in session. There is a reasonable expectation on the players part that they may play once the season begins."
NBA teams will release their regular-season schedules today, although that's far from a guarantee that all 82 Charlotte Bobcats games will be played as scheduled. The last time the NBA locked out its players (1998-99 season), the schedule eventually was reduced to 50 games, with teams occasionally forced to play three games in three nights. Normally no team plays more than two nights in a row.
Keep in mind that this ruling does not seem to preclude players from filing for benefits in November if games are canceled. On the other hand, people cannot file for benefits within 18 months of receiving any unemployment benefits. So, if a player needs money and files in November 2011, they may not be able to do so upon their release from an NBA roster until May 2013. For some of them, this decision will not make sense. They should hold on to their money whenever possible.
So don't go jumping the gun on benefits just yet, guys. Sure, you may want that new PS3 now, but you'll regret it when you're eating ramen noodles and busking outside of a Cheesecake Factory in two years.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Create-a-Caption: Chuck Hayes learns the Secret of the Shoes
As secrets go, it's not as good as the secret of life that Curly taught Billy Crystal, or even as good as the Secret of the Ooze. I guess you could call it kind of a letdown, then, but really, those are two pretty good secrets. I don't know for sure what it is, but I'm guessing it has something to do with bright yellow being a tough look to pull off.
Also, between posing with yellow shoes with his face on them, receiving bar-mitzvah-caliber caricatures of him giving what appears to be the People's Eyebrow and having learning that his name loosely translates into "Sea Lord" in Chinese, it is no secret that Chuck Hayes' trip to Xiamen, China, to celebrate his new role as the brand ambassador for Chinese sportswear company Qiaodan Sports was pretty cray-cray.
Best caption wins shocking secrets shared by the late, great John Ritter. Good luck.
In our last adventure: The Indiana Pacers are going to love seeing this smile in the locker room, in the huddle and in their nightmares.
Runner-up, ElConquistador: "Yessir, Mr. Simon! An-y-thing you say, Mr. Simon. Thank you for the job, sir! Refill your water glass?"
Second runner-up, Mark M.: "Me? No. Come on. Don't be crazy. I know the wrestlers get all the fancy ladies, and the clothes, and the fancy creams and lotions. But my life is good! Really good! I get to wake up every morning, at 5AM, and make some soup! It's the best. I love it. I get to lay in a bed, all by myself, all of my life! That's fantastic! Go. Go away! Read some books!"
Cory Booker is My Basketball Idol
Marcus Slaughter signs in Germany
German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg kept loading up for 2011-12 with the signing on Saturday of forward Marcus Slaughter for the upcoming Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season. Slaughter (2.04 meters, 26 years old) arrives from Valladolid of the Spanish League, where he averaged 9.9 points and 6 rebounds in 34 games last season. Although [...]
Mark Cuban won?t get fined for hanging with Mavs at the ESPYs
On Wednesday night, the sports universe celebrated itself with the annual ESPYs, a barrel of awards and yucks presided over by Seth "Mr. Comedy" Meyers. There were NBA lockout zings and a good time was had by all.
However, the Dallas Mavericks' win in the Best Team (the biggest award of the night, I think, although who really knows) created a bit of controversy. When the team won, assorted players, including Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki and Finals participant Brian Cardinal, went up on stage to give awkward speeches. But they were also joined by team owner Mark Cuban, which means everyone exchanged handshakes and some short congratulations.
By the NBA's lockout rules, Cuban should be fined for these interactions. However, SB Nation's Tom Ziller got word from an NBA spokesman that Cuban got clearance to fraternize with the enemy beforehand.
As in the case of Heat brass attending Chris Bosh's wedding, it seems as if the NBA is willing to make exceptions for important personal events or unavoidable public interactions, especially if those events involve corporate partners that pay the league billions of dollars for television rights. Still, it's a little unclear to me why certain interactions are allowed and others are not. For instance, a wedding is certainly a major event in a person's life, and his friends should be around to celebrate. But shouldn't those same friends be allowed to send each other messages on their birthdays?
It's nice that the NBA allows some interaction, but they are still creating arbitrary distinctions between what kinds of relationships are important and which aren't. It's one thing to be in a protracted labor dispute. Acting as if those same people should stop treating each other like human beings goes too far.
Whatever the case, I'm glad the Mavs got to hang out with Jason Bateman. I hear Cubes is a big fan of "Valerie's Family."
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Gary Forbes to play for Team Panama in FIBA Americas Tournament
It?s been a mind-boggling year for former UMass standout Gary Forbes, who earned a roster spot with the Nuggets, became a key rotation player, watched the whole Carmelo Anthony saga unfold firsthand, and participated in the NBA playoffs.
Forbes is now hosting a basketball camp in his hometown of Brooklyn. [...]
Next time you want to trade Vince Carter, call Dwight Howard first
It seems like twice a day we bring up certain teams as the very model of how NBA squads have gone wrong in their pound-foolish buildup to the current lockout. But the Orlando Magic? Above all, they seem to be the super, super model.
The team's current GM, Otis Smith, inherited both Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson from the previous GM. He then attempted to sign Florida's Billy Donovan to coach the team before "settling" on Stan Van Gundy. Later that summer, he signed Rashard Lewis to a massive seven-year, $122 million deal. Somehow, two years later, those same Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals.
In a rare show of economic restraint, Smith then declined to bargain against the eight-figure�deals both Portland and Toronto offered Hedo Turkoglu. He traded for a cheaper star in Vince Carter that at worst matched what Turkoglu brought, and the Magic responded by winning just as many games in 2009-10 as they did the year they made the Finals. A whimpering postseason exit and slow start to 2010-11 resulted in two massive deals that sent out Carter's expiring contract and Lewis' mess of a deal for both Turkoglu and Gilbert Arenas' Worst Contract Ever. Orlando then responded by losing in the first round earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Howard kind of fumed a bit, behind that smile. Nothing incendiary, but enough to make the man pine for the days of Vince and roses.
He's still a bit mournful, as he discussed with AM 790 in Atlanta recently, as noted by Sports Radio Interviews:
"I wanted to be more part of the process a little more. I had to step out on the court and I wanted to make sure that the people I played with wanted to go out and play hard every night. My only issue was the fact that I didn't really have a chance to be involved, but I think with the guys that we brought in we still have an excellent chance of winning, but we all have to be on the same page. I do miss a lot of the guys we traded. You know Marcin Gortat?I think he was very key since last season. Also Mickael Pietrus and Rashard Lewis and also Vince [Carter]. All of these guys are very key in our success and to see them go on the personal side it hurt, but I understand the NBA is a business and we have to keep going."
The Magic were 16-10 at the time of the trade, on pace to win 51 games. They ended with 52 wins, but not before adding $113 million more in payroll between Hedo and Gilbert. Carter's expiring contract matched up with Jason Richardson, and Gortat's middling deal works for probably less than he's worth. So, about $113 million, for another win spread out over 82 games. And a first-round exit. I'd be upset too.
And if you're not already upset, check out Howard's thoughts on when this whole lockout business will really start to hit home:
"I think guys will really start to worry when it's time for training camp or right after training camp when it's usually pre-season and probably November is when guys will I don't think worry, but probably want to know what is going on."
Not worry, but "want to know what's going on." Fantastic.
Enjoy your unpaid vacation, Dwight. And keep blaming the players for the mess you've made, Orlando.