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May
17
2013
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Greg Oden Looks “Unbelievable” |
So unbelievable…
According to The Herald Leader, Greg Oden is making a comeback, and he supposedly looks “unbelievable.” Not in the picture above, of course. Gaptoothed and goofy isn’t really unbelievable so much as amusing and vaguely non-threatening. But more so in the “in shape, diesel, running without a limp” style of unbelievable. I’m actually more partial to this, but hey, that’s just me. Emf rules. OH!
May
17
2013
|
The Warriors Thank Their Fans, Are Awesome |
After their season ending loss last night, the young Warriors came back onto the court to thank their fans. Led by The Golden Child (I told you – we’re makin it stick!), the team took to the mic as Oakland serenaded them with chants of “Waaaaarriors! Waaaaarriors!” It was a goosebump moment, without a doubt. And if you didn’t get goosebumps, you’re probably Mr. Freeze. Or Jerry Buss.
May
17
2013
|
This One’s For All the Lakers Fans |
Phil Jackson’s new book, Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success, comes out next week, and in it, the Zen Master finally delves into his thoughts on that pesky old KobeVsJordan debate. You know, the one where the guy who coached them both probably has the most valuable opinion. Well, spoiler alert, but all you Kobe lovers are probably not gonna be happy.
On slumps: “When his shot is off, Kobe will pound away relentlessly until his luck turns. Michael, on the other hand, would shift his attention to defense or passing or setting screens to help the team win the game.”
On defense: “No question, Michael was a tougher, more intimidating defender…Kobe tends to rely more heavily on his flexibility and craftiness, but he takes a lot of gambles on defense and sometimes pays the price.”
On leadership: “One of the biggest differences between the two stars from my perspective was Michael’s superior skills as a leader…(Although) Bryant gradually evolved during the 2008-09 championship season.”
I’m paraphrasing – if Phil prefers Mike, it’s not by much, and I got huge respect for the Mamba. But as someone with a 15 year old Michael Jordan tattoo on his left rump cheek, I must admit I’m a little giddy. Read the rest of the preview here.
May
17
2013
|
Jerry Sloan Turns Down Bucks |
Coaching legend Jerry Sloan has turned down the Milwaukee Bucks, saying through his agent that he’s not looking for a rebuilding project, but will continue to keep his ears open for the right job. Blah blah, old hat. Above, that’s Jerry trying to split a double team of Wilt Chamberlain and one of the Grateful Dead. I love these old pictures of Jerry. He just looks like the toughest hombre this side of the Rio Grande. If he and Deron Williams ever really fought…put it this way, I’d take Sloan over Mayweather in the 6th. So I don’t think a lead guard would be a problem.
May
17
2013
|
Kobe Taking Mom to Court |
A June 17th court date has been set between Kobe Bryant and a New Jersey auction house hired by his mother, Pamela. The dispute stems from Pamela’s desire to sell her son’s old memorabilia – high school jerseys, signed basketballs, old wedding rings that just weren’t big enough – to the highest bidder. Kobe would obviously like to keep his stuff, claiming he never gave his permission for the sale. More from “Cases That Will Be Settled Behind Closed Doors” when we have it.
May
17
2013
|
Rihanna Isn’t JR’s Kryptonite |
Rihanna took to Twitter yesterday, finally addressing the rumors about her and Knicks swingman JR Smith. Or, more accurately, the rumors that her full name is really Rihanna “Benedict Arnold” Sddkfjadslf (note: I have no idea what her last name is). After recent claims of hard partying and the above photo surfacing, most fans quickly jumped to blame Rihanna for JR’s terrible slump. But the singer squashed that immediately, tweeting it’s not her fault he can’t shoot. “He f*cked up because his ass be hungover from clubbing every night during playoffs!!” Well, that’s…better right?
May
16
2013
|
Dirk to Take Pay Cut |
Dirk Nowitzki, in the last year of his contract, is set to take a “significant pay cut” to make room for the impending free agent market next summer. “At this point of my career, it’s all about competing and winning,” he told reporters today. The goal, obviously, is to entice Chris Paul and/or Dwight Howard to sign with the Mavs. Though with Dwight, they probably won’t have to clear as much room if their accounting department can structure a deal around dollars-per-freethrow-made.
May
16
2013
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Kings Staying in Sactown Until They’re Not |
In the story that just won’t die, the league’s owners voted yesterday to reject the Kings’ proposed move to Seattle…which reaffirmed last month’s unanimous vote to do the same thing. Which means the Kings will stay put. Until someone says they won’t. And then someone will make a bigger offer. And then we’ll have to vote again. But they’ll stay. Or maybe not. Whatever jerks Sonics fans around the most. Really, let’s just get to a decision so Seattleites can stop climbing to the top of the Space Needle and then sadly walking back down.
