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Tag: NBA

  • Dwight Howard Chooses Team, Back-Tracks Immediately

    The Dwight Howard free-agency saga has been the highlight of the NBA offseason so far, as predicted on WPN back in May. Unfortunately, that saga includes the talented center’s apprehension in picking his new team.

    Earlier today it appeared that the will-he won’t-he madness had come to a close as several sources reported that he had decided to take his much lusted after talents to Texas as a member of the Houston Rockets. What no one saw coming was his call to his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers, in which he reportedly said that he is 50-50 on whether to take Houston’s offer or remain in LA, which came just hours later.

    The indecision of athletes and the headache that accompanies it is nothing new to sports fans; even those with no interest in the NBA remember the media circus that surrounded the Miami Heat’s acquisition of LeBron James.

    Events like what occurred today are far too common in professional sports and only serve to further separate fans from athletes. When the money in question is in an amount most of us will never see it can be difficult to muster up the interest to follow the story to its conclusion. Even worse, they make a mockery of the sport, as evidenced by the outburst of quippy Twitter responses to Howard’s indecision.

    Lost in the talk of Howard is how his holding the teams hostage affects other players. Current Houston Center Omer Asik, a valued player in his own right, has made it clear that he has no interest in playing either behind or alongside Howard.

    In the end, Howard will get his money and be a coveted asset of whatever team he chooses. The fans of the franchise will cheer him and buy jerseys, and he may even help them win a championship. However, in a few years we may find ourselves in this same situation: caught up in the apprehensive decision making of an individual that we have so little in common with.

  • Victor Oladipo Wore Google Glass to the NBA Draft

    It was a good night for Indiana University guard Victor Oladipo. Not only was the 1st Team All-Big Ten and conference defensive player of the year drafted 2nd overall in Thursday Night’s NBA draft, but he also got some extra attention for an unusual pair of glasses.

    Yep, we’re talking Google Glass. Oladipo rocked them during the day yesterday – through press events and pre-draft events. Unfortunately, he took them off for the actual draft ceremony. But fortunately, we have social media. Here’s a Vine video that ESPN tweeted out before the draft began:

    This high-tech look made him an instant trend on Twitter.

    Oladipo isn’t the only athlete to rock Google Glass at a major sporting event. Earlier this week, American tennis pro Bethanie Mattek-Sands became the first athlete to wear Google Glass during Wimbledon. She didn’t wear the specs during her actual match, however, but for all other events (including practices), she was sporting to wearable tech.

    Google knows that Glass could play a big role in the future of sports:

    “Glass’s potential in the sports realm is huge, and it can connect athletes, coaches, and fans in new ways,” said Google in the past.

  • Scottie Pippen Questioned By Police After Restaurant Brawl

    Scottie Pippen, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame, and noted Michael Jordan sidekick (at least on the court), is having some legal trouble in the state of California. The issue stems from a fight outside of a sushi restaurant in Malibu. Reports indicate the former Chicago Bull allegedly came to blows with an autograph seeker, who was subsequently sent to the hospital. Naturally, TMZ is all over this:

    Pippen allegedly brutalized an autograph seeker outside Nobu restaurant Sunday night. The man was knocked out after Pippen allegedly punched him in the face and kicked him repeatedly.

    Pippen left the scene. As for the victim … he was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, including broken teeth and a swollen mouth. He also suffered injuries to his head and back.

    Pippen was subsequently named as a suspect for a felony charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily injury.

    The star-gazing site has video of Pippen leaving a police station after his questioning at the hands of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and it’s clear TMZ is doing their best to present this story as the standard “entitled star beats up on friendly, unassuming fan.” Quotes from one of the investigating officers presents the non-glamorized side: “Detectives questioned him and released him, pending further investigation,” [Sgt. Richard] Pena said. “They want to question witnesses further.

    “At that point, they will make a decision as to whether they have a good case.”

    The question in people’s mind becomes, did Pippen attack this a friendly autograph seeker who asked the NBA star in the meekest manner possible, or did Pippen rebuff the initial request, which caused the fan to react in a belligerent manner? As of now, these details remain unknown, at least to the general public. Considering Pippen was questioned and released instead of being charged seems to indicate it is not an open-and-shut case against the six-time NBA Champion.

    Whatever the case, it is easy to see this story taking a litigious route with Pippen settling out of court for a tidy six-figure amount.

    Sources: here and here.

  • Here’s a Nice Map of NBA Finals Facebook Buzz

    According to Facebook, there were over 100 million interactions (posts, comments, likes) about the NBA Finals before Thursday night’s Game 7.

    And 70% of the buzz about individual players belonged to none other than LeBron James. In fact, James was discussed more than 8 times as much as the guy who was discussed the second-most, the Spurs’ Tony Parker.

    Facebook has published this nice little map of all the buzz generated about the NBA finals. As you can see, discussions involving the Miami Heat domiated the coasts.

    Oh, and they throw in this tidbit that show just how popular LeBron James really is on Facebpok:

    “In fact, Miami was already the most popular NBA team on Facebook leading into the Finals, thanks to LeBron James. James is the most popular NBA player on Facebook, with more than 14 million fans and nearly 400,000 fans in Texas alone. That means he has more fans in the Spurs home state than San Antonio’s five starters, plus teammate Manu Ginobili, combined.”

    Wow.

  • LeBron: Headband Was Apparently Holding Him Back

    LeBron James’ headband is an iconic part of his on on-court persona. He (accidentally) ditched that persona, along with the headband, during the Heat’s game against the Spurs. Turns out that headband may have been holding him back the entire time.

    With nine minutes left in the game and the Heat trailing behind, James lost his iconic headband. After that, something changed in him. He went on the offensive and led his team to a 103-100 victory. Check out the highlights below:

    Now, I’m not one to believe in superstition, but there must have been something up with that headband. Maybe it was crafted by the angels to control the unmatched power hiding deep within James’ body. What say you, Lebron? Does your headband hold back your fearsome power? After the game, he only had this to say about it:

    “I guess the headband was the least of my worries at that point.”

    Well, he didn’t confirm or deny any mystical powers, but that’s not the point. Losing the headband changed something within him. That change was incredibly good for the Heat and made the Spurs coil back in horror. The team that they had on the ropes came back with a vengeance and it was all thanks to that headband conveniently disappearing.

    Ah, but I am only only one voice among many. The folks on Twitter had much more to say about the game, LeBron and his maybe mystical headband:

    [h/t: Deadspin]
    [Image: Keith Allison/flickr]

  • Allen Iverson Accused of Kidnapping Children

    Former NBA all-star Allen Iverson has been accused of kidnapping his own children.

    According to TMZ, Allen’s ex-wife has filed courtroom documents claiming that Iverson has not returned his five children after taking them on vacation. Tawanna Iverson states that Allen took their children, who range in age from three to 16, on a trip to North Carolina on May 22. The children were supposed to have been returned to Tawanna by May 26, but have still not been handed over.

    Tawanna also claims that the children were subsequently to be returned to her on June 4th, but that Allen did not show up for the exchange. She believes that Allen is keeping the children at a hotel in Georgia. Allen has also filed court documents claiming that Tawanna’s assertions are untrue.

    Tawanna and Allen have been battling it out over custody and child support payments for years. Tawanna filed for divorce from Iverson in 2010, and has full custody of the children. She has filed court documents in the past claiming that Allen has not paid child support since their divorce.

    The divorce came just as Allen’s NBA career was coming to an end. Though he had signed on once again with the Philadelphia 76ers, he began missing games, he claimed, to attend to the health of his daughter Messiah. Reports at the time began surfacing that Iverson had been indulging in heavy drinking and gambling, and was in significant debt as a result.

    (via TMZ)

  • Florida Deck Collapses, Sends 100 People Into The Water

    The NBA finals sent basketball fans out in search of a good place to watch the game on Thursday night, and unfortunately so many people were crowded onto the deck of a bar and grill in Florida that it collapsed beneath their weight, sending everyone into the water and critically injuring three.

    At least 24 of the 100 Shucker’s Bar and Grill patrons were injured, authorities said; the deck was about six feet above the surface of Biscayne Bay, and although the water is fairly shallow near the restaurant, the chaos of 100 people being dumped from the deck–and the weight of the deck itself–caused panic.

    One patron, Martin Torres, said he thought a boat had hit the deck at first.

    “It was shock,” said Torres. “People were yelling. Nobody knew. People came out all wet. They were crying. For a while, nobody knows what was going on.”

    Because the noise of the venue–due to the game, which was between Miami Heat and the Spurs–being so great, many people didn’t realize what was happening until it was already done. Officials say there was concern briefly that people might be trapped underwater beneath the debris, but rescuers searched thoroughly and said everyone was accounted for.

    “That was a big gathering watching the Miami Heat and Spurs,” said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokeswoman Griselle Marino. “There were a lot of TVs and everybody was in celebration and it was loud. So when it started happening, some people didn’t even realize what was going on.”

    Another witness, 39-year old Chris Volz, said it happened so fast no one had time to intervene. “Everybody’s watching the game. It sounded like a freight train, then everyone was gone. The deck went down like a V.”

    Shucker’s lost power after the collapse, which made rescue efforts tricky until officials could come in on boats with powerful search lights.

    Investigators are looking into why the deck suddenly collapsed.

    Image: WPBF

    WSVN-TV –

  • Patrick Ewing Signs on as Charlotte Bobcats Assistant Coach

    The Charlotte Bobcats this week hired legendary NBA star Patrick Ewing as an assistant coach.

    According to the Charlotte Observer, the NBA team has hired Ewing to serve as “top” assistant to head coach Steve Clifford. His title will be “associate head coach.”

    Ewing retired from NBA basketball in 2002, after a 16-year career. He was the first pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, and played for the New York Knicks for 15 years before finishing his career with the Seattle SuperSonics and the Orlando Magic. He was named an NBA all-star 11 times during his playing days, and was NBA Rookie of the Year in 1986. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

    After retiring, Ewing began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets. In 2007 he moved on to an assistant coaching position with the Orlando Magic, working under coach Jeff Van Gundy until now.

    (Image courtesy Seidenstud/Wikimedia Commons)
    (Via Charlotte Observer)

  • Watch NBA Players Read Mean Tweets About Themselves

    Having people read tweets is one of Jimmy Kimmel’s favorite styles of bits – whether it be forcing little kids to read vulgar tweets from Twitter comedians, or having Kenyans read inane celebrity tweets. One of the best bits on the show is called “Mean Tweets,” and it has celebrities reading mean tweets about themselves.

    Well, Kimmel’s back with a new one and in the spirit of the ongoing NBA finals, this episode of Mean Tweets involves people in and around the NBA – players and broadcasters. Check it out:

    [JimmyKimmelLive]

  • LeBron James is the NBA 2K14 Cover Athlete

    While EA Sports has been canceling its yearly NBA video games, 2K has been dominating the basketball video game segment. This year appears to be no exception.

    2K Sports today announced that LeBron James will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K14. In contrast to EA Sports titles that partially take fan voting tournaments into consideration, 2K seems to have chosen James for his broad popularity and for being NBA MVP for the past two seasons.

    “My friends, family, and fans all know how much I love NBA 2K,” said James.” “I remember, as a kid, getting so excited for the game to come out and see who was on the cover and it’s amazing to be a part of this great tradition. I love partnerships and opportunities that connect me directly with fans. I know from my own experience and now watching my own kids, NBA 2K is among the coolest and purest ways for fans to connect to the NBA. I love being a part of it.”

    James will also be a part of NBA 2K14‘s pre-order DLC, which has been titled the King James Bonus Pack. The add-on content comes with extra “virtual currency,” extra content for the “Path to Greatness” mode, a “LeBron James Signature Skill” for players’ “MyPlayer,” and unlocks James for “Blacktop Mode” play.

    NBA 2K14 cover

  • Jason Kidd Retires From NBA Basketball

    NBA star Jason Kidd today announced his retirement from basketball.

    “My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years,” said Kidd. “As I reflect on my time with the four teams I represented in the NBA, I look back fondly at every season and thank each every one of my teammates and coaches that joined me on the court.”

    Kidd was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft. During his career, he moved on to play for the Phoenix Suns, the New Jersey Nets, and the New York Knicks. He returned to play for the Mavericks in 2008, and led the team to an NBA Championship in 2011.

    Kidd was named to the NBA All-Star team ten times during his career, and was co-Rookie of the Year in 1995. He also won two Olympic gold medals playing for the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team in 2000 and 2008.

    “Jason’s value to the Knicks and the National Basketball Association cannot be quantified by statistics alone,” said Glen Grunwald, general manager of the Knicks. “Everyone here in New York saw firsthand what a tremendous competitor he is and why Jason is considered to be one of the best point guards, and leaders, the game has ever seen.”

    Kidd’s announcement comes just after fellow NBA star Grand Hill announced his retirement. Hill was also an NBA All-Star who had a 19-year career in the NBA. He shared the 1995 NBA Rookie of the Year award with Kidd.

    (Image courtesy Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Grant Hill Retires From NBA Basketball

    After a long 19-year career, NBA star Grant Hill has announced his retirement. The 40-year-old has been an NBA All-Star seven times, and will end his career with averages of 16.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

    “The entire Clippers organization wants to congratulate Grant on an incredible career,” said Gary Sacks, Los Angeles Clippers VP of basketball operations. “For 19 years, Grant has always been the embodiment of class, a true professional and not only one of the best players – but one of the finest individuals I have been around. We were fortunate to have Grant with us last season, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”

    After winning two NCAA Championships with Duke University, Hill was drafted in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. IN 1996 he won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s national basketball team (‘Dream Team III’) in the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Hill played for the Pistons until 2000, when he signed with the Orlando Magic. Just before the end of his stint as a Piston, Hill injured his left ankle, an injury that would plague him throughout his career.

    In 2007, Hill signed with the Phoenix Suns, where he would play until 2012. His final season was played for the Los Angeles Clippers, though he missed much of the season due to a knee injury.

    Hill has been married to singer Tamia Hill for over 13 years. The couple have two children, an 11-year-old, and a 5-year-old.

    (Image courtesy Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Flynn Robinson, Former Laker, Dies At 72

    Flynn Robinson, Former Laker, Dies At 72

    Flynn Robinson, an NBA guard in the 60s and 70s, has died at the age of 72.

    According to a New York Times obituary, Robinson passed away after a battle with multiple myeloma. He died on Thursday in Los Angeles.

    Robinson played college basketball at the University of Wyoming before being drafted in the second round of the 1965 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals. He played for seven years in the NBA, never staying with one team for more than two consecutive seasons. He hopped around the country, playing for the Royals, the Chicago Bulls, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Baltimore Bullets.

    Robinson was part of the legendary 1971-72 Lakers, which won the 1972 NBA Finals. The Lakers organization has issued a statement on the athlete’s passing, expressing condolences and calling him “a proud part of our Lakers heritage.”

    “We are very sad to hear of the passing of Flynn Robinson,” said Jeanie Buss, Lakers EVP of business operations. “Flynn played an important role on the 1971-72 Lakers team that brought Los Angeles its first NBA Championship and won what is still an NBA-record 33 consecutive games. Lakers fans might remember him as ‘Mr. Instant Point,’ a nickname given to him by the great Chick Hearn, a nickname that was well earned as Flynn led the reserves in scoring that season, averaging 10 points in 16 minutes off the bench. He was a proud part of our Lakers heritage, participating in numerous reunions and special events over the years and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.”

    (Image courtesy the Los Angeles Lakers)

  • Tim Duncan Divorce Could be Put on Hold For Playoffs

    San Antonio Spurs basketball star Tim Duncan is reportedly in the midst of a divorce.

    According to a report from a local San Antonio news station, Duncan and his wife Amy are getting divorced after 13 years of marriage. The couple share two young children, one daughter and one son. The couple were reportedly trying to keep the divorce quiet by using their initials in court documents.

    The Spurs organization has stated that Duncan’s divorce will not affect the team or the NBA playoffs.

    A TMZ report has also cited court documents that state Duncan has requested the divorce proceedings be postponed until after after the NBA playoffs, which the Spurs stand a chance of winning. The report also shows that the divorce was filed by Duncan’s wife, who claims the marriage is full of “discord and conflict.” The couple allegedly has a prenuptial agreement that Duncan is attempting to enforce.

    (Image courtesy Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Dwight Howard Report: Interested in the Rockets, Mavs

    Dwight Howard is scheduled to become a free agent this summer, and the Lakers are hoping to lock the NBA star down to a long-term contract. However, it seems that other teams may have an interest in the 27-year-old center.

    A CBS Sports report this weekend stated that Howard is “far” from re-signing with the Lakers. The report also sparked rumors that Howard is intrigued by the possibility of signing with the Houston Rockets.

    Citing unnamed “multiple people briefed on internal conversations surrounding Howard’s free-agent decision,” the report points out that Houston’s line-up could easily be adjusted to make room for Howard. The sources also stated that Howard could be very interested in the Dallas Mavericks. In addition to that, an unnamed “person briefed on [Howard’s] plans” also told CBS that Howard will be taking “a hard look” at several different teams.

    Despite Howard’s apparent interest in Texas, the Lakers still do have the advantage over other teams when bidding for the star. As CBS points out, the Lakers will be able to offer Howard a five-year deal with a 7.5% annual salary increase, which exceeds the 4.5% annual salary increase other teams will be offering.

  • Barkley: Gay Players Were “No Big Deal” In The NBA

    Charles Barkley knows a thing or two about the NBA. He was a player for more than 15 years so surely he would know something about gay players in the league, right?

    In a radio interview on the Dan Patrick show, the subject of Jason Collins, who recently came out as the first openly gay NBA player, and gay players in the NBA became a topic. Barkley said he, and pretty much every other player, had played with a gay teammate during their time in the league:

    Everybody did. Everybody played with a gay teammate, Dan. And it’ s no big deal. First of all, I think it’s an insult to gay people to think that they’re trying to pick up on their teammates. But everybody has played with a gay teammate… It’s obviously discussed, privately, because the problem is, Dan, unless somebody tells you they’re gay, you can’t say a thing about them being gay. Ya know, until somebody has the courage, and I think it takes great courage to come out, it’s kind of an unspoken word to be honest with you.

    He used Collins to back up his claim saying that the Wizards center had played with six teams, so by extension, players on those six teams had played with a gay teammate. He also said that nobody knows a teammate is gay until they come out because “it’s none of your business.”

    You can check out the full interview with Barkley below:

    [Image]

  • 33-Year-Old GM Hired by Phoenix Suns

    The Phoenix Suns announced this week that Ryan McDonough has been named the general manager of the NBA team. The 33-year-old McDonough will be officially placed as the GM during an event at the US Airways Center on Thursday.

    “Ryan distinguished himself among an impressive group of candidates for our GM position,” said Lon Babby, president of basketball operations with the Suns. “His natural leadership and communication skills will serve the Suns well. And, his prodigious work ethic and ability to identify talent will enable us to take full advantage of the 10 draft choices, including six in the first round, that we have over the next three years. We welcome his championship pedigree to our organization.”

    McDonough began his NBA career in 2003 as a special assistant to basketball operations with the Boston Celtics. In that position, McDonough was heavily involved in scouting work.

    Most recently McDonough served as the assistant general manager of the Boston Celtics. According to the Suns, his experience in draft evaluation and scouting will make him perfect for the organization, considering the team’s six first-round draft picks over the next three years.

  • Byron Scott Fired as Cavs Head Coach

    Byron Scott Fired as Cavs Head Coach

    The Cleveland Cavaliers announced today that the organization has fired Head Coach Byron Scott.

    Scott took over as head coach of the Cavs in 2010, just before LeBron James left for the Miami Heat. Scott’s first season with the organization ended with a dismal 19-63 record, which included an NBA record 26-game losing streak. During his career with the Cavs, Scott coached the team to a 64-166 record.

    “I want to thank Chris Grant, Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers organization for the opportunity I had to coach this team the last three seasons,” said Scott. “I am certainly proud of the progress that many of our players have made and greatly appreciate the dedication of my coaches and our team in our efforts to attain the success we all desired.”

    The Cavaliers have not named a replacement for Scott, but have announced that they intend to “immediately commence a search” for a head coach.

    “I fully support the difficult move that was made today,” said Dan Gilbert, the majority owner of the Cavs. “Although we saw progress with young individual player development, we did not see the kind of progress we expected on the team level this past season. We understand it was challenging with the injuries, but when you are at our stage in the building process, you don’t only measure team progress in wins and losses.

    “Our fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive during these transition years. They deserve better than we have been delivering as of late and it is our full intent to deliver them the kind of competitive team that they expect to see on the court beginning next season.”

    (Image courtesy Erik Drost/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Mark Cuban Would Be ‘Honored’ To Have First Openly Gay NBA Player On Mavs

    The other day, entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made headlines when he said he might draft Brittney Griner. Today, TMZ is sharing an interview with Cuban in which he says he’d be honored to have the first openly gay NBA player on his team.

    “I’ve been saying the same thing for years – that there will be someone who comes out, it will be a great moment for sports – I would be honored if he was on my team,” Cuban says.

    “I think things have changed significantly, and that the players would accept him,” he adds. “I don’t think there’s any question that even though all professional sports have had their homophobic missteps on the way, that it’s a new era/generation, and the player would be accepted.”

    The interview comes on the heels of (and references) words from NBA great Magic Johnson, who shared his own support for gay players in sports in another interview (below).

  • Mike Rice Video (The Taiwanese Animation Version)

    Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice was fired this week after a video of him kicking and shoving players (and using gay slurs) during practice was made public.

    And where there’s scandal, there’s Taiwanese animation studio Next Media Animation, which always offers an entertaining slant on current events. Here’s NMA’s take on the Mike Rice firing:

    According to Fox News, Rice is due a $100,000 bonus.

  • Mark Cuban: Brittney Griner Draft A Possibility

    Entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban says he would be willing to draft Baylor women’s basketball star Brittney Griner if she’s the best available player at the Mavs’ spot.

    ESPN quotes Cuban:

    “If she is the best on the board, I will take her,” Cuban said before the Mavs’ Tuesday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers. “I’ve thought about it. I’ve thought about it already. Would I do it? Right now, I’d lean toward yes, just to see if she can do it. You never know unless you give somebody a chance, and it’s not like the likelihood of any late-50s draft pick has a good chance of making it.”

    Here’s Griner dunking and “exploding” for 50 points:

    Griner is 6′ 8″, 207.2 lbs, according to Google’s Knowledge Graph. She is said to wear a men’s show size 17 or 18 shoe and to have an arm span of 86″.

    Griner is reportedly the first NCAA basketball player ever to score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. She won the 2012 AP Player of the Year.

    Cuban reportedly said that if the Mavericks don’t draft Griner, he would Have “no problem whatsoever” inviting her to try out for a spot on Dallas’ summer league team.