Christmas day 2009 offers NBA fans a nice selection of basketball games featuring the top teams and superstars in the league. This year Santa delivers us Kobe versus Lebron in an always hot matchup, as well as the Boston Celtics battling the Orlando Magic in a rematch of last year's playoff series. These are the last two teams to make the NBA Finals from the East, and both have added new personnel to compete at that higher level.
Earlier in the day, Dwayne Wade will take his high-flying scoring act into MSG to take on the New York Knicks. No word yet on whether Spike Lee will be watching from the front row on Christmas day.
In the nightcap games we'll get to see several more top superstars in action, as the LA Clippers visit Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire and the Phoenix Suns at 8PM, while Melo and the Nuggets take on Portland in the late game at 10:30 PM. Unfortunately, the two young superstars in those games are both out of action (Greg Oden, Blazers; #1 draft pick, Blake Griffin, Clippers).
Here's a look at the full NBA schedule for Christmas Day 2009:
Miami Heat at New York Knicks 12PM EST on ESPN
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic 2:30PM EST on ABC
Cleveland Cavs at LA Lakers 5PM EST on ABC
LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns 8PM EST on ESPN
Denver Nuggets at Portland Trailblazers 10:30PM EST on ESPN
Looking forward to any of these games in particular? Who do you think will win? Feel free to comment below!
Rabu, 23 Desember 2009
Minggu, 06 Desember 2009
Greg Oden out for Season, again...
It's another unfortunate injury for Greg Oden and the Trailblazers. This time it was a left knee cap injury that will have Oden likely to miss the rest of the 2009-10 season. Although the Blazers won the game, they definitely lost a lot in terms of size and power.
The injury occurred Saturday night in the Blazers-Rocks game when Oden fractured his left knee cap. He was down on the floor clutching at his left knee. The incident happened after the big man collided with the Rockets Aaron Brooks. Trainers and physicians immediately huddled around the Portland center to attend to his injury. He was down for at least 7 minutes, and fans at the Rose Garden let out a "Oden!" chant in support.
Eventually, they moved Oden to a stretcher and wheeled him off court to get have an MRI performed. The report already says Oden will need surgery for this latest setback.
"I'm obviously disappointed having worked so hard to get to where I was. This is a setback but I'll be back. It's in God's hands now," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I want to thank the fans, my teammates and everyone in the Blazers family for all of their good thoughts."
The early knock on Oden was he might be the #1 pick, but he may mirror the path of another Portland big man, Bill Walton. Walton is still heralded as one of the greats, but found himself plagued by injuries to his legs as well. Similarly, another big man, Yao Ming from the Houston Rockets, has been out this season due to foot problems. It might be true, the bigger they are, they harder they fall...
Story Source: The Associated Press
The injury occurred Saturday night in the Blazers-Rocks game when Oden fractured his left knee cap. He was down on the floor clutching at his left knee. The incident happened after the big man collided with the Rockets Aaron Brooks. Trainers and physicians immediately huddled around the Portland center to attend to his injury. He was down for at least 7 minutes, and fans at the Rose Garden let out a "Oden!" chant in support.
Eventually, they moved Oden to a stretcher and wheeled him off court to get have an MRI performed. The report already says Oden will need surgery for this latest setback.
"I'm obviously disappointed having worked so hard to get to where I was. This is a setback but I'll be back. It's in God's hands now," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I want to thank the fans, my teammates and everyone in the Blazers family for all of their good thoughts."
The early knock on Oden was he might be the #1 pick, but he may mirror the path of another Portland big man, Bill Walton. Walton is still heralded as one of the greats, but found himself plagued by injuries to his legs as well. Similarly, another big man, Yao Ming from the Houston Rockets, has been out this season due to foot problems. It might be true, the bigger they are, they harder they fall...
Story Source: The Associated Press
Jumat, 04 Desember 2009
NJ Nets start 0-18, Can they buy a win?
Devin Harris must have been jumping for joy when he learned he was heading to the New Jersey Nets. Not only was he being traded for one of the all-time greatest point guards in the game, Jason Kidd, but he was at least going to have an alley-oop wingman in Vince Carter. Harris who's been known to score in bunches probably felt like he could at least garner some attention for future free agency. However, he soon inherited a team minus Vince Carter, full of newbies and guys who skipped the D-League. And now, Devin Harris and the Nets have officially sank to a new low, as the team has began the 2009-10 campaign at 0-18. The loss is a new record for worst start to an NBA season, with 23 games the longest losing streak in NBA history during a season. Ironically that 18th loss came to Harris' former team, the Dallas Mavs.
It's a dismal record and beats out previous awful starts by the LA Clippers and expansion Miami Heat. New Jersey is playing like an expansion team right now, with no real identity, young players, a new coach - GM Kiki Vandeweghe (Lawrence Frank was fired last week), and lack of offense or defense. The interesting stat to see would be how many games part owner Jay-Z has sat courtside for this season. It's likely Jigga man preferred slapping hands with VC, Kidd and Richard Jefferson, but isn't exactly in a rush to give a fist bump to Yi or Josh Boone after a score. For several years now, the talk of Jay-Z and Nets officials has been discussion of moving this team to Brooklyn, but would the city really want this team?
Perhaps the answer is for Jay-Z to do something about this. The mogul could arrange a who's who of rap artists for a "Rappers Unite for New Jersey" campaign. Then the Nets could buy a win, or some players to help stop the bleeding. New Jersey's upcoming games against the Charlotte Bobcats, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, andIndiana Pacers offer the team a glimmer of holiday hope for that first W. Right now, they're in contention for next year's #1 draft pick, but surviving the 82 game season will be quite a ride for Nets fans, players and personnel.
Read more about the NJ Nets at NY Daily News
It's a dismal record and beats out previous awful starts by the LA Clippers and expansion Miami Heat. New Jersey is playing like an expansion team right now, with no real identity, young players, a new coach - GM Kiki Vandeweghe (Lawrence Frank was fired last week), and lack of offense or defense. The interesting stat to see would be how many games part owner Jay-Z has sat courtside for this season. It's likely Jigga man preferred slapping hands with VC, Kidd and Richard Jefferson, but isn't exactly in a rush to give a fist bump to Yi or Josh Boone after a score. For several years now, the talk of Jay-Z and Nets officials has been discussion of moving this team to Brooklyn, but would the city really want this team?
Perhaps the answer is for Jay-Z to do something about this. The mogul could arrange a who's who of rap artists for a "Rappers Unite for New Jersey" campaign. Then the Nets could buy a win, or some players to help stop the bleeding. New Jersey's upcoming games against the Charlotte Bobcats, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, andIndiana Pacers offer the team a glimmer of holiday hope for that first W. Right now, they're in contention for next year's #1 draft pick, but surviving the 82 game season will be quite a ride for Nets fans, players and personnel.
Read more about the NJ Nets at NY Daily News
Rabu, 25 November 2009
Allen Iverson retiring after 14 seasons
Former MVP, scoring champ and 10-time All-Star Allen Iverson is reportedly retiring from the game he loves. He initially played 3 games with the Memphis Grizzlies this season before taking a leave of absence for personal matters. Soon after he and the team agreed to part ways. Now today according to Stephen A. Smith Iverson is hanging up the high tops.
For last season, Iverson was part of a Detroit Pistons team considered to be NBA title contenders. Iverson was upset at the role he was given as a reserve for the team. The Knicks considered signing the guard after he was waived this season, but decided against it because they felt Iverson would take time away from younger players they wanted to develop.
According to a statement that Stephen A. Smith published on his website, Iverson said "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level." and that he still has tremendous love for the game. Iverson's former coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets was shocked at the news, offering the following:
"I think he still has something left to give some team out there. If that's his decision, he'll go down in history, I think, as the greatest little guard ever to play the game of basketball," Karl said.
"I was happy to have him for a couple years and hopefully our paths will cross. But I have a sneaky feeling that somewhere along the way an injury or a circumstance with a team will open that window back up."
(Story Source: The Associated Press)
For last season, Iverson was part of a Detroit Pistons team considered to be NBA title contenders. Iverson was upset at the role he was given as a reserve for the team. The Knicks considered signing the guard after he was waived this season, but decided against it because they felt Iverson would take time away from younger players they wanted to develop.
According to a statement that Stephen A. Smith published on his website, Iverson said "I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level." and that he still has tremendous love for the game. Iverson's former coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets was shocked at the news, offering the following:
"I think he still has something left to give some team out there. If that's his decision, he'll go down in history, I think, as the greatest little guard ever to play the game of basketball," Karl said.
"I was happy to have him for a couple years and hopefully our paths will cross. But I have a sneaky feeling that somewhere along the way an injury or a circumstance with a team will open that window back up."
(Story Source: The Associated Press)
Jumat, 20 November 2009
Sacramento Monarchs done, Kings next?
Just four short years ago, the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs were on top of the female basketball world, winning the WNBA Championship. Fast forward to 2009, with a struggling economy and slumping ticket sales for basketball, and the Monarchs are officially wiped off the WNBA's active teams list.
According to news reports, some Sacramento players didn't find out until logging into their Twitter accounts online. Rebekkah Brunson was one such player, who saw the news via her teammate Chantelle Anderson's "tweet".
The Monarchs general manager/coach John Whisenant broke the news earlier to a Sacramento TV station that his WNBA team was no longer going to be backed by the Kings organization. The Kings are currently owned & run by the famous Maloof brothers, Joe and Gavin. Despite the Maloofs being dedicated bball fans and very rich, their two teams have been in trouble in recent times. Many NBA teams are having financial difficulties coupled with lower attendance numbers, which could lead to problems. It's possible the Kings could be looking to move, while the Monarchs are currently homeless, but eyeing the Bay area for their WNBA squad. Golden State has already nixed the idea of adding a female franchise to pair up with the Warriors.
According to the Seattle Times:
"Everyone in this business environment ... you have to do what has to be done," Joe Maloof told the Sacramento Bee. "Our focus is to turn the Kings around, and to do that, we have to put all our efforts and good salespeople on the Kings."
Sacramento was one of the original eight WNBA teams, but also came off a 12-22 season, a league worst. During their history, they had a 224-200 record overall, with several playoff appearances including a 2005 Finals win over Connecticut, and a 2006 Finals loss to Detroit. In 1999, center Yolanda Griffith was the league MVP as well.
Attendance was down 5% for the team this year at Arco Arena, with overall WNBA attendance down a whopping 26% since it's all-time high of 10,864 in 1998. This isn't the first WNBA team to fold or move either. Other women's bball franchises which saw their demise include Cleveland Rockers, Detroit Shock (who recently moved to Tulsa) and Orlando Miracles, who found a new home in Connecticut as the Connecticut Sun.
(Story Source: Sacramento Bee)
According to news reports, some Sacramento players didn't find out until logging into their Twitter accounts online. Rebekkah Brunson was one such player, who saw the news via her teammate Chantelle Anderson's "tweet".
The Monarchs general manager/coach John Whisenant broke the news earlier to a Sacramento TV station that his WNBA team was no longer going to be backed by the Kings organization. The Kings are currently owned & run by the famous Maloof brothers, Joe and Gavin. Despite the Maloofs being dedicated bball fans and very rich, their two teams have been in trouble in recent times. Many NBA teams are having financial difficulties coupled with lower attendance numbers, which could lead to problems. It's possible the Kings could be looking to move, while the Monarchs are currently homeless, but eyeing the Bay area for their WNBA squad. Golden State has already nixed the idea of adding a female franchise to pair up with the Warriors.
According to the Seattle Times:
"Everyone in this business environment ... you have to do what has to be done," Joe Maloof told the Sacramento Bee. "Our focus is to turn the Kings around, and to do that, we have to put all our efforts and good salespeople on the Kings."
Sacramento was one of the original eight WNBA teams, but also came off a 12-22 season, a league worst. During their history, they had a 224-200 record overall, with several playoff appearances including a 2005 Finals win over Connecticut, and a 2006 Finals loss to Detroit. In 1999, center Yolanda Griffith was the league MVP as well.
Attendance was down 5% for the team this year at Arco Arena, with overall WNBA attendance down a whopping 26% since it's all-time high of 10,864 in 1998. This isn't the first WNBA team to fold or move either. Other women's bball franchises which saw their demise include Cleveland Rockers, Detroit Shock (who recently moved to Tulsa) and Orlando Miracles, who found a new home in Connecticut as the Connecticut Sun.
(Story Source: Sacramento Bee)
Minggu, 15 November 2009
Brandon Jennings' 55 - Bucks Record
Brandon Jennings hosted an NBA game last night between Milwaukee and Golden State...
So this kid from Lottomatica can play. Last night, Brandon Jennings put his name into the history books by notching an incredible 55 points. That makes for the most by a rookie since Earl Monroe 31 years ago, and the most by a Bucks rookie in a game ever. It beats the record of another guy you've definitely heard of: Lew Alcindor aka Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Jennings is the third guy in Bucks' history to have a 50+ point game, joining Michael Redd and Jabbar.
In last night's game, Jennings started off slow, with nothing in the first, then 10 in the second, followed by a huge 29 point third quarter and 16 to close out the Brandon Jennings scoring show. His 55 lead Milwaukee past Golden State in a close game. The rookie was the #10 pick by Milwaukee in this past year's draft and seems to be its best kept secret. He skipped a commitment to play college ball at Arizona then headed overseas to play in Europe for a year, which is why he's from Lottomatica. He soon may carry the nickname "Automatica" if he keeps scoring like this. Also playing in the game is another guy who may put in some big scoring performances in his career, Stephen Curry who is the song of retired NBA sharpshooter Del Curry.
So apparently Jennings was reported as unable to shoot by NBA scouts. Point taken, and thrown completely out the window. Jennings has arrived and will keep arriving in the 2009-10 season.
When It Comes To Brandon Jennings, The Hype Meter Just Got Cranked Up To 11
So this kid from Lottomatica can play. Last night, Brandon Jennings put his name into the history books by notching an incredible 55 points. That makes for the most by a rookie since Earl Monroe 31 years ago, and the most by a Bucks rookie in a game ever. It beats the record of another guy you've definitely heard of: Lew Alcindor aka Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Jennings is the third guy in Bucks' history to have a 50+ point game, joining Michael Redd and Jabbar.
In last night's game, Jennings started off slow, with nothing in the first, then 10 in the second, followed by a huge 29 point third quarter and 16 to close out the Brandon Jennings scoring show. His 55 lead Milwaukee past Golden State in a close game. The rookie was the #10 pick by Milwaukee in this past year's draft and seems to be its best kept secret. He skipped a commitment to play college ball at Arizona then headed overseas to play in Europe for a year, which is why he's from Lottomatica. He soon may carry the nickname "Automatica" if he keeps scoring like this. Also playing in the game is another guy who may put in some big scoring performances in his career, Stephen Curry who is the song of retired NBA sharpshooter Del Curry.
So apparently Jennings was reported as unable to shoot by NBA scouts. Point taken, and thrown completely out the window. Jennings has arrived and will keep arriving in the 2009-10 season.
When It Comes To Brandon Jennings, The Hype Meter Just Got Cranked Up To 11
Sabtu, 14 November 2009
Lebron - No More #23 NBA Uniforms
NBA All-Star Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers is making a gesture for the goodwill of all basketball-kind. At the end of the 2009-10 season, King James will no longer wear the #23 on his Cavs uniforms, but will instead change to the number 6, his Olympics jersey number. Lebron says he is making this move in an ultimate show of love for NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, who is the most famous #23 in basketball history. Jordan entered the hall this year and gave an emotional and inspired speech on his journey to the hardwood as well as all those who made him who he was.
According to NBA.com:
In a rather humble yet bold move, Lebron is urging other players to do the same and stop wearing #23. They would have to make the decision and notify the league by March 2010. While this isn't a league rule or anything, there are 12 other guys active on rosters wearing the famous number. Included in those twelve are several rookies and no real superstars beyond James. Rookie Byron Mullens of Oklahoma City took the number due to the fact his preferred #32 was retired by the Seattle Supersonics organization. Knicks rookie Tony Douglas wasn't sure he wanted to change over from the #23 due to the fact he's idolized MJ growing up and has worn the number on his person since age 3.
One such player who said he will follow suit by dropping the jersey number is Jazz rookie Wesley Matthews. According to Salt Lake Tribune, Matthews said:
"I'm on board," Matthews told The Salt Lake Tribune . "I mean, Jordan has influenced everybody that plays this game and he was my idol growing up. I'm ready. Whenever that time comes, I'm on board with that."
This has been done before. In the MLB, they retired Jackie Robinson's #42, and in the NHL it was the Great One, Wayne Gretzky's #99. It's yet to be done in the NFL or NBA. On its face this seems like a great tribute, but is Michael Jordan really concerned when a player wears #23 and claims he's doing so because Jordan is his idol? Does Jordan feel disrespected by seeing a guy who isn't an all-star on the court bearing his famous numbers?
Knicks fans are upset after shelling out big bucks for Lebron hype gear in the form of #23 silk screened Knicks clothes. However, as mentioned before they already have rookie Tony Douglas displaying the famous numbers on his New York jersey.
It's unknown whether any of the soon to be extinct Lebron jerseys bearing #23 will be a collector's item. There's also no word yet on how many guys wear the #45 on their uniform and do well playing basketball.
According to NBA.com:
James first made his comments during an on-air interview on TNT following the Cavaliers' victory over the Heat. Jordan was at the game in Miami -- where Heat president Pat Riley retired the number in 2003 even though he never played for the franchise. No Miami player has worn No. 23 since Cedric Ceballos in 2001.
In a rather humble yet bold move, Lebron is urging other players to do the same and stop wearing #23. They would have to make the decision and notify the league by March 2010. While this isn't a league rule or anything, there are 12 other guys active on rosters wearing the famous number. Included in those twelve are several rookies and no real superstars beyond James. Rookie Byron Mullens of Oklahoma City took the number due to the fact his preferred #32 was retired by the Seattle Supersonics organization. Knicks rookie Tony Douglas wasn't sure he wanted to change over from the #23 due to the fact he's idolized MJ growing up and has worn the number on his person since age 3.
One such player who said he will follow suit by dropping the jersey number is Jazz rookie Wesley Matthews. According to Salt Lake Tribune, Matthews said:
"I'm on board," Matthews told The Salt Lake Tribune . "I mean, Jordan has influenced everybody that plays this game and he was my idol growing up. I'm ready. Whenever that time comes, I'm on board with that."
This has been done before. In the MLB, they retired Jackie Robinson's #42, and in the NHL it was the Great One, Wayne Gretzky's #99. It's yet to be done in the NFL or NBA. On its face this seems like a great tribute, but is Michael Jordan really concerned when a player wears #23 and claims he's doing so because Jordan is his idol? Does Jordan feel disrespected by seeing a guy who isn't an all-star on the court bearing his famous numbers?
Knicks fans are upset after shelling out big bucks for Lebron hype gear in the form of #23 silk screened Knicks clothes. However, as mentioned before they already have rookie Tony Douglas displaying the famous numbers on his New York jersey.
It's unknown whether any of the soon to be extinct Lebron jerseys bearing #23 will be a collector's item. There's also no word yet on how many guys wear the #45 on their uniform and do well playing basketball.
Minggu, 01 November 2009
Manu Ginobli Bat Heroics on Halloween
Halloween is all about tricks, treats, ghouls, goblins, ghosts, and yes bats flying into NBA games! On Saturday night, the Kings and Spurs' game in San Antonio at the AT&T Center was invaded by a winged creature which swooped down from the rafters high above the crowd. After it interrupted the proceedings twice, gameplay was stopped as officials and players moved aside for the bat to take center court. However, Manu Ginobli decided enough was enough as he smacked the mammal down from mid-air. It flopped to the court, much like Ginobli on a self-generated foul and then Ginobli scooped it up to hand off for an unrecorded assist. The crowd, players and even his coach seemed to applaud the heroics of Manu Ginobli bat boy. Check out the video below to see Manu in action...
Rabu, 28 Oktober 2009
2009-10 NBA Season now playing!
The 2009-10 NBA Season is now in full swing! The latest National Basketball Association season kicked off Tuesday October 27th, 2009 with four games on the schedule. Opening night featured plenty of stars including Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Shaq, Lebron James and Gilbert Arenas. Here's a look at some of the top stories, stats and scores from the opening night's action on the hardwood.
The marquee matchup of Tuesday night featured the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the Boston Celtics. It was the debut game for new Cav Shaquille O'Neal, but the Celts played spoilers as they won 95-89 behind a combined 52 points from the Big 3 of Pierce, Allen & KG. Garnett had 13 in his first regular game since last March while Pierce led with 23 pts. Lebron James scored 38 points along with eight assists, four blocks and two steals. His new frontcourt teammate Shaq added in 10 points and 10 rebounds. In other Celtics' news, Glen "Big Baby" Davis is out with a thumb injury caused by an altercation involving a former college teammate. The Celtics have reportedly suspended Davis for the injury as well. He received surgery on Tuesday for it and is out indefinitely as of this writing. More on that story here
The NBA champion Lakers started their season off with a nice home victory over the local rival Clippers, 99-92. Kobe put in 33 points with 8 rebounds and 4 steals, and center Andrew Bynum added 26pts and 13 boards. Ron Artest had 10 points in his debut for LA. The Clips were lead by Gordon's 21 point performance and helped by Chris Kaman's 18 points / 16 boards. Unfortunately the Clippers were without their prized rookie Blake Griffin who suffered a broken kneecap during the past few weeks. Griffin is reportedly out for 6 months and watched his team lose by 7 to the NBA champs.
Agent 0, Gilbert Arenas, is officially back in effect on the court. The star guard had been saddled by injury last season. Last night, his 29 points and 9 assists helped the Washington Wizards defeat the Dallas Mavericks 102-91.
The Portland Trailblazers look to build upon last season's success as they opened with a win against the Houston Rockets who are without Yao Ming for this season. Brandon Roy led the Blazers with 20 points. Former #1 draft pick Greg Oden recorded just 2 points but 12 rebounds in the win, while Houston was led by Aaron Brooks' 19 points.
Wednesday night will feature more teams in action with 12 games on the slate. A doubleheader on ESPN will see the Hornets take on the Spurs while the Jazz face last year's Western Conference runner-ups, the Denver Nuggets. See full schedule here.
The marquee matchup of Tuesday night featured the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the Boston Celtics. It was the debut game for new Cav Shaquille O'Neal, but the Celts played spoilers as they won 95-89 behind a combined 52 points from the Big 3 of Pierce, Allen & KG. Garnett had 13 in his first regular game since last March while Pierce led with 23 pts. Lebron James scored 38 points along with eight assists, four blocks and two steals. His new frontcourt teammate Shaq added in 10 points and 10 rebounds. In other Celtics' news, Glen "Big Baby" Davis is out with a thumb injury caused by an altercation involving a former college teammate. The Celtics have reportedly suspended Davis for the injury as well. He received surgery on Tuesday for it and is out indefinitely as of this writing. More on that story here
The NBA champion Lakers started their season off with a nice home victory over the local rival Clippers, 99-92. Kobe put in 33 points with 8 rebounds and 4 steals, and center Andrew Bynum added 26pts and 13 boards. Ron Artest had 10 points in his debut for LA. The Clips were lead by Gordon's 21 point performance and helped by Chris Kaman's 18 points / 16 boards. Unfortunately the Clippers were without their prized rookie Blake Griffin who suffered a broken kneecap during the past few weeks. Griffin is reportedly out for 6 months and watched his team lose by 7 to the NBA champs.
Agent 0, Gilbert Arenas, is officially back in effect on the court. The star guard had been saddled by injury last season. Last night, his 29 points and 9 assists helped the Washington Wizards defeat the Dallas Mavericks 102-91.
The Portland Trailblazers look to build upon last season's success as they opened with a win against the Houston Rockets who are without Yao Ming for this season. Brandon Roy led the Blazers with 20 points. Former #1 draft pick Greg Oden recorded just 2 points but 12 rebounds in the win, while Houston was led by Aaron Brooks' 19 points.
Wednesday night will feature more teams in action with 12 games on the slate. A doubleheader on ESPN will see the Hornets take on the Spurs while the Jazz face last year's Western Conference runner-ups, the Denver Nuggets. See full schedule here.
Sabtu, 24 Oktober 2009
List of Current NBA Teams 2009-10
Entering the 2009-10 season (the league's 64th), here's a look at the current list of all 30 NBA Teams, as well as a bit of a history lesson. The oldest franchises listed which have kept their original names are the Boston Celtics and New York Knickerbockers (shortened to Knicks), while the Oklahoma City Thunder is technically the newest squad, since the team used to be the Seattle Supersonics until a few years ago. Technically, Toronto Raptors or the Memphis Grizzlies are the newest expansion teams, while the Charlotte Bobcats and New Orleans Hornets merely moved around a bit.
The original NBA Team list when the league was founded back in 1946 consisted of just 11 squads:
Boston Celtics
Chicago Stags
Cleveland Rebels
Detroit Falcons
New York Knickerbockers
Philadelphia Warriors
Pittsburgh Ironmen
Providence Steamrollers
St. Louis Bombers
Toronto Huskies
Washington Capitols
As you can see several of the cities above have survived into 2009-10, yet with different names for their teams. Chicago, Detroit, Philly, Toronto and Washington all exist today but with different names. In 1948-49 several of the ABL franchises were added into the mix including the Minneapolis Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Bobcats
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Jersey Nets
New Orleans Hornets
New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
The original NBA Team list when the league was founded back in 1946 consisted of just 11 squads:
Boston Celtics
Chicago Stags
Cleveland Rebels
Detroit Falcons
New York Knickerbockers
Philadelphia Warriors
Pittsburgh Ironmen
Providence Steamrollers
St. Louis Bombers
Toronto Huskies
Washington Capitols
As you can see several of the cities above have survived into 2009-10, yet with different names for their teams. Chicago, Detroit, Philly, Toronto and Washington all exist today but with different names. In 1948-49 several of the ABL franchises were added into the mix including the Minneapolis Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
NBA Teams list 2009-10
Atlanta HawksBoston Celtics
Charlotte Bobcats
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets
Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Jersey Nets
New Orleans Hornets
New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Phoenix Suns
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
Sabtu, 03 Oktober 2009
Kamis, 01 Oktober 2009
Lakers introduction
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise has a long and storied history, predating the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA).Founded in 1946, the Lakers are one of the NBA's most famous and successful franchises. As of 2009, the Lakers hold the all-time records for wins (2,970), winning percentage (61.7%), and NBA Finals appearances (30). The Lakers have won 15 NBA titles, second only to the Boston Celtics' 17. Their rosters have included some of the game's greatest players, including George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant.
Senin, 21 September 2009
Lamar Odom getting married to Khloe Kardashian
The recent buzz has been all about Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom, not for his recent championship ring with the Lakers, not for his $33 million contract extension signed in July, and luckily not for any off-court legal problems. The recent news is that Lamar Odom is getting married to Khloe Kardashian, famous sister of Kim, from "Keeping up with the Kardashians" and "Khloe and Kourtney take Miami", both of which air on the E! television channel.
Well known celeb-diva, paparazzi booty queen, Kim Kardashian, who was most recently linked to running back Reggie Bush of the NFL's New Orleans Saints told People.com:
The news may come as a big shock to many fans of either of these stars. According to reports, Odom met Kardashian at a party in Los Angeles and the two really hit it off. They dated for just over a month, and soon were engaged. A wedding is tentatively planned for Sunday September 27th, 2009. The reason for Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian getting married so quick wedding is due to Odom's upcoming schedule involving the NBA season. All's fair in Love & Basketball, but don't we see so many Hollywood style marriages end fast? I guess it's good to start fast and get it over with quicker? Feel free to leave your thoughts on this recent NBA transaction off the court for Lamar Odom...
(Sources: latimesblogs.latimes.com, people.com, usmagazine.com)
Well known celeb-diva, paparazzi booty queen, Kim Kardashian, who was most recently linked to running back Reggie Bush of the NFL's New Orleans Saints told People.com:
"They're very, very happy," Kim told People.com. "They are literally inseperable. Khloe thinks he's amazing and makes her laugh and smile constantly."
The news may come as a big shock to many fans of either of these stars. According to reports, Odom met Kardashian at a party in Los Angeles and the two really hit it off. They dated for just over a month, and soon were engaged. A wedding is tentatively planned for Sunday September 27th, 2009. The reason for Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian getting married so quick wedding is due to Odom's upcoming schedule involving the NBA season. All's fair in Love & Basketball, but don't we see so many Hollywood style marriages end fast? I guess it's good to start fast and get it over with quicker? Feel free to leave your thoughts on this recent NBA transaction off the court for Lamar Odom...
(Sources: latimesblogs.latimes.com, people.com, usmagazine.com)
Jumat, 18 September 2009
Delonte West arrested for Weapons Charges
Cleveland Cavaliers star Delonte West was just recently arrested in Prince George's County of Maryland area on weapons charges. The NBA guard apparently had a total of three guns on his person and was stopped after cutting off a police officer, while riding a three-wheeler motorcycle (not a tricycle).
According to the Washington Post:
The 26 year old West lives in the area and was formerly a high school basketball player there. His charges included speeding and two counts of carrying a handgun. Delonte was released on his own personal recognizance. There's no word on why West had the three weapons or where he was headed with them, but he definitely gives new meaning to the term "shooting guard".
(Story Source: WashingtonPost.com)
According to the Washington Post:
Delonte West, a guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was driving a three-wheeled motorcycle north on Interstate 95 near Route 214 in the Largo area when he cut off a Prince George's County police officer, authorities said. The officer pulled him over, and West told the officer that he was carrying a handgun in his waistband.
That prompted the officer to call for backup, and investigators found that West was actually carrying three guns: a Beretta 9mm in his waistband, a Ruger .357 strapped to his leg and a shotgun in a guitar case slung over his back,
The 26 year old West lives in the area and was formerly a high school basketball player there. His charges included speeding and two counts of carrying a handgun. Delonte was released on his own personal recognizance. There's no word on why West had the three weapons or where he was headed with them, but he definitely gives new meaning to the term "shooting guard".
(Story Source: WashingtonPost.com)
Kamis, 17 September 2009
Rabu, 16 September 2009
Lebron James on The Daily Show
Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Lebron James was a special guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart a few days ago. The appearance was brief yet comical. The reigning NBA MVP was there in conjunction with a new book coming out called "Shooting Stars" which he co-authored with Buzz Bissinger.
Lebron spoke about the new book which covers his meteoric rise to basketball fame while he was playing high school ball for St. Vincent Mary's. Stewart asked how Lebron's former teammates are handling his success, and Lebron said they are excited for him. James said they've all kept in touch and his friends still got to see him play.
Stewart also ribbed Lebron about coming to New York when he presented him with an "I love New York" coffee mug, Shake Shack burgers and then a Tyranosaurus Rex vertebrae from the Natural Museum of History. Stewart then mentioned they have a great team called the Knickerbockers, and said all they get you in Cleveland is into the "Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame".
Watch video footage of Lebron James' appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart below.
Check out more information on Shooting Stars by Lebron James
& Buzz Bissinger at Amazon.com!
Lebron spoke about the new book which covers his meteoric rise to basketball fame while he was playing high school ball for St. Vincent Mary's. Stewart asked how Lebron's former teammates are handling his success, and Lebron said they are excited for him. James said they've all kept in touch and his friends still got to see him play.
Stewart also ribbed Lebron about coming to New York when he presented him with an "I love New York" coffee mug, Shake Shack burgers and then a Tyranosaurus Rex vertebrae from the Natural Museum of History. Stewart then mentioned they have a great team called the Knickerbockers, and said all they get you in Cleveland is into the "Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame".
Watch video footage of Lebron James' appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart below.
Check out more information on Shooting Stars by Lebron James
& Buzz Bissinger at Amazon.com!
Jumat, 11 September 2009
Michael Jordan's 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame Moment
(image source: NBA.com)
Finally, his Airness has taken his rightful spot amongst the greatest legends on the hardwood, ever. Many have called Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player of all time, and on Friday, September 11th, 2009, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Jordan's career made the #23, the Chicago Bulls and finesse basketball all part of the art form. His greatness extended from beyond the hardwood floors but to pop culture and mainstream commercials such as McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Nike and others. MJ and his symbolic Jumpman logo became a iconic household symbol. Air Jordans by Nike became a status symbol, and basketball became the game everyone wanted to play. All thanks to inspirational players which included Michael "Air" Jordan.
The ceremony Friday night had to be moved from the traditional Hall of Fame venue to a bigger-capacity Symphony Hall which accommodates around 2,600 people. Jordan's Hall of Fame speech in Springfield, MA, was full of quips, comments and recollections of what made him the elite basketball player he became. He discussed being cut from his high school team in the 10th grade, and being restricted from appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a college freshman. Jordan also put everyone one notice "There's not going to be another Michael Jordan".
"You guys are constantly trying to find that next Michael Jordan," Jordan said. "First of all, you didn't find me. I just happened to come along and next thing you know, here I am."
Amongst Jordan's fellow Hall inductees were David Robinson, John Stockton and current Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan. Jordan was presented by another basketball legend and UNC alumni, David Thompson.
Of course the internet was also buzzing about Jordan's girlfriend, Yvette Prieto. Reportedly, Michael and Yvette, a 30 year old Cuban model, have been dating since 2008, with the duo rumored to be getting married soon. See a picture of the couple here. For years, Jordan had been married to Juanita, with the couple divorcing in 2002 due to "irreconcilable differences". Much like MJ's retire-return to the court career, the couple came back together, then officially ended the marriage in 2006. The couple has three children, sons Jeffrey Michael and Marcus James, and daughter, Jasmine.
Jordan joked at one point that he still loves the game and you just might see him one day playing in basketball shorts at age 50. The crowd laughed, but Jordan told them to:
"Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion."
While Jordan may have been joking during his suggestion of a possible third un-retirement at age 50, most fans are content with what Jordan has already given to the sport for many years. His legacy lives on as current players continue to hold their own careers up to Jordan's.
A key closing moment of Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame speech discussed exactly what the game meant to him:
"The game of basketball has been everything to me," Jordan said. "My refuge. My place I've always gone when I've needed to find comfort and peace. It's given me my most intense pain and my most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction."
Read more about Jordan and the Hall of Fame at Google AFP News
Rabu, 09 September 2009
Kamis, 03 September 2009
Rabu, 02 September 2009
Selasa, 01 September 2009
Senin, 31 Agustus 2009
Sabtu, 29 Agustus 2009
Jumat, 28 Agustus 2009
Kamis, 27 Agustus 2009
Selasa, 25 Agustus 2009
Rabu, 19 Agustus 2009
Rabu, 12 Agustus 2009
Reggie Miller Banner warns 'No Married Women'
Recently a beach plane towing a banner across the skys from Malibu to South Bay in California carried an interesting message. It wasn't your typical advertisement or some clever marriage proposal, instead it was aimed at former NBA Indiana Pacers star (current TNT NBA analyst) Reggie Miller. The banner read: "Reggie Miller stop pursuing married women". Several beachgoers noticed the Reggie Miller warning banner high up in the sky as they were attending the AVP Hermosa Beach Open down below in Malibu area. Miller is also a resident of Malibu, but there's been no word if he saw the expensive sign.
Apparently the banner was purchased by Alex von Furstenberg, a Malibu resident and surf shop owner, who even took out a restraining order against Miller for pursuing his wife Ali. Miller also reportedly chatted with Ali recently, and after waiting for her to leave the local Country Mart followed her down Malibu's PCH highway pleading to see her again.
Miller claims that Ali sent him some provocative photos of herself via text message, seen here at TMZ.com. Miller also claims he ended things with her in April, but she reconnected in May asking why he ended things. The next day he supposedly got an angry call from her husband.
According to eurweb.com and Hollywood Street King:
There's more on this story at Diary of a Hollywood Street King (HSK) including a copy of the restraining order and texts.
Apparently the banner was purchased by Alex von Furstenberg, a Malibu resident and surf shop owner, who even took out a restraining order against Miller for pursuing his wife Ali. Miller also reportedly chatted with Ali recently, and after waiting for her to leave the local Country Mart followed her down Malibu's PCH highway pleading to see her again.
Miller claims that Ali sent him some provocative photos of herself via text message, seen here at TMZ.com. Miller also claims he ended things with her in April, but she reconnected in May asking why he ended things. The next day he supposedly got an angry call from her husband.
According to eurweb.com and Hollywood Street King:
"While Miller has yet to comment on the allegations, reports say he and von Furstenberg have even had a confrontation about the situation, where Reggie threatened him, saying 'he had friends with guns.'"
HSK quotes von Furstenberg as saying: "I was very upset about Reggie's behavior towards my fiancé. I think people in Malibu share my views that being a famous basketball player should not provide some sort of shield against inappropriate behavior. Reggie sincerely apologized to me on a phone call with Ronald Richards, his attorney, and myself. I cannot comment further on the matter as I believe it has been resolved."
There's more on this story at Diary of a Hollywood Street King (HSK) including a copy of the restraining order and texts.
Kamis, 06 Agustus 2009
NBA 2009-10 Season Schedules
The 2009-10 NBA Season will kick off in style on TNT Tuesday Ocotober 27th with an NBA doubleheader. In game 1, last year's Eastern Conference Finals Runner-ups, the Cleveland Cavaliers will go up against the NBA Champs from 2 seasons ago, the Boston Celtics. Lebron James and Shaquille O'Neal will have their first regular season contest together while the Celtics look to welcome Kevin Garnett, and recent pickups, Rasheed Wallace & Shelden Williams. In the second game of the night, it will be a battle of the two LA's. Kobe Bryant's NBA Champion Lakers will be taking on the in-town rival Los Angeles Clippers with their #1 draft pick, Blake Griffin. Two other games will go down on opening night; Washington takes on Dallas, while Portland hosts Houston.
The next night will be yet another doubleheader, this time airing on ESPN. Game 1 will feature Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson and the San Antonio Spurs battling Chris Paul, Emeka Okafor and the New Orleans Hornets. In the second game of the night, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets will go into Utah to go against Deron Williams and the Jazz. October 28th features a total of 12 NBA games on the slate.
The NBA Champion Lakers won't see their NBA Finals opponent from 2009, the Orlando Magic until Monday, January 18th, 2010. The Magic will have to wait until March 7th to host the champs at home. There will be a Christmas day treat for NBA fans as Kobe's Lakers visit Shaq, Lebron and the cavs in Cleveland for an afternoon contest.
In addition to various local sports coverage of games around the country, the usual networks will air plenty of games this season, with ESPN, ABC and TNT all showcasing some of the top matchups.
The NBA season will wrap up on Wednesday, April 14th 2010 as the Playoffs will kick into high gear soon thereafter.
NBA Preseason schedules will also be announced withing the coming weeks.
View Team by Team schedules here for the NBA 2009-10 season
The next night will be yet another doubleheader, this time airing on ESPN. Game 1 will feature Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson and the San Antonio Spurs battling Chris Paul, Emeka Okafor and the New Orleans Hornets. In the second game of the night, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets will go into Utah to go against Deron Williams and the Jazz. October 28th features a total of 12 NBA games on the slate.
The NBA Champion Lakers won't see their NBA Finals opponent from 2009, the Orlando Magic until Monday, January 18th, 2010. The Magic will have to wait until March 7th to host the champs at home. There will be a Christmas day treat for NBA fans as Kobe's Lakers visit Shaq, Lebron and the cavs in Cleveland for an afternoon contest.
In addition to various local sports coverage of games around the country, the usual networks will air plenty of games this season, with ESPN, ABC and TNT all showcasing some of the top matchups.
The NBA season will wrap up on Wednesday, April 14th 2010 as the Playoffs will kick into high gear soon thereafter.
NBA Preseason schedules will also be announced withing the coming weeks.
View Team by Team schedules here for the NBA 2009-10 season
Rabu, 22 Juli 2009
TMZ Shows Lebron Dunk Video
The highly-searched for Jordan Crawford dunk on LeBron has finally come to see the light of day. Several websites including TMZ and ebaumnation.com are now showing the Lebron dunk video that had seemingly been confiscated by Lebron James' people and Nike. The dunk occurred during Lebron's summer basketball camp pickup game as a virtually unknown player, Jamal Crawford, threw it down on James during the game.
The dunk incident occurred at the LeBron James Skills Academy several weeks ago during a summer basketball camp game. College player, Jamal Crawford, who will be playing for Xavier this coming season, scored the two handed jam on King James. Various cameramen caught the footage including some from CBS. A high school player who was at the event Soon afterwards, all tapes of the "incident" were confiscated. Apparently some footage was not taken care of, as several websites were able to present the video footage as of Wednesday night.
Check out the links below to see the video footage of "The Dunk" we thought we'd never see!
TMZ's presentation of Lebron dunk
Detroit Free Press shows Lebron getting dunked on
The dunk incident occurred at the LeBron James Skills Academy several weeks ago during a summer basketball camp game. College player, Jamal Crawford, who will be playing for Xavier this coming season, scored the two handed jam on King James. Various cameramen caught the footage including some from CBS. A high school player who was at the event Soon afterwards, all tapes of the "incident" were confiscated. Apparently some footage was not taken care of, as several websites were able to present the video footage as of Wednesday night.
Check out the links below to see the video footage of "The Dunk" we thought we'd never see!
TMZ's presentation of Lebron dunk
Detroit Free Press shows Lebron getting dunked on
Senin, 20 Juli 2009
Qunetin Richardson's 3rd Trade of Summer
Quentin Richardson is apparently part of a three way trade. That's three trades this summer. In his latest move, Q-Rich was swapped from the LA Clippers to the Minnesota Timberwolves for three players: Craig Smith, Sebastian Telfair and Mark Madsen. Previously, he was sent from Memphis to the Clippers for Zach Randolph, and on NBA Draft 2009 night he was swapped with the Knicks to the Grizzlies in a deal for the mysterious superstar, Darko Milicic.
Will the third team be a charm this summer? This will be Richardson's 10th NBA Season, and he's starting to play musical teams as a swingman it seems. He's part of Team Jordan, and previously had his best season stats wise with the Clippers back in 2003-04. Unfortunately, Richardson spent just a weekend with his former team and now will head over to the ever-rebuilding Minnesota Twolves. For now that is....
More about Q-Rich's trade to Minnesota here
Will the third team be a charm this summer? This will be Richardson's 10th NBA Season, and he's starting to play musical teams as a swingman it seems. He's part of Team Jordan, and previously had his best season stats wise with the Clippers back in 2003-04. Unfortunately, Richardson spent just a weekend with his former team and now will head over to the ever-rebuilding Minnesota Twolves. For now that is....
More about Q-Rich's trade to Minnesota here
Jumat, 17 Juli 2009
Antoine Walker Arrested in Vegas
As Kenny Rogers famously sang, you've got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em...Former NBA star Antoine Walker didn't heed that advice and was arrested in Nevada this past Thursday. The arrest came inside Harrah's casino at Stateline, Nevada. The charges? Walker had attempted to use fake checks and obtain credit he didn't have to the tune of $800,000 from three different Vegas casinos. A deputy on foot patrol was alerted by a Harrah's employee who had seen a TV report about Walker. Walker was arrested at one of the casino bars shortly thereafter.
Originally the former Celtics, Heat and Mavs star was issued a bail of $905,050, later reduced to just over $100,000. Walker is now free on bail but is scheduled to appear in a Las Vegas court on Monday. He had made the trip to Vegas for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at South Lake Tahoe.
Apparently, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley aren't the only former all-stars who like to gamble. The difference is neither has trouble getting the funds. Then again maybe this will serve as a wake up call and early lesson for any other NBA ballers who want to get into the gambling scene. Keep your money under the mattress, at least until the stock market rebounds.
Originally the former Celtics, Heat and Mavs star was issued a bail of $905,050, later reduced to just over $100,000. Walker is now free on bail but is scheduled to appear in a Las Vegas court on Monday. He had made the trip to Vegas for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at South Lake Tahoe.
Apparently, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley aren't the only former all-stars who like to gamble. The difference is neither has trouble getting the funds. Then again maybe this will serve as a wake up call and early lesson for any other NBA ballers who want to get into the gambling scene. Keep your money under the mattress, at least until the stock market rebounds.
Mark Cuban wins Court Battle, Rd. 1
Months ago, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban avoided a loss of $750,000 from stocks, but selling about 600,000 shares, or a 6.3% stake in the company. The Securities and Exchange Commission brought charges against Cuban for insider trading. Today, Cuban is free of the litigation, for now.
On Friday, a federal judge granted a dismissal of the civil lawsuit against Cuban for insider trading in SEC v. Cuban, 08-cv-2050, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (Dallas). The company involved was an Internet search engine company known as "Mamma.com, Inc.". Cuban's lawyers argued on his behalf that Cuban wasn't legally an "insider" of the company.
It's still possible the SEC could refile this case, so stay tuned for more madness from the Blogger Maverick, Cuban...
Read more about Cuban's victory in court here at Bloomberg.com.
On Friday, a federal judge granted a dismissal of the civil lawsuit against Cuban for insider trading in SEC v. Cuban, 08-cv-2050, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (Dallas). The company involved was an Internet search engine company known as "Mamma.com, Inc.". Cuban's lawyers argued on his behalf that Cuban wasn't legally an "insider" of the company.
It's still possible the SEC could refile this case, so stay tuned for more madness from the Blogger Maverick, Cuban...
Read more about Cuban's victory in court here at Bloomberg.com.
Converse Wade 4 MIA: D-Wade to Nike?
Last season, NBA superstar and champion, Dwyane Wade, was seldom seen rocking his Wade 4's by Converse on the court. Apparently, Wade has recently cleared up that issue, making it known he plans to jump to the Nike Jumpman line as part of the Team Jordan family. Wade, a Chicago native, will now be on board with other superstars in Jordan's team and the Nike brand including Richard Hamilton, Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James (who has his own line), and Kobe Bryant.
Wade cites the fact that he doesn't know how good Converse will do in the basketball market, and it seemed the company didn't quite know what to did with him. They previously had the Flash campaigns but not much else. Comparing it to Nike's clever marketing for such pieces as "The Lebrons" and the "MVPuppets with Lebron and Kobe", Wade made the logical choice to sign with the top brand for ballers. Wade's T-Mobile commercials with Charles Barkley have also been amongst some of the best made and funniest basketball ads around.
It was reported from CBS4.com from Miami that Wade wore a pair of Converse sneakers at Zo's Summer Groove basketball game this past Sunday, but that may be the last time he's seen doing so.
Wade cites the fact that he doesn't know how good Converse will do in the basketball market, and it seemed the company didn't quite know what to did with him. They previously had the Flash campaigns but not much else. Comparing it to Nike's clever marketing for such pieces as "The Lebrons" and the "MVPuppets with Lebron and Kobe", Wade made the logical choice to sign with the top brand for ballers. Wade's T-Mobile commercials with Charles Barkley have also been amongst some of the best made and funniest basketball ads around.
It was reported from CBS4.com from Miami that Wade wore a pair of Converse sneakers at Zo's Summer Groove basketball game this past Sunday, but that may be the last time he's seen doing so.
Rabu, 15 Juli 2009
Richard Jefferson Wedding Fiasco
San Antonio Spurs star Richard Jefferson was all set to marry a former Nets' dancer, Kesha Ni'Cole Nichols. The couple were scheduled to get married at the Mandarin Oriental last Saturday, but the NBA star chose to call the whole thing off the night before. Jeferson became a runaway groom so to speak, leaving Nichols jilted. She immediately called her family and alerted them of the news. Nichols checked into the Mandarin Oriental hotel and was upgraded to a 45th floor suite overlooking Central Park. The Richard Jefferson wedding was priced at around $2 million for the affair. Some guests had already arrived and then discovered that Jefferson was not going to show. RJ, who had called about 2 hours prior to the wedding, made sure his best friend who had shown up for the event was given access to his black American Express card.
A picture here from June 13th, shows the happy couple with Nichols showing off the engagement diamond. Jefferson has yet to give any comments about the incident, and his former fiance/girlfriend has also kept quiet, wishing to move forward with her life. As the famous saying goes, "all's fair in love and war"...or is it "love and basketball"?
(Story Source: NYDailyNews.com)
Also see: The NBA Player's Wives List
A picture here from June 13th, shows the happy couple with Nichols showing off the engagement diamond. Jefferson has yet to give any comments about the incident, and his former fiance/girlfriend has also kept quiet, wishing to move forward with her life. As the famous saying goes, "all's fair in love and war"...or is it "love and basketball"?
(Story Source: NYDailyNews.com)
Also see: The NBA Player's Wives List
Sabtu, 11 Juli 2009
NBA Summer League Las Vegas 2009 Edition
The NBA's Summer League 2009 kicked off in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 10, 2009. The schedule includes 21 teams participating and 55 games total, wrapping up on July 19th. You can expect to see the likes of top NBA draft prospects and D-Leaguers in action. The top NBA draft picks will be in action: Blake Griffin of the Clippers, Hasheem Thabeet of the Grizzlies and James Harden of the Thunder. Some of the vets in the summer league include the Thunder's Keith McLeod and Spurs' George Hill.
#1 pick Blake Griffin expects to have a busy summer, according to NBA.com:
There's also a summer league going on down in Orlando, and according to NBA.com, the Thunder are one team that is competing in both of the leagues. Guard Russell Westbrook will be in Orlando, while James Harden and BJ Mullens will play in Vegas. Several other second year players and some international prospects from their team will also make the trip to the desert. Unfortunately, Blazers rookie Patty Mills suffered a broken right foot and won't be participating in the league.
NBA.com has also picked out 10 games of note, including a July 12th battle between the #2 and #3 picks, Memphis Grizzlies' Hasheem Thabeet and OKC Thunder's James Harden. One of the final games of the schedule features Blake Griffin in action against the Phoenix Suns.
On day 1 of the league, Pistons #35 pick DeJuan Summers scored a monstrous 24 pts against the Kings, including many dunks, and seven rebounds as well. The Warriors' young phenom, Stephen Curry, scored 16, missed 10 out of 14 shots and had 7 fouls (I guess the rules change in a summer league).
All in all, the 2009 NBA summer league will provide a fresh look at some of the top prospects to possibly gauge who will be making some noise during the regular season, possibly propelling their team to greater success.
Also see: 2009 NBA Draft Results, Round 1
#1 pick Blake Griffin expects to have a busy summer, according to NBA.com:
“I’m going be to be working out as hard as I can,” Griffin said. “You know, Summer League, I'll be there, and I'm also going to the USA trials at the end of July in Vegas.”
There's also a summer league going on down in Orlando, and according to NBA.com, the Thunder are one team that is competing in both of the leagues. Guard Russell Westbrook will be in Orlando, while James Harden and BJ Mullens will play in Vegas. Several other second year players and some international prospects from their team will also make the trip to the desert. Unfortunately, Blazers rookie Patty Mills suffered a broken right foot and won't be participating in the league.
NBA.com has also picked out 10 games of note, including a July 12th battle between the #2 and #3 picks, Memphis Grizzlies' Hasheem Thabeet and OKC Thunder's James Harden. One of the final games of the schedule features Blake Griffin in action against the Phoenix Suns.
On day 1 of the league, Pistons #35 pick DeJuan Summers scored a monstrous 24 pts against the Kings, including many dunks, and seven rebounds as well. The Warriors' young phenom, Stephen Curry, scored 16, missed 10 out of 14 shots and had 7 fouls (I guess the rules change in a summer league).
All in all, the 2009 NBA summer league will provide a fresh look at some of the top prospects to possibly gauge who will be making some noise during the regular season, possibly propelling their team to greater success.
Also see: 2009 NBA Draft Results, Round 1
Jumat, 10 Juli 2009
Lebron James Getting Dunked On Video?
(Jordan Crawford exists, but did the dunk happen?)
Just days ago, Lebron James getting dunked on was a blazing hot search on the internet. The story is interesting in that it was a college player who dunked on Lebron named Jordan Crawford. Apparently, all videotaped highlights of that dunk incident were confiscated by a Nike representative. According to reports, Lebron made the call himself to have the tapes confiscated. Skip Bayless of ESPN's "1st and 10" called it the height of "image and damage control" saying Lebron is literally becoming a "Nike puppet". (YouTube video) Bayless said Lebron's now refused to shake hands after the Orlando loss, wears T-shirts advertising New York as if he and his entourage are headed there when free agency hits. Whether Bayless' case against Lebron is a good one that he's insecure over his perception, this story almost seems like basketball highlight censorship by the King and Nike...
According to ESPN, one of the freelance cameramen, Ryan Miller, said the following about what happened:
Miller said he had been filming all day and had his tapes confiscated only after Crawford's dunk over James.
"LeBron called Lynn over and told him something," Miller told CBSSports.com. "That's how I knew his name was Lynn. LeBron said, 'Hey, Lynn. Come here.' "
Minutes later, Miller said Merritt demanded his tape.
"There's nothing I can think of besides LeBron just not wanting it online," Miller told CBSSports.com. "It's a good story to tell people, I guess. But then again, I'm kind of pissed. I lost my tape."
Sorry NBA fans and Lebron hecklers, but the Jordan Crawford dunking on Lebron video is not found on the internet, as the only 2 videotape copies were taken by Nike. Still, some jokester fans have tried to pretend they have the leaked video, just so they could make silly highlight videos and grab YouTube traffic. So while you won't see Jordan Crawford's actual dunk on Lebron James, you can see Jordan Crawford talk about the dunk he did here at YouTube. Jordan states he's 6'4" in height and it was exciting to dunk on The King.
See more about this story at ESPN.com
Minggu, 05 Juli 2009
Rasheed Wallace to Celtics, Ron Artest to Lakers
The last two NBA Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics each added a key veteran superstar to their lineups within the past week or so. Just last week, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Ron Artest, a nemesis of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Clips have been shown repeatedly of their fierce battle during the playoffs, including Artest's antics while jawing with Kobe. Kobe's Lakers got the last laugh with the series win and eventual championship, and then quickly gobbled up the defensive stalwart Artest in a move to help solidify their chances of a repeat. Add Artest in with Gasol, Bynum and Odom, and you've got some nice frontcourt depth going.
Meanwhile, a team that definitely was disappointed this postseason was the Boston Celtics. They were hurt most by Kevin Garnett's injury which caused his playoff absence. Although they outlasted the Bulls in 7 games, they just didn't have the frontcourt presence to compete with Orlando, who eventually went on to the NBA Finals. Smartly, the Celtics just recently signed Rasheed Wallace from the Detroit Pistons. The move comes right after Detroit landed free agents Ben Gordon from the Bulls and Charlie Villanueva from the Bucks. Cleveland also added Shaquille O'Neal in the past few weeks, Vince Carter went to the Magic during the NBA draft, and Pistons guard Allen Iverson has been hunting for a new team.
It's ironic that the Celtics and Lakers signed two of the more controversial players in the NBA, but also two extremely talented stars. These teams most likely will embrace these two hotheaded stars who tend to rack up the technical fouls, and they have the coaches and other players capable of keeping them in a less volatile state. At Boston you've got KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, three amigos and class act workmen on the court, who Rasheed should fit in nicely with. Artest will be aligned with Kobe which can't be a bad thing either, and Phil Jackson is no stranger to coaching bizarre, hard to handle talent, such as Dennis Rodman.
It's hard to speculate which team has made the best moves this postseason but it seems several of the top dogs are looking to once again fight for the top position and records en route to an NBA title.
Meanwhile, a team that definitely was disappointed this postseason was the Boston Celtics. They were hurt most by Kevin Garnett's injury which caused his playoff absence. Although they outlasted the Bulls in 7 games, they just didn't have the frontcourt presence to compete with Orlando, who eventually went on to the NBA Finals. Smartly, the Celtics just recently signed Rasheed Wallace from the Detroit Pistons. The move comes right after Detroit landed free agents Ben Gordon from the Bulls and Charlie Villanueva from the Bucks. Cleveland also added Shaquille O'Neal in the past few weeks, Vince Carter went to the Magic during the NBA draft, and Pistons guard Allen Iverson has been hunting for a new team.
It's ironic that the Celtics and Lakers signed two of the more controversial players in the NBA, but also two extremely talented stars. These teams most likely will embrace these two hotheaded stars who tend to rack up the technical fouls, and they have the coaches and other players capable of keeping them in a less volatile state. At Boston you've got KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, three amigos and class act workmen on the court, who Rasheed should fit in nicely with. Artest will be aligned with Kobe which can't be a bad thing either, and Phil Jackson is no stranger to coaching bizarre, hard to handle talent, such as Dennis Rodman.
It's hard to speculate which team has made the best moves this postseason but it seems several of the top dogs are looking to once again fight for the top position and records en route to an NBA title.
Rabu, 01 Juli 2009
Detroit signs Gordon & Villanueva
The Detroit Pistons looked to keep themselves alive in the hunt for another NBA Title by adding two new stars to their lineup. According to the Detroit Free Press the Pistons signed Ben Gordon, shooting guard from the Bulls, and Charlie Villanueva, forward from the Milwaukee Bucks. Gordon was the Bulls' leading scorer for the past four years, and Villanueva has been coming into his own as an impressive rebounder and potential scorer. There had been rumors going around that Villanueva might end up on Cleveland as well. Gordon's signing is estimated at $55 million while Villanueva's is at $35 mill.
Both guys are also products of the University of Connecticut, and they'll now be aligned with another UCONN alumni, sharpshooter Richard Hamilton. Hamilton's got the NCAA Title, the NBA Title. Gordon's got just the NCAA title while Villanueva has yet to taste any championship champagne. That may change now that the Pistons have added more talent to their already interesting lineup which includes All-star Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace.
The question is what will Chicago and Milwaukee be looking to do now that they've cleared some salary cap room? Will these teams look to add a superstar to their teams? No disrespect to either Derrick Rose or Michael Redd, but adding someone like Dwyane Wade wouldn't exactly hurt their chances at making a deep run towards the NBA Finals.
Both guys are also products of the University of Connecticut, and they'll now be aligned with another UCONN alumni, sharpshooter Richard Hamilton. Hamilton's got the NCAA Title, the NBA Title. Gordon's got just the NCAA title while Villanueva has yet to taste any championship champagne. That may change now that the Pistons have added more talent to their already interesting lineup which includes All-star Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace.
The question is what will Chicago and Milwaukee be looking to do now that they've cleared some salary cap room? Will these teams look to add a superstar to their teams? No disrespect to either Derrick Rose or Michael Redd, but adding someone like Dwyane Wade wouldn't exactly hurt their chances at making a deep run towards the NBA Finals.
Senin, 29 Juni 2009
Yao Ming's Foot Injury Could End Career
The Houston Chronicle discusses the notion that Rockets All-Star Center, Yao Ming, could miss all of next season and possibly even end his career. The problem is that stubborn foot injury which kept him out of the playoff series against the Lakers. Yao is having no symptoms or physical signs due to the injury, but CT scans said otherwise. Apparently the foot's not healing as it should and may require Yao to be benched again next season. The team doctor, Tom Clanton, said the likeliness that Yao plays again depends on the success of whichever treatments are used.
Apparently, Yao had a pin inserted in his foot back in 2006 and played in the Olympics less than six months after that. This current situation while not as serious an injury as in 2006, may require more serious treatment.
From Houston Chronicle:
The Rockets enjoyed a tremendous 2008-09 NBA season and unfortunately met up with the eventual NBA Champs (minus Yao) in the postseason. They still possess a nicely formed, talented group including Ron Artest and Shane Battier, but T-Mac has been an injury question mark as well. Yao's had a plethora of foot injuries during his stellar career, but let's hope this latest one heals and allows the phenom to continue play. If not, the Rockets may have to consider shopping in the free agent market to pickup a new star.
Apparently, Yao had a pin inserted in his foot back in 2006 and played in the Olympics less than six months after that. This current situation while not as serious an injury as in 2006, may require more serious treatment.
From Houston Chronicle:
The surgical treatment options could include placing a pin inside the foot, a bone graft or even realigning the foot to operate differently. Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas underwent similar procedures, reducing his high arch to a flatter foot position, an option that could be considered for Yao, Clanton said, though his arch is not as high as Ilgauskas’ was.
The Rockets enjoyed a tremendous 2008-09 NBA season and unfortunately met up with the eventual NBA Champs (minus Yao) in the postseason. They still possess a nicely formed, talented group including Ron Artest and Shane Battier, but T-Mac has been an injury question mark as well. Yao's had a plethora of foot injuries during his stellar career, but let's hope this latest one heals and allows the phenom to continue play. If not, the Rockets may have to consider shopping in the free agent market to pickup a new star.
Kamis, 25 Juni 2009
2009 NBA Draft Round 1
The 2009 NBA draft lottery picks started off just as expected as Oklahoma phenom Blake Griffin was selected first overall. The Grizzlies snatched up imposing Connecticut defensive player Hasheem Thabeet to man the middle in Mephis. From there the Thunder took James Harden who many continue to be the most talented overall player in the draft. Minnesota had two picks in the top 5, and took Tyreke Evans of Memphis followed by Ricky Rubio from Spain.
Here's a look at the first 13 picks in the 2009 NBA Draft:
As usual, the local NY Knicks fans booed their teams pick Jordan Hill, but according to the commentators he was the best pick available at that spot. Of course, the NY fans have quite a bit to be unhappy about with their team failing to make the playoffs yet again, and possibly losing out on the Lebron James sweepstakes with the news Shaquille O'Neal had been traded to Cleveland earlier in the day.
In other trade news, New Jersey Nets All-Star forward, Vince Carter, was dealt to the Orlando Magic, in what appears to be a rebuilding effort for NJ. Orlando definitely added to its lineup now with Dwight Howard having the shooting services of Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
More draft coverage at NBA.com
Here's a look at the first 13 picks in the 2009 NBA Draft:
#1 Blake Griffin (Oklahoma) drafted by Los Angeles Clippers
#2 Hasheem Thabeet (UCONN) drafted by Memphis Grizzlies
#3 James Harden (Arizona St.) drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder
#4 Tyreke Evans (Memphis) drafted by Sacramento Kings
#5 Ricky Rubio (Spain) drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves
#6 Johnny Flynn (Syracuse) drafted by Minnesota Timberwolves
#7 Stephan Curry (Davidson) drafted by Golden State Warriors
#8 Jordan Hill (Arizona) drafted by NY Knicks
#9 DeMar DeRozan (USC) drafted by Toronto Raptors
#10 Brandon Jennings (USA-Intl.) drafted by Milwaukee Bucks
#11 Terrence Williams (Louisville) drafted by New Jersey Nets
#12 Gerald Henderson (Duke) drafted by Charlotte Bobcats
#13 Tyler Hansborough (UNC) drafted by Indiana Pacers
As usual, the local NY Knicks fans booed their teams pick Jordan Hill, but according to the commentators he was the best pick available at that spot. Of course, the NY fans have quite a bit to be unhappy about with their team failing to make the playoffs yet again, and possibly losing out on the Lebron James sweepstakes with the news Shaquille O'Neal had been traded to Cleveland earlier in the day.
In other trade news, New Jersey Nets All-Star forward, Vince Carter, was dealt to the Orlando Magic, in what appears to be a rebuilding effort for NJ. Orlando definitely added to its lineup now with Dwight Howard having the shooting services of Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
More draft coverage at NBA.com
Shaq & Lebron United in Cleveland
It's official- the Diesel is now a Cleveland Cavalier. The Cavs are not only working to solidify their championship run for 2009-10, but they're also looking to keep megastar Lebron James in town. So to do this they decided to bring another superstar to town to appease the King. That superstar is the very large and still in charge man in the middle, Shaquille O'Neal. On Thursday AM it was made official in a multi-player deal that would bring Shaq to Cleveland. Cleveland center and former defensive player of the year, Ben Wallace was one of those traded to Phoenix. NY Times explains just how the move might keep Lebron true to his original team, the Cavs:
Read more about the trade, Shaq and Lebron at NyTimes.
The Cavs make for Shaq's fifth team in 17 years time. He started with Orlando, made the big move to Los Angeles Lakers to win 3 titles, then teamed up with Dwyane Wade to win #4. From there he was dealt to Phoenix to attempt to propel the Suns to their first Finals, but it never worked, despite Shaq putting up impressive numbers at this late stage in his career. Thursday night will be the 2009 Draft and could make several teams into 2009-10 playoff contenders, but most likely the Cavs will remain in the upper eschelon now with Lebron and Shaq able to contend with the likes of Dwight Howard of the Magic and the Big 3 of Boston.
The trade could reverberate right into next summer. James is expected to become a free agent in July 2010. At least a dozen teams — including the Knicks — have been clearing salary-cap space to pursue James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, among others.
If O’Neal, who won titles with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles and Wade in Miami — can help James secure his first ring, it will make it harder for James to leave his home state. At a minimum, the Cavaliers’ owner, Dan Gilbert, and General Manager Danny Ferry have again demonstrated to James that they will go to great lengths to win a title and keep James happy.
Read more about the trade, Shaq and Lebron at NyTimes.
The Cavs make for Shaq's fifth team in 17 years time. He started with Orlando, made the big move to Los Angeles Lakers to win 3 titles, then teamed up with Dwyane Wade to win #4. From there he was dealt to Phoenix to attempt to propel the Suns to their first Finals, but it never worked, despite Shaq putting up impressive numbers at this late stage in his career. Thursday night will be the 2009 Draft and could make several teams into 2009-10 playoff contenders, but most likely the Cavs will remain in the upper eschelon now with Lebron and Shaq able to contend with the likes of Dwight Howard of the Magic and the Big 3 of Boston.
Senin, 22 Juni 2009
NBA,Lakers "Together Forever"
Love. Power. Money. The three forces that fuel the unstoppable basketball machine that is the Los Angeles Lakers. A perfect triangle of ruthlessness, economics and caring. These gentlemen are more than teammates, more than friends; they are brothers.
A bond that shall never be broken. A team that shall never be forgotten.
A bond that shall never be broken. A team that shall never be forgotten.
NBA,Kobe Bryant at Disneyland
Kobe Bryant, of the Lakers and most valuable player, at Disneyland celebrating most recent national championship victory 6-18-09
NBA news,Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, and Trevor Ariza on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, and Trevor Ariza guest star on Jimmy Kimmel Live and talk about thier 2009 NBA championship title.
I Do Not Own This. It Belongs To ABC.
I Do Not Own This. It Belongs To ABC.
NBA news,MICHAEL JORDAN: The Greatest
Jordan highlights show.enjoy this highlights coz NBA game finished.......hahaha
NBA news,Kobe Bryant- "Greatest Champion"
Well here it is. The moment you all have been waiting for. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, determined all season, win the Larry O'brien trophy and are now your 2009 WORLD CHAMPIONS! I don't know about you guys, but growing up watching the 3-peat, I think this is the greatest championship since the Kobe Era. For the Lakers it's their 15th and for Kobe it's is 4th and counting......
This will be my final mix of the season, but you never know I might throw something else at you. So as always thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven't yet.
This will be my final mix of the season, but you never know I might throw something else at you. So as always thanks for watching and please subscribe if you haven't yet.
Sabtu, 20 Juni 2009
NBA,Special Edition For All Lakers Fans
Lakers 2009 NBA Champions - Special Edition For All Lakers Fans - HD
The Los Angeles Lakers defeat Orlando in Game 5 and become the NBA 2009 Champions.
The celebration on a the court as it should be, with the voice of the Lakers, Spero Dedes and Mychael Thompson.
I made this very special edition video to celebrate the Lakers Championship but most importantly to note the great 32 years of Lakers basketball radio broadcast in Los Angeles by am 570 KLAC Radio.
How bittersweet this is, as we get our 15th, but must say goodbye to this dynamic team of broadcasters as they embark on a new journey.
Special thanks to Chick Hearn (we miss you baby) Stu Lanz, Spero Dedes, Mychael Thopmson, Matt "Money" Smith, Sheron Bellio and everyone else behind the scenes who made each Lakers game radio broadcast a pleasure to listen to.
As Spero Dedes says in the video, ""...basketball immortality for the '09 Los Angeles Lakers.
It is a purple and gold coronation in the magic kingdom tonight!"
Lakers fans agree with you Spero, as we think the world of you guys. Best of luck next year.
am570 KLAC, home of the Lakers forever!!
NBA ,Lakers champagne shower celebration
Lakers celebrate in the locker room with champagne showers.
Phil Jackson winning his 10th NBA Championship
The L.A. Lakers and Kobe Bryant win Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals.they used to hv shaq doing all the singing while pouring champagne. this group is a little bit more introverted. this team being more internationally-oriented might be the reason.
Phil Jackson winning his 10th NBA Championship
The L.A. Lakers and Kobe Bryant win Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Finals.they used to hv shaq doing all the singing while pouring champagne. this group is a little bit more introverted. this team being more internationally-oriented might be the reason.
NBA ,Kobe Bryant at Lakers Coliseum Celebration
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant addresses the crowd at the championship celebration held today at the Coliseum in Los Angeles. the LAPD reported 85,000 present at the Coliseum that day...but it holds 95,000..
did u notice all the empty seats near the Laker court? safety precautions i guess
lol
hopefully Dodgers will follow the Laker parade into the Coliseum! haha
that's the new Parade zone!
Next year the USC trojan band is leading the LAKER parade! COOL!
did u notice all the empty seats near the Laker court? safety precautions i guess
lol
hopefully Dodgers will follow the Laker parade into the Coliseum! haha
that's the new Parade zone!
Next year the USC trojan band is leading the LAKER parade! COOL!
NBA,Lakers NBA Championship Celebration
Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship Celebration in la and there were huge people gathered to celebrate this moment with thier superstars.
NBA ,Lakers 2009 Championship Celebration
One of the things PakiPrince36 loves is a good ol' fashion championship celebration, regardless of who wins. I forgot to record last year's celebration but I made sure to capture the magic this year.
Kobe earns his 4th ring and the MVP award!
Kobe earns his 4th ring and the MVP award!
Lakers finish off Magic in five games for 15th championship
Lakers finish off Magic in five games for 15th championship
ORLANDO, Fla. -- After his jump shot cleared the outstretched hand of Hedo Turkoglu and buried itself in the back of the net, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant turned and pumped his fist. Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy called a timeout. He should have waved a white flag. Though more than eight minutes remained, the smile on Bryant's face as he jogged to the Los Angeles bench explained everything. The Lakers were minutes away from clinching the NBA title, and Bryant had led them there.
Equal parts respected and reviled, Bryant finally emerged from Shaquille O'Neal's massive shadow Sunday. Bryant, the winner of three titles this decade as the sidekick to O'Neal, cemented his place in basketball history Sunday as the unquestioned on-court leader of a championship team and a Finals MVP. His Lakers stomped the Magic 99-86 to win the series 4-1 and claim the 15th title in franchise history.
"It felt like a big old monkey was off my back," Bryant said. "It felt so good to be able to have this moment. We tried not to envision it too much because you just get too excited. You try not to think about it, just think about playing the game, and for this moment to be here and to reflect back on the season and everything that you've been through, it's the top of the list, man."
After winning his 10th title, Lakers coach Phil Jackson finds himself atop another list. Jackson, who previously won six titles with Michael Jordan and the Bulls and three with the O'Neal-Bryant Lakers, broke a tie with Celtics legend Red Auerbach and set a new NBA record for championships by a coach.
"I'll smoke a cigar tonight in memory of Red," Jackson said after the Lakers received their championship trophy.
The Lakers, whether they were led by George Mikan, Magic Johnson, O'Neal or Bryant, have spent plenty of time atop the NBA. As the Minneapolis Lakers, they won the title in the NBA's first season in 1950. The 2008-09 title is the first since Bryant, Jackson and O'Neal teamed to lead Los Angeles to three consecutive titles from 2000-02. Jackson retired after the Lakers lost the 2004 Finals to Detroit, and the Lakers traded O'Neal to the Heat after electing to build around Bryant.
Jackson returned a year later, and the Lakers made the Finals in 2008, where they fell to Boston in six games. This year, the Lakers nearly mirrored last year's Celtics, winning the first two at home, dropping Game 3 on the road and storming back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit to win Game 4. The only difference? The Lakers didn't need a sixth game.
The Magic led for most of Sunday's first quarter, and they had a 40-36 lead in the second before Lakers guard Derek Fisher hit a three-pointer to launch a 16-0 run. Forward Trevor Ariza, whom the Magic traded to the Lakers in November 2007, scored seven of his 15 points during the run. The Lakers went into halftime up 10. They stretched the lead to 15 to end the third and seemingly put the game out of reach when Bryant hit the jumper over Turkoglu with 8:13 remaining to give the Lakers an 83-67 lead.
Bryant scored a game-high 30 points and finished with a 32.4-point average for the Finals. Pau Gasol, the 7-foot Spaniard whose arrival from Memphis late last season seemed to be the final piece in the Lakers' championship puzzle, scored 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Rashard Lewis led the Magic with 18 points, while Dwight Howard scored 11 and grabbed 10 rebounds.
The Magic will be left wondering what might have happened had Howard made either of two free throws with 11.1 seconds remaining in Game 4 or if Van Gundy had ordered them to foul immediately after those missed free throws. Instead, Fisher drilled a three-pointer to force overtime. Later, Fisher hit another three to seal the win, and Van Gundy lamented his decision to avoid a free-throw-shooting contest. "That'll haunt me forever," Van Gundy said after Game 4.
If the Magic make prudent moves this offseason, they have the nucleus to return to the Finals next year. Howard will be just 24, and the Magic should have plenty of talent around him. "Certainly Orlando is very capable of coming back to the Finals," Jackson said Sunday. Jackson's team may have provided the motivation the Magic will need to return. Shortly after the game, Howard chatted with point guard Jameer Nelson about just that. "Just see how they're celebrating," Howard said. "It should motivate us. It's like what I told Jameer, 'We were right there at our goal.' Our goal was in reach."
But the Lakers wanted it more. As Fisher dribbled out the clock, Bryant turned and pumped both fists. Seconds later, the Lakers piled into a group hug. Bryant stood in the middle of it all.
"I just don't have to hear that criticism, that idiotic criticism, anymore," Bryant said of never having won a title without Shaq. "That's the biggest thing. I don't have to hear that stuff anymore. ... It feels like I'm dreaming right now. I can't believe this moment is here."
Kobe not planning to opt out of contract
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant said he plans to stay with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers even he if opts out of his contract this summer. Phil Jackson said his health will dictate whether he returns as coach.
Bryant met with Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak for an individual exit interview Friday.
The finals MVP can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He's spent his entire 13-year career with the Lakers, winning four NBA championships. But he could get a new, more lucrative and longer deal if he opted out.
Asked by reporters if he would opt out, Bryant said, "I've been deflecting that all year and I ain't going to stop now."
Pressed to explain, he responded, "I'm not going anywhere. I know I ain't going nowhere, so it's just a waste of our breaths just talking about it."
Bryant turns 31 in August. He averaged 32.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds during the finals, when the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in five games.
Kupchak met with reporters before Bryant did and said, "We have no indication of what he may or may not do."
Jackson, who turns 64 in September, said he'll decide about next season after he gets some health issues checked out.
This season, he missed two West Coast road games because of pain and swelling in his lower legs caused by plantar fasciitis, an issue "that concerned me a little bit," he said. He blamed late-night flights that aggravated the condition.
He has undergone two hip replacement operations since October 2006 -- using a cane at various times -- and walks with a noticeable hitch in his step.
"I'm feeling good," said Jackson, who was scheduled to appear on the "Tonight Show" Friday night, the same show Bryant visited two days earlier.
Jackson signed a two-year contract extension last season and holds the option on a second year. The contract contains a date by which he is required to tell the Lakers if he plans to return, but Kupchak said the team is willing to give Jackson the time he needs to see a doctor.
"That date is fast approaching next week," Kupchak said. "We're talking about hopefully getting him to indicate to us in the next week or two or three his decision."
Bryant wants Lakers management and owner Jerry Buss to bring back starter Trevor Ariza and sixth man Lamar Odom, who both become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
"Extremely critical," he said about bringing both players back. "Those are pieces that are tough to find. We have such a great team. It's rare that you find a collection of guys that are so talented and willing to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the group.
"Now it's just about keeping this group together so we can keep on winning this thing."
Jackson also wants to see the team remain intact, including Ariza and Odom.
"I'm convinced that we can get both of these guys back," he said. "Obviously, it's going to take sacrifice on many parts."
Bryant's exit interview wrapped up a hectic week in which he led the Lakers to their 15th NBA title, made the cover of Sports Illustrated, hit the talk-show circuit and visited Disneyland.
His daughters, ages 6 and 3, who called him Grumpy because he frowned so much during the playoffs, are happy he's home again.
"They just want me around all the time. They're jumping on my back," he said.
Bryant's offseason plans include a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, trying scuba diving, and attending a game between his favorite soccer team FC Barcelona and the Los Angeles Galaxy on Aug. 1.
"It's going to be very relaxing. No evil flashbacks," he said, referring to last season's loss to Boston in the finals.
Senin, 15 Juni 2009
NBA final news,Kobe Byrant Press Conference
Kobe telling why they are champ in NBA tournament.he is great and also he is awesome in press conference.see this.........
NBA Final news,Trophy Presentation
NBA Finals Game 5 Lakers at Magic Trophy Presentation (14/06/09)
Lakers Win 99 - 86
Lakers NBA 2009 Champion
Kobe Bryant Finals MVP
Lakers Win 99 - 86
Lakers NBA 2009 Champion
Kobe Bryant Finals MVP
NBA final news,
Lakers totally dominated. This was without a doubt the most boring NBA finals I have ever watched. Lakers proved why they are the champs!
NBA news,Kobe - love him or hate him?
Kobe - love him or hate him?
| By Ian Whittell |
Phil Jackson, the LA Lakers and, above all others, Kobe Bryant stood on top of the basketball world in Orlando on Sunday.
Yet, in the contest for the hearts and minds of the great American sporting public, Bryant may still be fighting a losing battle.
His 30 points in the 99-86 victory over the Orlando Magic clinched the 2009 NBA title for the Lakers and their 15th championship overall.
 Kobe Bryant celebrates NBA success with his wife and daughters |
It also secured a record tenth title for their brilliant coach Jackson and the title of Finals MVP for Bryant himself.
It was also Bryant's fourth championship, having been part of the Lakers teams that won titles from 2000-2 alongside the larger-than-life and decidedly off-the-wall Shaquille O'Neal.
Bryant, rightly or wrongly, was later accused of forcing O'Neal out of LA because of his supposed desperation to prove he could be the sole leader of a championship team.
Now, Bryant is exactly that.
But in a nation that tends to idolise its superstars - particularly winners like Michael Jordan and O'Neal himself - Kobe polarises opinion into the 'Love Him' or 'Hate Him' camps.
Bryant's much-publicised brush with the law in Colorado in 2003, when he was accused of raping a hotel worker, did not help his public persona, even though charges were eventually dropped.
Much of mainstream America may now have re-embraced the 30-year-old, his shoe company, for example, running a huge advertising campaign throughout these NBA play-offs featuring a Kobe puppet.
 | Right now, it really feels like a dream, it feels unbelievable Kobe Bryant |
Still, opposition fans love to bait Bryant and even an embarrassingly fluffy Spike Lee fly-on-the-wall documentary that followed him throughout a recent game did little to improve the perception of Bryant as a player to whom it is hard to warm.
Of course, it hardly helped during these Finals that Bryant has been so focused upon victory, and so miserable for his family to be around, that he revealed his children have christened him "Grumpy."
The in-your-face TV coverage of the games also frequently showed Bryant berating team-mates during time-outs, trying to will them to match his own imperious standards.
Bryant's curious public standing also explains why many pundits were quick to point out a couple of sub-par outings from him against Orlando, where fatigue or, perhaps, old age seemed to be taking their toll late in games.
But, whatever the general perception about Bryant, Game Five showed him at his very best, bringing team-mates into play when necessary then making the key plays that set the tone at vital stages of the game.
 Bryant's talents are unquestioned |
A outlandish dunk on his marker Mickael Pietrus was the spark for the Lakers pulling away in the second period and building a 56-46 interval lead.
An equally outrageous spinning baseline move in the third put LA up by 11.
And a devastating three-pointer in the fourth period eased the Lakers 16 points up and removed any lingering danger.
"You grow as person, grow as man and try to figure out best way to lead these guys," said Bryant of his development over the past nine years since his first championship.
"This means everything. We sacrificed so much, put in so much time, so much effort, they are a group of guys who are like brothers to me and now we can enjoy it together.
"It was just the challenge of it that drove me on. It's so tough, it's a world championship and you have to start from scratch every year.
"Right now, it really feels like a dream, it feels unbelievable."
Where Bryant goes from here in terms of his public image is unclear - he would not, for example, be the first sportsman on the planet to gain in popularity as he mellows and ages.
But one place he is not going is to another NBA team. Bryant, who earned just over $21m from the Lakers this season, can opt out of his contract this summer but, when asked if he was likely to do so, replied with a simple: "No."
Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant is set to be the NBA's dominant force for some years yet.
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