Here That? That's The Sound Of 30 NBA Teams Not Wanting You
What ever happened to Chris Webber? His career is pretty hard to remember so I'll map it out for you:
1) Ruined The Fab 5 legacy at Michigan by accepting 17 purple Hummers from his agent 2) Made a decent career out of hook shots and losing to Kobe in Sacramento 3) Ruined the Sixers by forgetting to bring his knees along with him in the trade 4) Produced a Nas song 5) Seemed to be revitalized with the Pistons 6) Was maybe gonna play for an Italian team
After an impressive career like that, I'm surprised nobody wants this guy... In any case he actually used to be pretty sick and my favorite YouTube director, Yinka Dare, supplies a mix that highlights Webber's skills and whining ability complimented with some Gang Starr:
“Baskedents” [Bas*Kah*Dents] noun – A basketball-related incident happening unintentionally or unexpectedly, often causing pain to the victim.
Baskedents are happening all over the world. No matter who you are, a baskedent may happen to you or someone you love… unless you play, like, soccer or something. To prove that baskedents know no race, religion or creed, here are some of the worst of all time.
They happen to college players:
They happen to the pros:
I thought the music might help some of our younger viewers stomach the image of his knee folding like Stretch Armstrong, but don’t let the soundtrack fool you, that was real... real painful.
They happen to lame suburban trampolites whose friends hate them:
They happen all over the world:
If he were about 4 inches taller, he wouldn’t have a head anymore. Or his head wouldn’t have a body anymore. He would have had a serious baskedent, anyway.
So those videos just go to show you, no matter who you are, where you’re from or whether you have a trampoline or not, a baskedent is waiting for you.
Studies have shown that Basketball becomes an alternative means of income for more than 75% of failed professional dancers*. So, when you bring players together, as the NBA did in this rookie photo shoot, they're going to demand a DJ and they're gonna get down.
Let's just say, Joakim Noah's dancing ability parallels his basketball skills.
On one legendary night, the Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks decided to cancel their basketball matchup and settle things off the court. That's right, an old fashioned mascot dance-off, winner take all. If only more teams had the integrity and courage to settle things this way.
The winner? You be the judge, but keep in mind that Harry the Hawk had to tag in someone not wearing a giant beaked head and wings.
First, an introduction: I’ll be profiling some of my favorite players in these “Game Recognize…” spots and hopefully you will learn to like them as much as I do. These players should be known, but not quite superstars. Maybe they will reach that level one day, but as I present a basketball blog, I feel that some lesser known players should be recognized and though these posts will certainly not propel them to superstar status, somebody somewhere will keep a lookout for these guys.
Let’s kick it off with Andre Iguodala. As a diehard Philadelphia 76ers fan, I love watching this guy throw down. As the true 2006 NBA Dunk Contest champion, he is no stranger above the rim. But what’s most intriguing about this guy is that the Sixers will need him to step up this year. They’ll be looking to him to fill in the former A.I.’s leadership role, and he’s willing to step up to the challenge. “I’m capable of being in that role and willing to have it”, says Iggy. He’s already backed that up with his game. After losing Iverson, the Sixers turned to Andre, and he delivered. They finished up the season with a record of 17 and 9 and Iguodala provided Sports Center with plenty of highlights. I’m definitely not afraid for the Sixers’ future under this guy. In an NBA dominated by young SG/SF players, Iguodala is often overshadowed. “When I guard guys like Kobe, Paul Pierce, LeBron, Dwade, Melo, I learn things”. He seems unconcerned with fame, he just wants to emulate some of the best players and turn the franchise around. It is impossible to be unimpressed with the Chi-town product as he catches impossible oops from teammate Andre Miller while remaining humble but confident. A fan really can’t ask for more from a player. Iggy is young, explosive, talented and stepping into a vital leadership role. Many people see Sixers fans as depressed, angry haters, but I can’t wait for next season because win or lose, the new spirit of the team brought by this guy is bound to pay off at some point.
So, keep an eye on this guy in 07-08. With one of the best passers in Miller at the point and a new leadership role, Iggy will not disappoint.
The issue of an age-limit has been nothing if not controversial as it applies to NBA eligibility. As the rule is now, a player must be at least 19 and one year removed from high school in order to be eligible which leads players to attend at least one year of college. As a fairly nerdy academia myself, I am in favor of this rule, but there are certainly reasonable arguments against it. Even though the jump straight to the L has destroyed as many lives as it has improved the fact that the choice is left up to the players means the blame is really left on them. Sure, they’re kids, but as Uncle Ben would say, “with great power comes great responsibility”. No matter how you view the rule, some high schoolers have made hige impacts in the NBA and some of the best players playing now came straight outta high school. The trend all started when the Sixers took Darryl Dawkins 5th in 1975 and after he took them to the NBA Finals in ’77, it was popularized. Moses Malone came straight out to, and though Shawn Kemp technically enrolled in college, he never played a game. But the true flow of high schoolers was kicked off by Kevin Garnett. Though skinny and young, he was athletic enough to make an impact right away and this inspired some of the best players to come right out. Since then, plenty of high schoolers have made history by coming into the NBA. Here are some of the best:
’98: Al Harrington – Indiana Pacers Rashard Lewis – Seattle Supersonics
’00: Darius Miles – Los Angeles Clippers
’01: Eddy Curry – Chicago Bulls Tyson Chandler – Los Angeles Clippers
’02: Amare Stoudemire – Phoenix Suns
’03: LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers
’04: Dwight Howard – Orlando Magic
*Note: I listed the teams that picked them, not the ones for whom they first played. I refuse to list Kwame Brown, as he is terrible, but he was the first high schooler picked first overall.
If you read all that you deserve a break, so check out this mix. Not all these players skipped college, but they could have:
It becomes pretty clear that it isn’t impossible for a player to make a huge impact coming from high school and although I hold no convictions about the NBA’s policy on age, it wouldn’t be a disaster to let the players skip college. At the end of the day, the choice should be up to the player and though they are often naïve, it is their mistake to make.
Well, the draft has been all but completely wrapped up and it is safe to say the NBA has gone through some serious changes. The Knicks and Celtics made trades that will completely change the nucleus of their teams and several clubs, including Portland, Seattle and Atlanta are starting on the long road to the playoffs. But some of the worlds favorite players will be going undrafted this year. While Unkranian embarrassment Kyrylo Fesenko, Chinese loser Sun Yue and Finnish humiliation Petteri Koponen will be in the L next year, Marc Gasol won’t be leaving España. After winning the Spanish Grammy for most effeminate new male artist, Marc has been creating a lot of hype around certain NBA circles. But despite his basketball pedigree, accomplishments oversees and dashing good looks, Pau’s little bro will not be displaying his talent in the NBA this season. In case you couldn’t tell, I was being completely sarcastic. Marc is absolutely terrible. I was hoping to make fun of a team for drafting him, but as they have surprised me with their intelligence, I can only show this YouTube video, highlighting his inability to play.
I doubt you watched what must be the most incredibly boring highlight reel since Shawn Bradley Presents: Best NBA Handles IV, so I’ll just break it down for you. He obviously can’t dunk and can barely run. He’s really not even one of the best players in Spain and no one would know his name if it weren’t for Pau. Anyway, just thought I’d bring you this embarrassingly awkward highlight reel and keep in mind: Marc Gasol is TERRIBLE.
Sorry for the long hiatus, during which I’m sure you turned to some other provider for news on the Finals and the Draft. So here’s a little something different. Kadour Ziani is probably the world’s best dunker. The 5’11” prodigy can do everything from a double windmill to a 360 to leaping over a Porsche thanks to his 56” vertical (yup, FIFTY SIX). He recently signed with K1X, the German basketball apparel company, but he states he’s not in it for the money, “I don’t have money, I don’t have anything. But in my hear I am rich…Some people need food to live. I need to dunk”. This guy goes up, without caution or reserve, putting his body on the line for his love of jamming. “Each time I go up for a dunk, I am ready to die. I am training with death. I am not scared”. Apart from his ability and his fearlessness, he also has some impressive philosophies. Kadour, a Frenchman of Algerian decent, wants to bring the universe together through the art of slam. Along with his traveling dunk crew, SlamNation, Ziani’s goal is to bring people closer. “I want to give people hope and the power to believe that anything is possible”. But don’t take my word for it; check out one of the most impressive dudes to throw it down since… well, ever.
The basketball scrap has been an important part of the sport for many years and although it may be questionable ethically, it definitely fills the stands. Fights in the NBA are inevitable as larger-than-life personalities square off against each other in a physical game. Say what you will about the brawls but they’re exciting and have created some of the most memorable moments in basketball. From Latrell Sprewell to Ron Artest plenty of players have found themselves being punished for their aggression. James Posey and Rasheed Wallace could potentially make the Eastern Conference Finals more interesting if their egos collide. Now watch some of these famous brawls and note as Vince Carter takes it upon himself to prove to the world that America means business. *Warning: This Video Contains Questionable Content*
As this is one long post feel free to just watch the clip and you'll see what I'm trying to say. For the hardcore fans: As I’m sure you know, the Golden State Warriors have made the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, ending the longest drought in the League today. These days, the Warriors are one of the most exciting clubs to watch because of their incredible offensive personalities. These four are the reason that the series against Dallas will be more interesting than you think. (As if beating the Mav’s three times in the regular season isn’t enough to show they can do it). The leader and most important part of this dynamic offensive is found in point guard Baron Davis. He’s a leader who will probably never be a hall-of-famer but is finally getting some well-deserved post-season games. Averaging around 20 points and 8 dimes, he’s truly their ringleader. Jason Richardson becomes an important scorer and the former slam-dunk champ can still throw it down. His finishes cap off some of the most exciting plays this club makes. The trade with the Pacers led to two more reason why the Warriors will give Dallas a run for their money, no Jackson isn’t the other reason, it’s getting rid of Dunleavy that also helped them. Al Harrington is an important addition as he will occasionally start as Center for Golden State but isn’t limited to rebounding and posting up. He can run fast breaks, play D on any position and can shoot the outside shot (he leads the team in 3PT percentage and not for lack of shooting as he makes about 2 tres a game). Monta Ellis is the other dynamic player that completes this team. First off, he got hops, and he’s one of the best young players in the league. He has made some of the most exciting clips on Sports Center this season and he can provide some serious energy to this already hyper offensive force. Oh yeah, Biedrins, Barnes and Pietrus can't hurt. Don’t take my word for it, check the clip.
I’m not bold enough to say these guys can beat Dallas, but this series may go longer than many of you think.
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