The Shaq quote tour continues: Greg Oden is a “low-level ninja”

To be honest, I am usually not someone who reads box scores of a twenty-point blow-out of an NBA game. However, if Shaq is playing in that game, I think it is wise to at least browse it.

This past Thursday, Shaq and his red-hot Phoenix Suns lost to the Portland Trailblazers by the score of 129-109. A reporter asked “The Big Cactus” about the play of Greg Oden who scored eight points and had three blocks off the bench. However, I think even he did not expect this response: (Courtesy of Hoopsworld)

So what did Shaq think of Oden?

"I don't. I'm a Shogun. You can't ask me about a low level ninja. I still have to worry about Yao Ming, Dwight Howard."

I actually did not know that Shaquille O’Neal was up on his Asian history. (Well he did have Shaq-Fu but that's a completely different story) At least he learned something at “Love Shaq University.” Like I have stated in previous Shaq posts, it is nice to see that he is back playing at full strength and at least giving us one more good memory before he ends his career. I think that he has learned that he does not want to go out with a whimper similar to how Jordan did with the Wizards, Karl Malone with the Lakers, and Charles Barkley did with the Rockets.

The jury is still out on Greg Oden but at this point until he has a full season under his belt, I will keep my reservations aside for now. However, he played well off the bench and to be honest might even prolong his career if he continues to do so. The Trailblazers are one of the deeper teams in the Western Conference and have the talent to make a serious run in this year’s playoffs and the years to come.

However, I am a little disappointed at Shaq for not making an old joke or AARP card reference. I expect more from Shaq these days but I guess he has to keep up with his Twitter account anyway.

By the way, if you see Greg Oden. Immediately invite him to your next karaoke party, you will not regret it.

By Ben Chew with 2 comments

Ron Artest is a friend to dogs....

There are probably a fair amount of people you would expect being a spokesman for PETA, Ron Artest is not one of them. Well, guess again. Ron Artest is currently working with PETA and has shot a commercial against animal cruelty for the animal rights group.

Why is this odd? Well, Artest has had issues with treatment of animals and on numerous occasions in the past have had animal control officers called to his place of residents to deal with sick and malnourished dogs. However, I guess Artest is turning a new leaf and is holding a benefit for the Houston Humane Society this upcoming Monday. Here is more about it from the Houston Chronicle:

Monday night, Artest will host a fundraiser for the Houston Humane Society at Capone’s Restaurant and Bar, 4307 Westheimer, just inside the Loop. Capone’s is a throwback speakeasy with brick-oven pizzas and tapas on the menu. Starting at 7 p.m., Artest will throw on an apron and begin tossing pizzas in the air. There will be a meet ’ n’ greet, a silent auction and plenty of autographs. It’s free to get in. You donate just by ordering food and something to drink.

Artest also recently filmed a public service announcement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. In the spot, Artest urges people to spay and neuter their pets. And definitely don’t get involved with dog fighting. That’s Artest, wearing a PETA T-shirt, shooting hoops and playing with a pit bull from a neighborhood shelter. You can check out the spot by clicking on www.ronartest.com.
How did Artest go from animal abuser to animal advocate? PETA showed him the way.

“I was an irresponsible pet owner, and I got in some trouble,” Artest said after a practice last week at Toyota Center. “PETA came and showed me how to be a better pet owner. A lot of times, it’s a simple thing. One of my problems was that the fence around my home wasn’t safe enough. I had a lot of dogs, and they kept getting out. The thing is, just because you’re irresponsible, it doesn’t mean you don’t love your pets. I loved my dogs. You just need to be more mature and accountable for how you treat your animals. I had to be educated.”

On some level, I applaud Artest for joining the group and doing a benefit for the Houston Humane Society. However, it seems a little odd for someone who had a checkered past with animals doing commercials for PETA. I have some sinking feeling that PETA is not clamoring for Michael Vick to do a spot for them anytime soon.

Now if only Ron could avoid getting into confrontations with other NBA players, coaches, and fans. I think we might see a “gentler” Ron Artest. What kind of bizzaro world would that be? At least Ron is not putting out any rap albums. I hope.

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

Everything’s coming up Isiah Thomas

For some reason which is completely past me, Isiah Thomas is still being considered for jobs by NBA teams. Well, the latest team to throw their hat into the preverbal ring is the Los Angeles Clippers. Yep, the Los Angeles Clippers, the place where basketball careers go to die or at least be put on life support for the time being.

In a report, sources told NBA.com that Thomas met with the Los Angeles Clippers regarding a possible executive position. Here is more of the story from ESPN:

Isiah Thomas is actively seeking work again, and he spoke several weeks ago with Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling in a meeting arranged by current coach/general manager Mike Dunleavy, ESPN.com learned Wednesday.

Several NBA sources confirmed the February meeting between the former president and general manager of the New York Knicks, adding that there were follow-up discussions between Thomas and other high-ranking club officials -- but also stressing that no job has been offered.

Sterling is said to be considering adding another executive to the Los Angeles front office to alleviate some of Dunleavy's responsibilities in his dual role as coach and general manager.

Former Lakers and Grizzlies general manager Jerry West was linked to a possible Clippers front office job before he publicly disavowed any interest.

On the outset of the story, it appears that this is a good idea for the Los Angeles Clippers and to be honest whenever you can add another NBA mind to the pot, it is usually a good thing.

However, we are speaking about Isiah Thomas was publically fired by Larry Bird during his stint in Indiana, bankrupted the CBA as its owner, and led the New York Knicks to a quagmire that they still are years away from fixing.

Why in the hell would you want someone that has such a bad history? Well, honestly I guess that the Clippers are well the Clippers. With a team that is historically that bad, why not? It probably is a rather good idea that Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy takes less of an executive role anyway. He is a much better coach that executive.

I’m still looking for a punchline to end this story but at this point specifically for Isiah Thomas, there is really no need for one.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Move over Flavor Flav, Kobe Bryant endorses watches now…

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has a lot of endorsement deals. When I mean a lot, I mean a lot. However, there seemed to be something missing off the Kobe Bryant endorsement mantle and that was a trademark watch.

Well, that used to be the case until now. Kobe Bryant will now have a line of new high-tech watches from the Swiss watchmaker Nubeo. This story comes to us from the Wall Street Journal:

Kobe Bryant has earned millions from celebrity endorsements with Coca-Cola Co. and Nike Inc. Now, a small Swiss watchmaker wants in on the action, too.

Nubeo, a high-end watch brand known outside the U.S. for its jellyfish-shaped watches, has teamed up with the basketball star to create a limited-edition line of high-tech sport watches starting at about $21,000 and topping out at $285,000. The Black Mamba series -- a play on Mr. Bryant's nickname -- will be unveiled this coming week at Baselworld, the watch and jewelry show held annually in Basel, Switzerland, and will go on sale in the U.S. this fall, the watchmaker's American debut.

While NBA players have been some of the biggest product endorsers, it is rare for a luxury watch brand to pair up with a basketball star. Such brands have typically showcased athletes from tennis and golf.

Ivan Castro, a Madrid-born jewelry designer who co-founded Nubeo in 2004, is a huge basketball fan. Mr. Castro reached out to Mr. Bryant's agent and marketing manager who arranged a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers star last fall. Mr. Bryant, who speaks Spanish and Italian and has a global following, especially in China, had international flair needed for the watches, Mr. Castro says.

Mr. Bryant, who confesses to owning "quite a few watches," says, "I don't do deals or partnerships where I don't get thoroughly involved."

Who knew Kobe Bryant liked watches? However in this crappy economy, I am going to highly doubt that a normal simpleton will drop $21,000 dollars on a sports watch. I guess that means more for Donald Trump, rappers that want that new Kobe bling, and those spoiled WASP kids.

It is rather odd that an NBA player is endorsing a Swiss watch. Usually, those are left to the Tiger Woods, Eli Manning, and Roger Federer’s of the world. However, there is no bigger NBA star overseas than Kobe Bryant.

I do like the name “Black Mamba.” When you have a nickname after a venomous snake; that obviously means you are pretty cool. Now, excuse me. I need to scratch together $21,000 dollars.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Weekend Rant: It’s a good year for Cleveland Basketball, Suns to play “Outside”, Kobe has jury duty, and Rihanna has a “sex tape”

It’s A Good Year for Cleveland basketball: With day one of the NCAA tournament being rather boring, day two of the tournament obviously had to pick up the slack.

There was a possible upset of number one seeded Pittsburgh by Eastern Tennessee, Dayton upset West Virginia, Oklahoma City’s last second win versus Tennessee, and Siena winning in double overtime against Ohio State.

However, the true story must be the 13th ranked Cleveland State Vikings upsetting the 4th ranked Wake Forest Demon Deacons by the score of 84-69. Cleveland State was led by the hot shooting of Cedric Jackson as they pull off the biggest upset of the tourney so far.

Give Cleveland State head coach Gary Waters credit, knocking off a team that was ranked #1 during the NCAA season is impressive any way you cut it and the way Cleveland State cut it, it was fun to watch.

Suns to play “Outside”: Earlier in the pre-season the Phoenix Suns played the Denver Nuggets outdoors at Indian Wells. They played to a sold-out crowd of at least 16,000 people.

Well, since that was a success, The Suns have decided to do it again in the preseason on October the 10th against the Golden State Warriors at Indian Wells.

Usually, I’m not a complete fan of these types of gimmicks but to be honest playing basketball outside has a sort of charm to it. All of us grew up playing outside and well this just makes us more nostalgic for those days.

Kobe Bryant had Jury Duty: You would think that NBA stars would find a way out of jury duty but not Kobe Bryant.

Kobe showed up on Wednesday and spent a couple hours on jury duty. He was questioned in a potential case dealing with a misdemeanor vehicle tampering. However, attorneys already agreed on a panel and Kobe was allowed to leave.

(Insert Twelve Angry Men joke here)

Rihanna has a “sex tape”: I am going to go out on a limb and say that singer Rihanna is not having the greatest of months. First, there is the alleged assault from her current boy friend, singer Chris Brown. Now, there is the news that she made a "sex tape".

Allegedy, she stated that she allowed Brown to film them having sex. She is possibly afraid that Brown could release the tape.

If there is one, I guarantee you that it would probably make a pretty penny for whoever decides to hock it.

Also, what is the deal with these celebrities making these tapes? Is it just the fact of watching themselves “do the nasty.” or is there something to it? I think we will never know. In the end, I take a lesson from the CBS show “Rules of Engagement,” when making a sex tape it is better just to delete it after.

However, Rihanna can take me to rehab any day.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Sean Williams hates Chad as much as we do…

One of the things that probably most of us have had to face in life is problems with our cell phones. Then we have ultimately take it back to the cell phone store where we got it and they gives us some response about some gaudy number we have to pay to fix it or tell us about a brand-new phone that we do not need.

Well, Nets forward Sean Williams was sick of this and decided to fight back against an AT&T store in Denver, Colorado. This story comes to us from the Denver Post:

New Jersey Nets forward Sean Williams was released from the Douglas County jail Monday night after trashing a computer monitor and other electronics inside a Park Meadows Mall store earlier in the day, police said.

Lone Tree police were called to the AT&T Mobility store about 2 p.m. Williams was arguing with a clerk when he picked up the computer monitor and threw it, destroying a printer and other equipment in the process, police reported.

The damages were estimated at about $1,300.

Williams, 22, faces misdemeanor disorderly conduct and criminal mischief charges.

The Nets were in town to play the Denver Nuggets and Williams was unable to play in the game as the Nets lost to the Nuggets, 121-96 on Tuesday. However, at least he got to fight back at the powers of the evil cell phone companies. How many of you wanted to chuck a computer monitor at that idiot behind the counter? I guess a few of you would have done the same.

I guess that Williams was not satisfied with the AT&T 3G network which to be honest since I use the carrier is pretty spotty sometimes even in major cities. Those damn dead-zones can be a bitch and might cause someone to lose their cool. The Nets have suspended Williams for two games following the incident.

There is a new twist to the story that possibly the Nets could void Sean Williams contract because of the incident. It is believed that there is a “conduct clause” that could allow the Nets to void the contract without having to worry about paying Williams for next season.

Can you hear us now, Sean?

By Ben Chew with No comments

No “Tweets” for Charlie V

I have some sinking suspicion that some of you like to find excuses to do other things at work besides work. Like visit this blog, visit your Facebook page, or even use the brilliance of “Twitter.” Twitter for those of you who do not know what it is, it is a social networking site which allows you to post a message to tell the world what you are doing.

Well, Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva is a “tweeter” under the name of CV31. Well, the issue now is Charlie was caught “tweeting” during an NBA game at halftime.

Here is the story: (Courtesy of ESPN)

Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva got a talking-to from head coach Scott Skiles after the coach learned Villanueva posted a message to his Twitter feed -- a "tweet" -- from his mobile phone during halftime of Sunday's home victory over the Boston Celtics.

"We made a point to Charlie and the team that it's nothing we ever want to happen again," Skiles said after practice Tuesday. "You know, [we] don't want to blow it out of proportion. But anything that gives the impression that we're not serious and focused at all times is not the correct way we want to go about our business."

Using the screen name "CV31" -- Villanueva's initials and jersey number -- Villanueva posted the following message during halftime Sunday:

"In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up."

I will be honest and side with the Bucks on this one since I feel that players should be focusing on the task at hand. Specifically, when you are getting paid millions of dollars to play in the NBA.

Also, the Bucks are not preventing Charlie V from twittering. He just cannot do it during the game or halftime. Essentially, in my opinion, this is a non-story and might be great publicity for “Twitter”, itself.

By the way, you can join “That NBA Lottery Pick” on our Twitter account at ThatNBAPick and get updates when we post a new story. (Shameless plug, I know.)

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Toronto Raptors were not “green with envy”

Well, usually when Saint Patrick’s Day comes around there are many things that are green from the beer at your local tavern, the green dress your girlfriend decides to wear so that she will not be pinched, and the puke that you will find on your bathroom floor after the St. Patrick’s Day party.

However, one of the few things that the NBA does for St Patrick’s Day is they bring out the green jerseys. Well, one team in the Toronto Raptors were not huge fans of the jerseys. In an article by the Toronto Star, a couple of the Toronto players voiced their displeasure.

"I've already registered my complaint," Anthony Parker said.

In recent years the NBA has had a number of teams wear special-edition green, St. Patrick's gear in games leading up to March 17.

"Wackness," said Chris Bosh

Toronto's Patrick O'Bryant, who is half-Irish and played for the Celtics earlier this season, defended the threads.

"Everybody's saying it's the Celtics logo. It's just a clover, a symbol of Ireland," said O'Bryant. "It would be the same if they had Prehistoric Day and everybody in the NBA had a dinosaur on their jerseys."

Patrick O’Bryant does have a point but I am not going to suspect that the NBA is going to hold a “Pre-historic Day” anytime soon. However, Geico is probably calling them as we speak. I am usually all for St. Patrick’s Day and honestly I guess the NBA has a right to show its spirit by having teams wear green jerseys.

The only issue with that is when you have a team called the Boston Celtics. That could provide some issues since the clover is a prominent part of their logo. Oh well, the NBA is also peddling its Saint Patrick’s day goods at the NBA store but I guess you did not need that Denver Nugget Saint Patrick’s day hat after all.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Mike Fratello: The Czar of the Pick-up

While most of you were probably either trying to fill out your NCAA bracket, recovering from your hangover from that weekend party , or trying to hook up with that college girl you thought look like Colbie Smulders. (Dude, Seriously. Bro Code)

I came across an interesting reader tip that was sent to Deadspin regarding current TNT color announcer and former NBA head coach Mike Fratello. Most of us know him as the “Czar of the Telestrator” but I guess we should know him now as the “Czar of the Pick-up”

Here is the story: (The story is edited for length and language)

We exited the deli and were standing on the corning of 18th and Park trying to hail a cab when I noticed this beautiful Asian girl, I mean a hottie in every sense of the word, probably in her early 20s, sort of arguing over something with the guy she was with in front of the W Hotel that sits on the corner there. His back was to me at the time and it was hard to tell exactly what they were saying, but I got the sense that the guy was trying to convince the Asian hottie to call it a night and head back up to his room, while she seemed not ready to do so.

So there I stood, sort of half-assedly trying to hail a cab while my score ate her disgusting egg salad sandwich, looking at this Asian and wishing with every fiber of my bone that she was the one I was taking home instead, when suddenly the guy she was with turned in my direction and gave me a look at his face. Imagine my surprise when it got a good look and realized it was...are you ready for this? Drum roll please...

Mike Fratello.

Yes, that Mike Fratello. The Czar of the (expletive) Telestrator was with the hottest young thing on the block.

Just as I was about to throw myself in front of a soy milk delivery in disgust, he coaxed her inside the hotel, thus throwing even more salt into my gaping wound. I still haven't overcome the injustice in all of this, nor do I think I ever will.

You see even Mike Fratello can score hot chicks. I guess we can say like Vince Vaughn’s character of John Beckwith states in Wedding Crashers, “Hey, that was my first Asian.” Honestly, I wonder what his line was to get her in his hotel room. I think it might has gone something like, “I can introduce you to Kevin Harlan.” (That gives a whole new meaning to the term, “Right between the eyes”)

So with that ladies and gentlemen, if Mike Fratello could pull some Prime-A tail, what are you guys doing with your lives? Oh wait, your reading this blog. Forget I said anything about that.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Weekend Rant: Cavs clinch Central Division, Selection Sunday in college hoops, Marko Jaric's Bad Day, Barbie turns 50, and Lindsay Lohan's Wanted

Cavs clinch Central Division: With an overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Cleveland Cavaliers have clinched their first division crown since 1976. The Lebron James show decided to fore-go a fourth consecutive triple-double and decided to go for 51 points in the victory.

The Cavaliers are currently tied with the Lakers for the best record in the NBA, and have won eight out of their last ten including some impressive come from behind victories.

As much as people still question the Cavaliers, the team has been impressive this season. Mo Williams is looking more like the piece that the team needed and Anderson Varejao is playing “Wild-Thing” like it is never going out of style.

Selection Sunday in college hoops: We are less than 24 hours away from Selection Sunday or what I like to call: The Day After Tomorrow.

The NCAA tournament is one of the few sporting events that everyone knows about (outside the Super Bowl) and bracket madness will begin soon. That usually means that most of America will miss work or watch March Madness On Demand at work.

I just want all of you to make sure to stock up on all of the necessary food items and excuses for the tournament. Enjoy the tournament.

Marko Jaric had a Bad Day: In one of the previous editions of The Weekend Rant, we talked about Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric getting married to Victoria’s Secret model Adrianna Lima.

Well, Jaric was recently accused of sexual assault by a Philadelphia woman when the Grizzlies played the 76ers back in February. However, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office has decided to throw out the case due to “lack of prosecutional merit.”

That is good for Marko and we wish him and Adrianna well.

Barbie turned 50: This week, the famed Barbie doll turned 50. The first doll was produced in 1959 and her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. (Sounds like your great grandmother doesn’t it?)

Barbie was one of the few widely-distributed dolls in the mid-‘50s and she is still going strong even today with her boundless accessories and dream houses.

Happy Birthday Barbie

Lindsay Lohan is wanted by the cops: Most of you have probably figured out that I get my entertainment news from TMZ.com.
Well, the hot story is that Lindsay Lohan (star of Mean Girls, The Parent Trap, and other movies) is wanted by cops for not complying with the terms of her probation.

Back in 2007, she was arrested for a DUI and was put on three year’s probation. Allegedly, she was not attending her alcoholic education program. Lohan’s recent fall from grace has included her "public relationship with Samantha Ronson" along with drug and alcohol abuse.

It is sad to see another child star fall so far but in the end, we know who killed Lindsay. Herself.

By Ben Chew with No comments

Classic Fridays: Remembering the highest scoring game in NBA history

Last night in college hoops, The Syracuse Orangemen played the UConn Huskies in a thrilling six overtime classic which Syracuse ended up winning 127-117. (Check it out here)

However that got me thinking about the highest scoring game in NBA history between the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets in 1983.

This classic matchup created an output of over 370 points and needed three overtimes to decide it. The Pistons won in the end by the score of 186-184.

Twelve players in the game scored double figures and four players had more than forty points in the game. (Isiah Thomas, John Long, Alex English and Kiki Vandeweghe)

The game set over five NBA records which included most points scored, most points by one team, most assists by one team, and most field goals by two teams.

The above video is a retrospective and the below video provides some of the action from the game (however the commentary is dubbed in Spanish).

By Ben Chew with No comments

David Falk's "Bald Truth": MJ did not want Kwame

I think it is widely-assumed that Michael Jordan is one of the greatest NBA players of all time or even the best. However recently, Jordan’s tenure as a President of Basketball Operations with the Wizards has been a black-eye on his legacy.

The cause of that eye was the drafting of Kwame Brown with the #1 draft pick back in 2001. It was widely assumed that Jordan made that pick and the mitigated bust of Brown has followed him ever since….until now.

Michael’s agent David Falk who was peddling his new book entitled, “The Bald Truth” on a radio interview with WJFK in Washington D.C. stated that Jordan did not want to pick Kwame Brown.

"That was not his decision," Falk said. "That was someone else's decision. Kwame Brown was the first high school player ever drafted (#1 overall) and certain people in the organization thought that would have tremendous promotional value on ticket sales."

"Michael wanted Elton Brand. They wanted to make a trade, he wanted to bring in Elton Brand."

Falk did not really go into detail about who that decision-maker was but at this point we would assume that it would be Wizards owner Abe Pollin. Pollin eventually forced Jordan out in 2003 and possibly through the pick itself brought Michael back to the NBA in 2001.

It would not surprise me that Jordan wanted to trade the pick since there were many NBA scouts who were not completely sold on Brown. Also it would not surprise me that Jordan would want a player like Brand who at that point been a solid contributor in the NBA and hypothetically could have teamed up with guard Richard Hamilton.

At least we can put to bed that Jordan did not want to take Kwame Brown in the 2001 NBA draft. Now all he has to deal with is his legacy as co-owner with the Charlotte Bobcats of taking North Carolina players and Adam Morrison.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Orlando Magic should have taken a train

As I was glancing through the NBA scores from Monday night, I came across the Detroit Pistons victory over the Orlando Magic. The final in the game was 98-94; the Pistons swept the season series against Orlando with the victory.

On the first glance of this game, this would just seem to be a normal regular season game. However, I came across a story in the Orlando Sentinel that the Magic faced a little turbulence when getting to Detroit from Boston. Here is the story:

Magic players, coaches and support staff experienced a harrowing ride to Detroit on the team plane Sunday.The club left Boston after a victory against the Celtics and flew into an unusually lengthy stretch of turbulence.

"That was the worst flight I've ever been on," veteran PG Rafer Alston said. "Forty straight minutes of turbulence."As the plane violently rocked, Magic personnel became concerned when the flight crew told the passengers to utilize the shoulder harnesses at their seats if they were available

That must have been some intense turbulence and that might have had some affects on how the Magic might have played against Detroit on Monday. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy stated that many players threw up on the plane and that he was close to as well. Hopefully there was not some “Superman” projectile puke. Hopefully, they were nursed back to health after that period of hell. (Thirteen would have helped.)

I have been through some rough turbulence from time to time in my travels but nothing that lasted for more than forty minutes. In my opinion that might be the equivalency of riding a rolling coaster at least ten times.

In the end, I think that backup point guard Tyronn Lue had it correct;

“It was unbelievable. Man, I was like, “I’m going to be like John Madden and take the bus.”



I think that might have been a good idea but then you would have to make room for a Turducken and that is a whole other story.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Clippers are the laziest team in the NBA, (add punch-line here)

If you were to look at the dictionary for the definition of futility, there would first be a definition that defines it as, “The quality of having no useful result.” Then there would be the logo of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers have been the NBA punch-line ever since they moved from Buffalo to Los Angeles. Well, I think we might actually have some proof that the Clippers are the laziest team in the NBA. This is courtesy of ESPN reporter Marc Stein who was talking to a Western Conference NBA scout.

"I think a lot of people would say Toronto. Not me," the scout said of this season's most disappointing team. "The Clippers are the laziest team I've ever seen. I know they've had a lot of injuries, but they just don't play hard. Their good players don't play hard.

"They have enough talent to be relevant. But it looks to me like they're trying to become the Oakland Raiders, going out and getting all the guys who are on their last chance.

Wow, that is a pretty scathing remark. The Oakland Raiders of the National Basketball Association. To be honest, the Clippers have been bad for so long that it would not surprise me that the team has gotten lazy. You also have to take into consideration that the team plays second fiddle to the Los Angeles Lakers. It sucks to have a bad year, year after year, but also to see the other team in the same city win titles it has to eat at you as a player.

It also has been noted that this year Clippers owner Donald Sterling has ripped the team publicly claiming that many of the players are “selfish.” He also told Dunleavy himself in a meeting to, “Shut Up.”



The quagmire of the Los Angeles Clippers almost reminds me of an M Night Shyamalan movie where you know the twist ending is coming. It is only a matter of time and how he is going to do it. The Clippers are the “Lady in the Water.”

I know that the Clippers have been injured and do have some outstanding young talent in Al Thorton and Eric Gordon. However, they still have to deal with an owner who made a business of losing and being the second team in town.

Remember when the Clippers won their playoff series against the Nuggets in 2006, some of us though that they might turn the corner. That corner now seems further away than ever and the Clippers do not even have a map to get to it.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Bobcats are winning, Holy Crap

There are things in life that are unexpected: a free cup of coffee with your meal, the morning dew on a brisk October day, and a free ride in which you already paid. Well, that last one was ironic but you get the idea.

However, the real unexpected story of this NBA week is that the Charlotte Bobcats have won six in a row. You looked at that sentence correctly; the Charlotte Bobcats have won six in a row. That is the longest winning streak in franchise history.

Sure, they beat the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks but still it is impressive. They are currently only a game out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

I guess Larry Brown can do it all. However the true test is against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, mark your calendars people. You could possibly see the Bobcats win seven in a row.

The one thing you do have to say is that Brown is getting his best play from veterans Raja Bell and Boris Diaw along with his guards of Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin. The Brown way usually happens in the second season but I guess he jumped the gun on this one. I feel better for Emeka Okafor after hearing this story and also that his team is actually winning.

There are many things that I never expected to see and here is quick list of them
->Penelope Cruz win an Oscar
->Britney Spears “Comeback tour”
->Arizona Cardinals in the Super Bowl
->Terrell Owens in Buffalo
->KFC’s dollar menu

Congrats to the Bobcats on their six consecutive wins and hopefully if they get to seven they will not have to call Morgan Freeman.

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

The Weekend Rant: Barkley goes to Jail, Boston sends a message, Daly has cancer, and Watchmen’s Super Hero Fetishism

Barkley goes to Jail: Well, the time is finally here and Charles Barkley has begun his three days in jail due to a DUI that he commited in Scottsdale back during New Years.

Currently he is being held in a Maricopa County jail called Tent City where he has own private tent and talking to the inmates about his DUI arrest. He will spend a total of 36 hours in jail and then will be sent home on work release.

For some reason, I can smell a possible TNT made for television movie or at least a twenty-minute bit on Inside the NBA.

Boston sends a message: The Boston Celtics took out the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday by the score of 105-94. The Celtics at that point regained home-court advantage with the win (currently as of this blog post, Cleveland is back in the #1 seed in the East) and appeared to be back in heads of the Cleveland faithful.

The most impressive part of this victory was that Boston won without Kevin Garnett who did not play due to a knee injury. The Celtics are still currently the NBA champions and until Lebron and company beat them in the playoffs, they will always play second fiddle.

Chuck Daly has cancer: We have some sad news to report that former Detroit Pistons head coach and 1992 Dream team head coach Chuck Daly has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The Pistons reported on Friday that Daly is currently receiving treatment for the cancer. Daly won back to back titles with the Pistons in 1989 and 1990. Daly was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994 and his 638 coaching wins ranks 18th all time in NBA coaching history.

We wish him and his family well in these trying times.

Watchmen’s Super Hero Fetishism: Like most of America, I went to see the premiere of the movie based on the graphic novel. While there were enough broken limbs, scalding hot faces, people getting butchered with cleavers and midgets getting flushed in the toilets to keep the super hero fan and action fan happy.

The sex scene in the middle of the movie might have been the most epic sex scene in recent movie memory. It lasted for a mere five minutes and had enough sexual double-entendres to shake a stick at. It possibly could have even made Ron Jeremy blush.

When you have super heroes having sex on a ship in the moonlight. (That gives a whole new meaning to the term “mile-high club”) Also with the Silk Spectre pressing the button that shot fire, (Also gives new meaning to the term, "Fire in the Hole") it is tough to keep a straight face for that entire scene.

Oh well, it was clearly better than Dr. Manhattan’s “blue junk” at least. For some reason now, I think I understand people who have super hero fetishes….almost.

By Ben Chew with No comments

How good where the 1987 Lakers? This good.

When I was rummaging through the power that is the glorious YouTube, I came across a video of a regular season game between the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Sacramento Kings in 1987.

After you bypass the terrible looking powder-blue uniforms of the Kings, you get to see the Showtime Lakers at their finest. Probably most of you are going to ask this question at this point, why should I care?

Well, this Lakers team built one of the biggest first quarter margins in NBA history and held the Sacramento Kings to a measly four points which is tied for the lowest in NBA history. The Lakers themselves dashed off to a tune of forty points.

Yes, making the first quarter margin in that game was 40-4. You rarely even see that in a video game. The Lakers won by a score of 128-92.

Now, you get to see it completely uncut with the commentary of play-by-play legend Chick Hearn. The quarter is in two parts and the links are shown below. (Due to the posters request for no embeds)

1st Quarter Part 1

1st Quarter Part 2

A condensed video is posted below for those of you who do not have the time to watch the entire quarter. Enjoy the weekend, we will back on Sunday for The Weekend Rant.

By Ben Chew with No comments

"Kryptonate Grounded"....sort of

I think there were a bunch of newly-crowned Nate Robinson fans after his performance of Krypto-Nate to Dwight Howard’s version of “Superman,” in the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Well, the NBA decided to cash in on this phenomenon by creating a version of Nate Robinson t-shirt that was green and had on the back Robinson’s number four and “Kryptonate” on the back. However only the strongest force in the world could stop such a diabolical scheme and I am not talking Paris Hilton drunk at a night club.

DC comics decided to put the hold on the shirt due to the potential copyright infringement that comes from using the name “Kryptonate.” For all of you that do not know, Superman’s major weakness was Kryptonite which was found on Superman’s home of Krypton.

The NBA was reached for comment after the kibosh was put on the shirts. They decided to state that would be looking to involve DC comics in other ventures dealing with the Superman brand and likeness.

I will be honest, DC Comics should just let the NBA create the shirts and they ask for a cut of the proceeds. Honestly, you could buy a boat-legged shirt on the internet as we speak. (Most of you are probably googling at this point, so I will be brief) I know that DC is trying to protect their brand and I am all for it but there is a difference between a third-party creating the shirt and the NBA which ironically has their offices in New York only a few doors down from DC Comics.

You would think that the NBA would at least have taken the short walk to discuss this with DC but when it has to deal with Dwayne Wade’s band-aid, the NBA bail-out, and Stephon Marbury. I can understand the oversight on this one.

Wait to Lex Luthor hears about this……

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Cavaliers are going after a “surprise” free agent

Usually when you are reading most of the NBA rumor mill websites, there are a ton of possible random scenarios that could discuss an unknown amount of players. It is the one negative and positive of the internet, it is a free range area to discuss possible player movement but anyone can create the source of the rumor.

Well, the Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to prevent any rumors about who they might be going after in free agency by claiming that they will be going after a “surprise” free agent. Here is the full story from Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer:

There was some growing chatter within NBA circles Saturday that another and more high-profile forward could also become a free agent via a buyout on Sunday. One source said the name would "surprise" a lot of people if it can get done and the Cavs would likely be interested.

This might change everything now since the Cleveland Cavaliers have declared that they will be going after a “surprise” free agent. Wow, that is a reliable source. Now every blogger and NBA rumor mill has the ability to go off on who this “surprise” free agent is.

I have to give some credit to Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry for putting forth this ruse because it almost has to be coming from him. If it is not him, I go for the theory that they talked to a security guard and he overheard something. (However, working briefly at Cavalier games, I do not think any of them would)

The equivalent to this ruse has to be that girl you dated in college wanting to bring in a “friend” to satisfy your want for a three-some. You knew it was never going to happen but you held out hope for that week and a half.



In all serious now, NBA GM’s might be smarter than you think by throwing out these fake stories or sources might actually want to get an idea of who that person might be. There might be such a thing as journalistic integrity but at any time “a source” could possibly say anything.

Since this story has been written, no “surprise” free agent forward has been bought-out. Oh well, maybe it is a “surprise” that this article is even written.

By Ben Chew with No comments

When Shaq talks, people listen....

Remember that theory that Shaquille O’Neal was done and he was going ride off into the sunset of Phoenix. Well, that theory was wrong as he has tallied back to back 30+ games in Toronto and against the Los Angeles Lakers. It is almost like Shaq never left the game but merely took a sabbatical to rest and comeback like the old Shaq.

Now, he left some comments for Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh who complained about Shaq camping out in lane during the victory in Toronto when Bosh did not play. He is the quote:

“I heard what Chris Bosh said, and that's strong words coming from the RuPaul of big men," O'Neal said. "I'm going to do the same thing (in their next meeting) I did before - make him quit. Make 'em quit and complain. It's what I do."

Another classic Shaq quote, if this was another player calling out Chris Bosh then it would turn into a media story of another dumb NBA player trying to call out a superstar. However since this is Shaq, it is greeted with a couple of guffaws and “Shaq being Shaq.” He might currently be the most polarizing player in the NBA still with the quotations that he comes up with.

Remember back in 2002 when he called the Sacramento Kings, “The Sacramento Queens.”



Shaq is the master of the PR move where he can remove the pressure from his own team and put it on his broad shoulders. The thing is Shaq when he makes these types of comments; he plays better and gets people to listen. We actually need more of that in the NBA since almost all of today’s stars will not say anything of interest about another team or player.

With the Suns only a game out of the 8th spot in the Western Conference Playoffs, would it surprise me that the NBA wants the 1 vs. 8 match-up of Shaq V Kobe? Not really, the NBA and the rest of the sports needs to take heed of what Shaq says however because the Suns might be the most dangerous team in the playoffs if they make it.

I have one question though, why did Shaq use a RuPaul reference? RuPaul has not mattered in years. In the end, I think he is the only one that knows that for sure.

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Weekend Rant: Shaq and Wade have big games, Obama at an NBA game, Trump is back, and The Curse of Adrianna Lima

->Wade should get his MVP now: Last night the New York Knicks appeared to have a safe victory against the Miami Heat up by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter. Dwayne Wade then went onto score 24 of 46 points in the 4th to give Miami the victory, 120-115.

Wade currently is leading the NBA in points per game with 29.0 ppg along with 5.0 rebounds and 7.4 apg. He is also in the top three in the NBA in steals. Wade also has his Miami Heat team in the top 5 of the East. Seriously, everyone is going go-go gaga over Kobe and Lebron. Wade is having his best season as a pro, give him the MVP now. (Maybe, he’s mad over the NBA banning his decorative band-aids)



Shaq turns back the clock against Toronto: In Friday’s victory over the Toronto Raptors, Shaquille O’Neal turned back the clock and dropped 45 points. The last time that Shaquille O’Neal had a 40 point game was in 2003 when he still with the Lakers.

To be honest, we all know that this is the end of days for Shaq but it is still nice to see him play and at this point watching him play is more exciting than 65% of watching other NBA teams play.

Obama attends NBA Game: When I was thinking about topics for this rant, Obama’s attending the Washington Wizards blow-out of the Chicago Bulls on Friday was not high on the list but this statistic is.

This is the first time in over a decade that a US president has attended an NBA game which goes back to the Clinton Administration. It is nice to see that the commander-in-chief is a fan of the NBA and at least could get some positive publicity to a sport that is in dire need of it.



Donald Trump is back: There are only few words in the psyche of the American public that we can link to a celebrity; “You’re Fired” is Donald Trump catch-phrase and now we get to hear him say it to D-list celebrities on Celebrity Apprentice tonight.

NBC has a two hour premiere tonight at 9pm and some of the celebrities include former NBA player Dennis Rodman, Joan Rivers, Brian McKnight, Andrew Dice Clay, Annie Duke, Natalie Gulbis and many others.

Considering the battle between Piers Morgan and Omarosa last year, some awesome celebrity blow-up will happen this year. Below is one of the top moment from last season of Celebrity Apprentice when Kiss singer Gene Simmons said there nothing they could have done different in a loss. Then Donald said the immortal words, "You're Fired."



The Curse of Adrianna Lima: Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric recently wed Victoria Secret model Adrianna Lima and there have been rumors that they are expecting a child.

However, Jaric has played horribly since Lima and he gotten engaged. Currently he is shooting 0-13 from the field with only four points (coming off of free throws). Is there a curse of Adrianna Lima? Maybe, but I figure it is a good curse to have.

By Ben Chew with 1 comment