text:
The post Andre Miller Inks One-Year Deal With Minnesota appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
According to Andre Miller's agent, Andy Miller, the free agent guard has come to terms on a one-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Miller, 39, is heading into his 17th year in the NBA and holds career averages of 12.8 points and 6.7 assists with seven different teams.
The wily vet was traded from Washington to Sacramento last season, putting up 4.4 points and 3.5 assists in 81 games.
Per the AP:
Adding the 39-year-old Miller gives the young Wolves a quality, veteran point guard to join a rotation featuring starter Ricky Rubio and rookie backup Tyus Jones. Miller visited the Wolves on Wednesday, met with coach Flip Saunders, GM Milt Newton and several team officials and toured the team's new practice facility. Hours later, he agreed to terms on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum.
"He's very excited about the opportunity," Andy Miller said. "He was sold on the direction of the team and the veteran leadership he could provide to a promising young roster. He felt it was a good fit for him."
Miller is also one of the game's great lob passers, and will have athletic young players like Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Shabazz Muhammad and Karl-Anthony Towns on the receiving end in Minnesota. […] "He likes to throw the ball up at the rim and they have a lot of guys who can go get it," Andy Miller said. "It will be an easy transition for him to a very athletic team."
The post Andre Miller Inks One-Year Deal With Minnesota appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post 4-Star Recruit Zach Norvell Drops 53 Points at Las Vegas Tourney (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Balling out at the Las Vegas Live tournament over the weekend, Chicago guard Zach Norvell exploded for 53 points to help his Mac Irvin Fire defeat the Castle Knights. The performance was highlighted by a whopping 14 three-pointers throughout the game, including 11 just in the first half. The 6-4 shooting guard is a rising senior at Simeon Career Academy, the same South Side program that Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker led to four consecutive state titles during his high school days. So it was only fitting that the former Duke standout was sitting on the bench with his former AAU team on Saturday night when the latest Simeon standout had his career-best outing.
Check out the video above to see how it all went down.
The post 4-Star Recruit Zach Norvell Drops 53 Points at Las Vegas Tourney (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Top 2016 Prospect Harry Giles Transfers to National Powerhouse Oak Hill Academy appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
As the summer youth circuit (AAU season) comes to a conclusion, high school seniors around the country are preparing for one final chance to impress college coaches and land scholarships. But for arguably the top ranked prospect in the Class of 2016, it's about looking for the biggest possible challenge before moving on to the college ranks. And so with that in mind, the 6-10 power forward Harry Giles announced today that he is transferring to national powerhouse Oak Hill for his final year of high school after spending the past three seasons at local Wesleyan Christian in North Carolina.
For the last two years Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) has come up on the short end at the DICK'S Sporting Goods High School Nationals at Madison Square Garden due in large part to the dominance of Ben Simmons, the No. 1 high school player in the country at the time who is now a freshman at LSU.
This coming season it'll be the Warriors boasting the No. 1 player.
Harry Giles III, the top ranked player in the ESPN 100, has decided to transfer from Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) to Oak Hill for his senior season.
"At this point I just really want to lock in on school and basketball at the highest level," Giles told USA TODAY High School Sports. "I feel like going to Oak Hill it'll give me the chance to do both. I won't have anything to do but be a better student and a better player."
He was plenty good this past season, leading the Trojans to a 30-5 record and a state independent schools 3A runner-up finish, averaging 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks a game. He was subsequently the only underclassmen named to the American Family Insurance ALL-USA first team.
Last January, Giles scored 23 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and handed out four assists in a 82-59 loss to Oak Hill at the Bass Pro TOC.
Last week, Giles finished up a dominant summer on the AAU circuit with Team CP3 (N.C.), averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds a game on the prestigious Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
"It was a really tough decision to leave my teammates and Coach Keith (Gatlin), that's my guy that I've been rocking with since I got here," said Giles, who recently cut his list of schools down to North Carolina, Kentucky, Wake Forest, Kansas and Duke. "But, at the end of the day, I've got to do what I feel is best for me to develop on and off the court."
"I know that we're all gonna stay close and the people that are for you want the best for you anyway. I've always dreamed of playing at Oak Hill. I'm definitely excited to get down there and get to work."
Giles said he embraces Oak Hill's unwritten "national title or bust" goal, and with three other key transfers – Matt Coleman, a point guard who is ranked No. 25 in the ESPN 100, Mario Kegler, a wing who is ranked No. 36, and Braxton Blackwell, a wing who is ranked No. 37 – surrounding Giles, the Warriors have more than enough talent to achieve said goal.
The post Top 2016 Prospect Harry Giles Transfers to National Powerhouse Oak Hill Academy appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Rosters for the 5th Annual Big Strick Classic Revealed appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Finalized rosters for the 2015 Big Strick Classic, which annually pits the top players in the tri-state area against the top prospects from around America, were revealed earlier today. Check out all the info below from our friends at Big Strick Classic:
The 5th Annual "Big Strick Classic" Memorial high school basketball game will be held on Saturday, August 8th , 2015 @ Gauchos Gym at 478 Gerard Ave Bronx, New York.
The game is a memorial to the legendary streetball player John "Franchise" Strickland, featuring some of the top high school players from around the country, as the USA team, against the top players from the NYC Tri-state area as the NYC team. The admission to the game is free and open to the public.
There will be free giveaways for the fans who attend the game. This game is sponsored by Left Hand, Right Hand, LLC, Metal Sales, The Rock Basketball, Anaconda Sports, Inside Streetball, Premierball.com, Facade Technology and SLAM magazine.
The day before, Friday, August 7th, 2015, the players will be at the Gauchos Gym, starting at 10:00am. Media will have access to the players at 1:00pm on for a workout and press day, which will be open to the public. That evening, the players will scrimmage starting at 6:00 PM. at Monsignor Kett Park, better known as "Dyckman Park." The atmosphere will be electric when the top players from around the country invade New York City!!!
On Saturday, August 8th, 2015, The doors open at 4:15pm event starts at 5:00pm and admission is FREE. The players will participate in a 3-point shootout followed by a Dunk contest Then, "let the games begin" as Team Armoni faces off against Team Escalade in the Regional matchup game followed by the Main Event, Team USA vs. Team NYC. It promises, as always to be a great event!
THE BIG STRICK CLASSIC gives the New York area basketball fan a chance to see these up and coming stars in person. Where were you when Archie Goodwin went up against Kyle Anderson? Now you have to pay to see them play in the NBA! Were you there when Jordan Mickey made the game saving block on Schoochie Smith? Well, he's on the Celtics now Were you there when Isaiah Briscoe led team NYC to a 50 point fourth quarter to earn the nickname "Must See TV"? Were you there to see Antonio Blakeney and Rawle Alkins hold off Stephen Zimmerman and Dwayne Bacon in a classic 4th quarter duel?
Six former Big Strick attendees were drafted in this year's draft alone!
You don't want to miss this event!!
The post Rosters for the 5th Annual Big Strick Classic Revealed appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Demon Duo appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
When he was in middle school, the kid known to his family as "Lil' Zeek" would head to the park or the gym and watch games of basketball. He had yet to hear the sport's siren call, but as he caught sight of players dunking, captivation quickly came running. Woodley took note of the excitement generated by jams, the way they kick-started momentum for a team. This was fun. He began to think of basketball as something he'd like to pursue.
Fast-forward a few years, and Zikiteran Woodley, now simply known as "Zeek", is a rim-rattling 6-2 junior guard for Northwestern State. His 22.2 points led the Southland Conference last season and finished fifth best in all DI. Some compare him to Charles Barkley, the mix of power with (maybe) a little better perimeter shooting.
Like Sir Charles in his prime, Woodley is a unique force—a hybrid guard/forward who can quickly enter the realm of the devastating. When he doused McNeese State for 34 points last March, the Cowboys head coach called him unstoppable.
Woodley has a running mate in the Demons backcourt by the name of Jalan West. In that same game against McNeese State, West scored 24 points (all in the second half) and chipped in a tidy 12 assists. It was the 11th double-double of his career. He is 5-10. Woodley and West finished a combined 23-29 from the floor, including 16-17 in that dizzying second half.
Some kinda unstoppable.
It is these types of performances that lend credence to the belief that these two guards might just form the best backcourt in the country. They have certainly been big reasons behind Northwestern State's recent offensive pyrotechnics. In 2012-13 and '13-14, the Demons finished second in the country in scoring before taking top spot in DI last season at a tidy 84 points per game.
Some critics look at the beefed-up production, both individual and team, and cry foul. It's simply the byproduct of an up-tempo system. What they fail to take into account is the incredible skill, and fastidious effort, that produces these results. Take West and Woodley, who partake in endless games of one-on-one, or cutthroat, or H-O-R-S-E. If Woodley sees West hit a crazy trick shot, he'll head to the gym to the next day set about mastering it. "We just like to compete against each other and have fun," says West.
They apply them to games, like the one last February against New Orleans. NSU trailed by 14 early; then, West hit an improbable 53-footer at the halftime buzzer. A furious Demons comeback saw the game tied at 84 with just seconds to play. West got the ball, and calmly hit a fadeaway 27-footer to seal the dub.
"They are special, but both of them have one trait that's unique—they're gym rats," says NSU head coach Mike McConathy. "Jalan has practiced those shots he made in that (New Orleans) game. A gym rat has created that type of situation in their minds, when they're competing against themselves. It's just an artist working on a picture, or a writer fleshing out a story. There's so much work that goes into the final product, and I don't think people think of it in that light. So when they hit these types of shots, it's almost deja vu. They've already created that moment in their minds."
Last season, West averaged 20 points, 7.7 assists and 2.5 steals. As a sophomore, he became the first player since Speedy Claxton for Hofstra (and that was '99-00) to average at least 19 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.5 steals.
Come next March, it'll have been three years since his last NCAA Tournament appearance. West wants another one before he leaves Natchitoches.
How did the big schools miss them?
That's the question that plagues this age, when transfer rates keep rising and major levels of production by a player for a team not deemed "high-major" draws stares.
Why aren't they playing for, like, Kansas?
The answer is this: West and Woodley are throwbacks, in a wonderful sense of the word.
During his 16-year turn at Bossier Parish CC, McConathy coached West's uncle, Terry. Terry told his nephew that if he attended NSU, he'd have a father figure in addition to a coach. When schools backed off West late on the recruiting trail due to academics, Northwestern State stuck in and offered him the chance to take a redshirt year as a freshman.
Perhaps the biggest factor: Both players came from communities in Louisiana in which they felt cared for. At Northwestern State, that support system is recreated. "A lot of times, we don't place enough value upon that," says McConathy. "Not just your immediate family or team, but having people around you that want you to be successful."
It is a calling card of this program, which permeates both coach and player. When Woodley starred as a senior at Pelican All-Saints High, West, then a redshirt-freshman at NSU, came to watch his games. They'd speak afterward, and West kept his message succinct: He really wanted Woodley as a teammate, and he thought that Northwestern State would be the perfect place for him.
This is West, who finishes conversations with a sincere "Thank you" and "Stay blessed."
Woodley is self-professedly quiet, and when he began at Northwestern State, it took him some time to grow into his new surroundings. But West was always near. If he wasn't, the two would text, pinging advice back and forth.
When Woodley began his freshman season, West would talk with him before games. His message? Just play.
"I told him to take the shots he'd taken in high school—we won't get mad," West says. Woodley sees him as a big brother. West says he looks up to Woodley as well. "He's got intangibles I try to add to my game," West says. "He's more of a brother than any teammate I've ever had."
McConathy knows the formula that works for him. It helped him build a powerhouse at Bossier Parish, and it rejuvenated the Northwestern State program. When McConathy took over in Natchitoches in 1999, NSU had enjoyed just five winning seasons and no NCAA Tournament bids in its then-24 year Division I history. They've now enjoyed three trips to March Madness.
It attracts fans, including captivating subsets on a given night.
Take the 30 to 50 you might find at each home game, who've made the 40-mile drive from Pelican. Woodley's high school was consolidated following his senior year, so now those fans travel to support their favorite son. Their Woodley-themed t-shirts pop out.
A former Pelican school counselor and her husband travel to the road games.
They see a force who continues to add elements to his game.
"A lot of teams don't know how well Zeek can shoot the ball outside the arc. He's one of the best shooters on the team," says West. "He's also very athletic and very strong. He's like an undersized big who can play as a guard. He's a mismatch for anyone—he can post up smaller guards, he can pull big men outside. It's that Charles Barkley game. He can get anywhere he wants on the court."
Woodley hearkens back to his beginnings to explain his effect.
"I can shoot it, but I think my athleticism is what makes me so successful. When I dunk, that's when I get my team going, and the crowd jumping."
Then he gets to talking about his brother. "Jalan can do it all," says Woodley. "In practice, he's blocking shots. He score whenever he wants, but he looks to get teammates involved. He makes everybody on the floor better."
The NCAA Tournament: West wants back in. Woodley wants to experience his first. With the skill on hand, they might just get there. For now, they'll continue to inspire a place.
"We all have good days and bad days, but every day is a good day having these kinds of kids in your program," says McConathy.
Image courtesy of Gary Hardamon, NSU Photographic Services
The post Demon Duo appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Step It Up Basketball Camp Is Developing Up-and-Comers On and Off the Court appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
When Yogev Berdugo lost his father, he found solace in the game he once loved.
After his college career as a walk-on guard at Hofstra and then at Brandeis University was over, Berdugo traveled to his native Israel and played a year professionally. It wasn't until he returned stateside did he get a call from an old friend that changed his life, and subsequently the lives of so many of his future campers. "He said, 'Yogev, you got to go into basketball. You're passionate, you love kids, you're getting good at what you do. Start working with ball and clear your head at least,'" Berdugo says. He did just that. He ran a camp with two kids and lost money for two and a half years, but through that time, the ideals of Step It Up basketball camp were being born.
Step It Up camp is hosted by Colby Sawyer College in New London, NH with the entire campus at the campers' disposal. The campers live in the dorms and eat in the cafeteria during their stay, which is either a four-, six- or eight-week session. The camp is available to boys from fourth grade throughout high school, taking in all levels of skills amongst the aspiring ballers.
Berdugo has assembled a staff of teachers to help coach his campers, not just decorated former players. "The number one thing I look for is that you have to know how to work with kids," Berdugo says. "Just the basics of playing pro ball means nothing—it's not going to help develop these kids."
Mark Sanford, the Player Development Coach for the Memphis Grizzlies, along with Jacob Gino, formally an assistant coach at Maccabi Tel-Aviv, highlights Berdugo's staff. Gal Mekel of the New Orleans Pelicans also is a presence at the camp, teaching not only skills but sharing stories with the campers of what life is like in the NBA. Step It Up has also hired specialists to make the camp as well-rounded as possible. Having professional nutritionists, Pilates instructors and NCAA strength coaches on campus, the young men are learning from experts in all facets of basketball and overall healthy living.
For Berdugo, his goal to enhance the fundamental basketball skills is only a mere shred of his camp's mission. Berdugo has introduced a series of seminars to help his campers deal with life beyond the hardwood. The young ballers will go through emotionally channeling seminars, lessons on how to be confident in any endeavor and even participate in Habitat for Humanity. Step It Up campers need to be just as confident with their crossover as they are in speaking in front of their peers, so Berdugo has made public speaking seminars mandatory.
"I'll take the most awkward kid and put him in front of 200 kids and say 'Go'," Berdugo says. "No one's taught them this resiliency, persistency, the ethics, how to be honest. We do a lot of skill development and a lot of life skills. That's Step It Up—we are on these kids' asses daily."
The campers will leave the camp with an improved defensive stance, court awareness and vision for their upcoming basketball seasons, but it's the life skills preached by Berdugo and his staff that have the families of these kids forever grateful. But your average basketball parents aren't the only ones who have praised Berdugo's methods—he's caught the attention of NBA personal trainer David Thorpe, whose son has attended camp. Thorpe, who has trained Luol Deng, Udonis Haslem and Kevin Martin, was impressed with the camp's instruction.
The "life skills," as Berdugo and his staff call them, are the primary takeaways he hopes his campers leave each summer with—not just a stronger left-handed lay-up. "Here's how you shake a man's hand, here's how you look at coach when he's ripping into you—you don't buckle, you don't start picking at your fingernails and putting your hands in your pockets," Berdugo says.
To learn more about Step It Up visit their website here, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Step It Up
The post Step It Up Basketball Camp Is Developing Up-and-Comers On and Off the Court appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post LeBron James on Space Jam 2: 'Wait and See' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Fans were treated to a brief Twitter Q&A with LeBron James—King James addressed everything Tuesday night from his favorite "Seinfeld" episode; listed his top wrestlers of all-time; gently fired back at trolls; named some of his most-like teammates; and so on …
LeBron also addressed the rumors about him possibly starring in a remake of "Space Jam"—something that you can even wager on—and he left the door slightly ajar for a sequel.
@KingJRob21 Maybe…….Guess we'll just have to wait and see. #LooneyToonsRock
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015
@conr_rich Ray Allen, @chrisbosh @kevinlove @KyrieIrving just to name a few
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015
@heftylinens Gladiator/The Godfather 2. Batman and Michael Jordan growing up
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015
@mfadel LA,NY,Chi,Bos,GS
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015
@thassan4590 You guys are going to be pretty damn good this coming year again. Good luck #ILovePop
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 28, 2015
The post LeBron James on Space Jam 2: 'Wait and See' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Matt Barnes Calls Serge Ibaka 'Dirty' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
New Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes spoke to a local sports radio station Tuesday, and re-ignited his war of words with OKC Thunder big man Serge Ibaka.
Barnes brought up a couple of incidents from the past, using them to point out that he thinks Ibaka is a "dirty" player.
"He's just dirty" – Matt Barnes on Serge Ibaka. "…He hit Blake in the nuts twice."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 28, 2015
"He hit Blake in the nuts twice. We're grown men."- Barnes talking about Ibaka @929espn w/ @ChrisVernonShow pic.twitter.com/rHLHvvik5x
— 929ESPN (@929espn) July 28, 2015
Barnes is looking forward to facing his former team, saying that going up against his old LA Clippers teammates promises to be "amazing".
He also offered his two cents on the DeAndre Jordan free agency disaster.
"Getting to play the Clippers is going to be amazing," Barnes to @ChrisVernonShow
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 28, 2015
Barnes on DJ situation — "I told him he maybe made an emotional decision wanting to jump ship….I knew his heart was in LA."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 28, 2015
Serge Ibaka Ready to Fight Matt Barnes After Winning a Title (VIDEO)
The post Matt Barnes Calls Serge Ibaka 'Dirty' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Assault On Assault Documentary Trailer (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
DC Assault is one of the most recognized programs in AAU basketball, with alumni like Melo Trimble, Jeff Green, Michael Beasley, Keith Bogans and Nolan Smith, among others. Assault on Assault is a new documentary that chronicles the wild success and ensuing hardships of the DC Assault (for the record, the doc isn't affiliated with the team in any way). The film also goes into depth about the capitalistic motives of youth basketball across the country.
Check out the trailer above, courtesy of Arize Ifejika. You can purchase and watch the full documentary here.
The post Assault On Assault Documentary Trailer (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Q+A: Karl-Anthony Towns appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Karl-Anthony Towns' life has been a whirlwind this summer. Since being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the No. 1 pick, he has participated in the NBA Summer League, made appearances on TV, and hosted a basketball clinic for kids.
We sat down with Karl at the Sports Matter Panel at NASDAQ Marketsite on Tuesday, where the impact of sports on kids and the youth sports funding crisis—causes dear to his heart—were discussed.
SLAM: In the panel discussion you stated that sports were your way out and a vehicle to get you to college. Can you describe the impact of youth sports on your life?
Karl-Anthony Towns: It's been a big impact on me. It's been the reason I have been able to do what I have been able to do in life because it gave me the foundation of learning how to work hard, how to stay dedicated to something, learn how to be passionate, have teamwork, be able to work with a team, and to be able to have initiative. For me, sports is what has led me to the way I am today.
SLAM: Over the weekend you hosted a basketball clinic in New Jersey. Why are youth sports so important to you?
KAT: For me, youth sports are very important. I am taking a lot of time to do camps that help kids get better, spending some time at ECC (East Coast Conditioning SportsPlex in Edison, NJ) to give lessons and make sure that I give back as much as possible, coaching my high school team to give them a chance to get the knowledge that I have now to give it to them, so they can be better next season, and just trying to give back as much as possible.
SLAM: What did you learn from your time at Kentucky that will help you in the future?
KAT: I think the biggest thing that I learned from Kentucky that will always stay with me is to stay in the present. The season goes by so fast, you gotta enjoy the moment. Enjoy the time that you have, and enjoy everything that you go through. This college season felt like a blur, but I was able to enjoy it so much because every second I was playing, every second I was moving, every second I was having a blast.
SLAM: What was the moment like of hearing your name called in the NBA Draft, and what was your parent's reaction?
KAT: They were just very excited, very ecstatic, just really happy to have a chance to say their son is an NBA player.
SLAM: Kevin Garnett has worked out with you and given you some pointers in the Summer League. What do you think you can learn from the veteran?
KAT: Mostly how to use my body, and to have longevity in my career, make it longer. Be able to not be so much of a bruiser on the court, and learn how to be more finesse. Learning how to just use my body in a more tactical way, instead of just being all bruiser.
Rapid Fire Questions
SLAM: Thoughts on AAU basketball?
KAT: AAU basketball, I mean for me, I played it growing up. It's a very good platform for kids to start getting good experience.
SLAM: Nicki Minaj or Taylor Swift?
KAT: Ahhhhh. Nicki Minaj, probably.
SLAM: Best moment at Kentucky?
KAT: Notre Dame game.
SLAM: You think you will take up ice fishing in Minnesota?
KAT: Uh probably with [Nikola] Pekovic, yeah [laughs].
Images courtesy of Catalyst
The post Q+A: Karl-Anthony Towns appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Still Jumping appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Joe Asberry had serious hoop dreams.
Coming out of California in the late '80s, he had size, and the athletic ability to jump out of the gym—hence the moniker, "Jumping Joe." The San Francisco native had all the God-given talent he needed, but often times that isn't enough. Getting to the NBA requires more than natural ability. Jumping Joe knows. He is a testament to the fact that hops, handle and a vicious game doesn't translate to NBA success, it takes more than that. Jumping Joe had his chances and blew them.
And he is the first to admit that.
"I played in college at Pepperdine," Joe tells SLAM. "But after I got caught stealing in the dorm rooms on campus, on some wanna-be gangsta shit, I was in Coach [Jim] Harrick's permanent dog house and they shipped me out."
"I played high school ball at Washington. I was All-State, Honorable Mention All-American and I played very well against the best players in the country at a big Summer Tournament in Vegas. We won a State Championship with the German legend, Chris Welp, who played in the NBA with the 76ers and Warriors. I was All-Tournament and got a few votes for MVP, but my 7-foot center took home the trophy."
After a stellar high school career, the future looked bright. But Joe failed to make his mark at Pepperdine and then went the JuCo route, at San Francisco City College (where his team was runner-up California JuCo Champion) and later San Francisco State. But when he became draft eligible in 1989, no one selected him.
"I was one of those dudes who never took college serious," Joe says. "I viewed college ball as a springboard to the NBA, like many other dudes who were only dreaming. I was a good role player with a tireless motor, that energy dude every team needs. I was a great rebounder and shot blocker, but my addiction was to dunk on people. It was when crack hit the bay area in the '80s and '90s, so addiction was normal. I just thank God I was addicted to weed, forty ounce beers and dunks."
And Jumping Joe has made a career out of dunking on people, despite never making it to the League. He followed another route, call it the path less taken, but a path nonetheless that many American ball players have ended up on. Joe had pedigree and respect from pros and future pros, which gave him instant credibility abroad.
"My dream was always to play pro basketball," Joe says. "The San Francisco Pro-Am saved my life. Playing against guys like Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, my man Brain Shaw and being on the same team with streetball legend Hook Mitchell gave me the feeling like I was a pro. But them dudes had mad game, I was just the dude with bounce who dunked on plenty of people and laughed a lot."
Jumping Joe didn't take his ability serious enough, and it almost slipped through his fingers as he began gravitating toward the streets.
"I was a weed head and caught up with the hustle of the '90s," Joe recalls. "My love of guns and pretending to be a gangster had me headed on a one-way street to death or jail. Dudes were making major paper in the crack trade, so I wanted a piece of the pie like everybody else. The problem was I was a well-known cat from hoops. Everybody knew me as the clown ass dude with hops, so they didn't take my gangster serious. So I went and got that first and fifteenth money."
But eventually Joe tired of the grind of having a "real job" and went back to his first love, playing ball. Denied the chance to play in the NBA, he headed to Europe.
"I left to play basketball for the first time overseas in 1991," Joe says. "I came overseas because my life was spiraling out of control. My college roommate Eric White played in the NBA for the Clippers. He is a true homie and he inspired me to never let my dream go."
Jumping Joe's hoop dream was still alive.
"Eric White picked me up and splurged on me with that NBA paper," Joe tells SLAM. "That lit a fire underneath my butt cheeks even more. My guy Marzel Price was playing in the First League in Germany and he put me on. I played in the Third League because my reputation as a party animal and gangster kept me out of the First League. But I made more paper in the Third League than some dudes in the First League."
Getting paid to play was what it was about for Joe, who went on to play in Japan and Luxembourg—where he finished his career in 2002, "where I put up 30 points per game."
But playing overseas isn't all its cracked up to be, says Joe.
"My experience with professional basketball in Europe is this: Basketball overseas isn't for everybody. There is a language barrier. You will not be understood when you have personal problems, especially if you're from the hood. You will be homesick. If you can leave loved ones and your culture behind for your hoop dream, then you can make it work like I did. Expect not to be paid on time. Expect to encounter snakes and people who want to take advantage of Americans everywhere. If you can deal with all of that, you can make your hoop dream a reality."
Jumping Joe has. And he has found life overseas after his playing career was over, as a coach who puts on clinics for the kids.
"I started up a program to warn kids about the bullshit I was doing and it worked out," Joe says. "My mission now is to warn young dudes who want to come and play overseas what this really is out here and I hope they listen to me and then make a decision on what's best for them and their family. I'm a talent scout now for a company in Germany. So I'm looking to help guys live out their hoop dream, like I did."
And Jumping Joe has found another sideline to keep his career in hoops going. He still has amazing hops even at 50 years old, and proves it with the YouTube videos showing all the amazing dunks he does to wow the kids and players at the camps and clinics he holds in Germany.
He's also started a series of video blogs, like this one:
"My videos online are for only one purpose," Joe says. "To prove to anybody that ever hated on me, coaches and other haters, that I can ball and I can follow my hoop dream even if it takes me to the moon."
Jumping Joe has had an amazing and eventful journey. What it takes him next, we don't know. But one thing is for sure: it's far from over.
Seth Ferranti writes for VICE, Don Diva and The Fix. Support his new Supreme Team comic, order his books on Gorilla Convict and follow him on Twitter @sethferranti.
The post Still Jumping appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WATCH: Paul Pierce Throws a Terrible First Pitch at Dodgers Game appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
New LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce was a guest of honor at the A's-Dodgers tilt Tuesday night.
The Truth's attempt at the ceremonial first pitch was, um, poor.
With my boy at the Dodgers game pic.twitter.com/BtBjPoD8KU
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 29, 2015
Paul Pierce's first pitch = F https://t.co/e1U0L1n2bb
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 29, 2015
Oakland ended up with a 2-0 road win.
The post WATCH: Paul Pierce Throws a Terrible First Pitch at Dodgers Game appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Memphis Transfer Austin Nichols Commits To Virginia appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The top remaining player on college basketball's transfer market is heading to Virginia.
Former Memphis forward Austin Nichols, who averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game for the Tigers in 2014-15, announced that he will join the Cavaliers.
Nichols will have to sit out this season as part of the NCAA's transfer rules, but he will have two years of eligibility left starting in 2016-17.
More from ESPN:
Memphis Tigers transfer Austin Nichols is joining the Virginia Cavaliers, he told ESPN Radio on Sunday.
Virginia coach Tony Bennett announced the transfer Monday, saying Nichols is a "great fit for our program and system."
Nichols had strongly considered Virginia coming out of high school.
After hiring a lawyer, the 6-foot-9 forward was given an unconditional release by Memphis earlier this month, making the former top-25 recruit free to accept a scholarship from any Division I program.
Sources told ESPN that Virginia had been high atop Nichols' list of suitors because of a connection between his former summer coach, Ernie Kuyper, and the family of John Paul Jones — whom Virginia's arena is named after. Kuyper runs an event in Memphis called the Jack Jones Shootout.
The post Memphis Transfer Austin Nichols Commits To Virginia appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Steve Kerr Had Back Surgery appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reports that he'll "be out for the summer," this after undergoing surgery on his back Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Kerr, 49, has been dealing with back issues for some months.
In his first year on the bench, Kerr helped guide the Dubs to a League-best 67 wins and the 2015 NBA title.
Per CSN Bay Area:
Kerr has been dealing with the issue for a few months.
Two weeks ago, Kerr was in Tahoe for the American Century Celebrity Golf Classic, but was unable to participate.
"I was supposed to play in the tournament but my back is acting up so I'm just enjoying the lake and the scenery," Kerr said. "Can't play this year unfortunately."
The post Steve Kerr Had Back Surgery appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Damian Lillard, Andrew Wiggins And Jimmy Kimmel Star In New Foot Locker Ad (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Move over Uncle Drew, there's a new baller in town and his name is Bobby Butter. Take a look at the hilarious Footlocker ad featuring two former NBA Rookie of the Years and the Late Night host.
The post Damian Lillard, Andrew Wiggins And Jimmy Kimmel Star In New Foot Locker Ad (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Planting Seeds appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
as told to Peter Walsh
I traveled back to my father's homeland, Senegal, for the first time in a few years to visit my family and also to host a clinic at the SEED Academy. I've been working with SEED for years but realized that not much was being done for young women basketball players in Senegal, so I partnered with SEED to help launch the girls school. I'm really dedicated to helping the girls in the classroom and on the court and leading the clinic was an amazing experience.
It has been great being able to support the program and help run the women's academy. When I arrived, the girls were really happy to see me, and they were smiling a lot and wanted to show that they can do great things on the court and in the classroom. It was a short clinic but we were able to go through a lot of drills and the older girls helped me coach, which was really cool. When we first practiced in the morning, the 16-year-old girls helped me to teach the 11-, 12- and 13-year-old girls how to dribble, pass and shoot. When we came back in the afternoon, we made the drills a little harder but the girls picked it up right away. It showed them that there is always room for improvement and you can add little things to each drill to get better. It was fun to see improvement that quickly.
During my visit to Senegal, I also went to visit my father's hometown of Mpal. He is now the mayor there, so I got a great reception when I came. I established the Babac'Ards foundation in Senegal a decade ago to help develop education, and I hadn't been back in three or four years—being able to see how much the town and the country had changed was amazing. Coming back as the mayor's son and an NBA Champion caused a lot of excitement and everyone was very happy to see me. The whole trip was really magical.
I captured my travels on Instagram (@diawboris) and on a physical camera. Earlier this year, I went on a safari trip and brought my camera with me and took photos of wildlife that were used for the July edition of National Geographic For Kids. Each offseason I try and get better with my camera—I have a really deep passion for photography and sharing my travels through pictures.
portrait by Kevin Couliau
The post Planting Seeds appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Minnesota Lynx Acquire Sylvia Fowles in 3-Team Trade appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
All-Star center Sylvia Fowles was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Minnesota Lynx in a three-team blockbuster trade on Monday.
The Lynx acquired Fowles and the Sky's 2016 second-round pick, sending 22-year-old center Damiris Dantas, rookie forward Reshanda Gray and their 2016 first-round pick to the Atlanta Dream. The Sky received All-Star center Erika de Souza from Atlanta.
Fowles, 29, demanded a trade to Minnesota in January and held out the first half of the season while the Sky and Lynx worked out the framework of the deal.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is expected to play in tonight's game against the L.A. Sparks.
More from ESPN:
The Chicago Sky traded center Sylvia Fowles to the Minnesota Lynx as part of a three-team deal Monday.
The Sky acquired Erika De Souza from Atlanta and also gave the Lynx their second-round pick in next year's draft. The Dream received Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Gray and Minnesota's first-round pick next season.
Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith called Fowles a "proven, defensive All-Star."
"We expect her to step in and be a great leader on and off the court," he said. "She's been one of the elite centers in the WNBA and will be a key addition to our championship-caliber roster."
Fowles sat out the first half of the year after requesting a trade from Chicago in the offseason. Without their 6-foot-5 star, the Sky (11-6) are second in the Eastern Conference. The two-time Olympian is averaging 15.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2 blocks for her career.
The post Minnesota Lynx Acquire Sylvia Fowles in 3-Team Trade appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Vin Baker Training to Manage a Starbucks appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Vin Baker leads a very different life from the one he's known for as a four-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist.
Baker has four children and is newly married. Oh yeah, he's also part of the Starbucks management training program.
The 43-year-old turned his life around after a battle with alcoholism led him to blow through close to $100 million in career earnings; Baker says he's kept his demons at bay and found true happiness.
Per the Providence Journal:
The world's tallest, and perhaps most famous, barista is stationed behind a busy coffee counter. His smile and easy-going style welcome customers looking for their Starbucks fix as they fastbreak to work or South County's beaches. […] "I love North Kingstown. It reminds me of my hometown, so it's comfortable," says the man, who stretches to 6-feet-11. "I like this community. Starbucks draws a lot of repeat customers and so many know me now."
He thanks CEO Howard Shultz, the former Seattle SuperSonics owner, with this opportunity. He's also a trained minister who savors work at his father's church in Connecticut. Most important, he has been sober for more than four years. […] "In this company there are opportunities for everyone. I have an excellent situation here at Starbucks and the people are wonderful," Baker says.
"When you learn lessons in life, no matter what level you're at financially, the important part to realize is it could happen," he said. "I was an alcoholic, I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it. For the people on the outside looking in, they're like 'Wow.' For me, I'm 43 and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I'm a father. I'm a minister in my father's church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back. If I use my notoriety in the right way, most people will appreciate that this guy is just trying to bounce back in his life."
The post Vin Baker Training to Manage a Starbucks appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Loaded Maui Invitational Field Headlined By Kansas, Indiana appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The field for the 2015 Maui Invitational was announced Tuesday, and it is stacked. The two headliners are the Kansas Jayhawks and the Indiana Hoosiers, but the field beyond those two is loaded, as it features UCLA, UNLV, Vanderbilt, St. John's, Wake Forest, and of course, host Chaminade. The Hoosiers and the Jayhawks are on opposite sides of the bracket, so there is a good chance that the two sides could meet up in the tournament's championship game. All games will be on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, and the tournament will go from November 23-25.
From Yahoo Sports:
It's no mystery what potential title game Maui Invitational organizers wanted to create when they designed this year's bracket.
They were trying to set up a championship clash between Kansas and Indiana when they placed the two blue bloods on opposite sides of the draw.
The Maui Invitational bracket released Tuesday has the reigning Big 12 champion Jayhawks pitted against host Chaminade in the opening round of the tournament. Assuming Kansas avoids an upset of monumental proportions, it would meet the winner of UCLA-UNLV in the semifinals.
Indiana will open against Wake Forest on its side of the bracket. The winner of that game will likely meet a much-improved Vanderbilt team that finished last season on a hot streak unless the Commodores fail to get past rebuilding St. John's in the opening round.
A Kansas-Indiana matchup would be an appealing one given that both teams will likely begin next season ranked in the top 15 in the nation.
The post Loaded Maui Invitational Field Headlined By Kansas, Indiana appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Jordan Son of Mars appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Jordan Son of Mars appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Best Assists of 2014-15 NBA Season (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Manu Ginobili and Steph Curry highlight the best dimes and dishes from the 2014-15 season, courtesy of our friends over at the NBA.
The post Best Assists of 2014-15 NBA Season (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Coach K on Building a Team (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
In conjunction with the US Army, we got the chance to sit down with college basketball's all-time winningest head coach, Mike Krzyzewski. We caught up with Coach K inside Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University, where he talked about becoming a head coach at the US Military Academy in West Point, NY and how he uses lessons learned there when coaching superstars on Team USA and at Duke. Stay tuned for more from our sitdown with Coach K—both online and in SLAM 192.
The post Coach K on Building a Team (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Shaquille O'Neal on Scottie Pippen: 'I Don't Let Bums Disrespect Me' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
We were all thankful that the ridiculous Shaquille O'Neal-Scottie Pippen social media feud had come to an end.
We were wrong.
Shaq went on the offensive again Monday, childishly lashing out and accusing Pip of instigating the war of words.
Using tortured metaphors, an emotional O'Neal made it clear that this fight is far from over, since he has "nothing to do."
(Oy …)
From the Diesel's podcast (via reddit):
"I don't let bums disrespect me," O'Neal said.
"Yeah he as a great player," O'Neal continued. "But I'm the bridge and he is the water."
"He will always be under me."
Shaquille O'Neal: All-Time Lakers Would Beat All-Time Bulls 'By Fifty'
The post Shaquille O'Neal on Scottie Pippen: 'I Don't Let Bums Disrespect Me' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Pedal to the Medal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Jordin Alexander has been told that before she'd turned 2 years old, her dad, Douglas, would bring her into the TV room in their home to watch the Indiana Hoosiers play basketball. As she grew up in Fishers, a town some 70 miles north of Bloomington, she noticed that everyone in her family played the sport.
Alexander soon felt that same magnetic pull, and she began pursuing her state's pastime. Only, as she watched games, she noticed something more. The way a canny cut here, or a tidy bit of footwork there, allowed the best players to thrive. It was Reggie Miller, her favorite Pacer, using his body to exploit every potential increment of space in order to rise up and release that inch-perfect jumper.
"Our body types are similar," Alexander said over the phone on a Tuesday afternoon, explaining why she picked Miller as her case study for her education in hoops. "We're not super-strong, so we have to move a lot without the ball. Reggie changed speeds so quickly. He'd sprint from one side to the next, and he always seemed to find a way to get open. I always enjoyed watching that. He had a mid-range game, and he could always hit those threes. I modeled my game on that."
Enter endless games of one-on-one on the hoop in the family driveway with her two younger sisters. Then, Alexander would head over to the park to play pick-up. She honed her distinct offensive style, a two-pronged ability to either beat you from deep or, should a defender begin cheating, blow past you and utilize a medley of mid- to close-range shots.
Alexander never shirked the cultivation of a skill base. She hoisted all those jumpers, went through the series of dribbling drills, but she notes now that it was by applying these skills to game-type situations—all those runs in the park—that allowed her to try out what she'd worked on and, upon reflection, figure out when and where it worked best.
At Hamilton Southeastern (IN) High, Alexander played four years of varsity and ran point on one of the best teams in the state. She picked up two conference championships, including one in her senior season, when Hamilton Southeastern finished its regular season 20-0.
Despite playing a key role in so much success, and some impressive showings at various summer elite camps, Alexander didn't get many looks from high-major colleges. This was partly due to the fact that she grew late into her current 5-10 stature. Once she did, schools began swooping in.
But Brown had been there from the beginning, and Alexander liked the perfect marriage it provided of high-competitive basketball and top-quality academics. She visited and fell in love with this school perched upon the top of a hill in Rhode Island's capital. She committed before her senior year of high school.
"When I visited the campus, I loved the atmosphere," said Alexander. "And with the open curriculum (a hallmark of Brown's education for more than four decades), you can create your own degree, and try out different courses. It's a really good experience. I thought a lot about it, and I just felt comfortable. And the degree is what matters in the end."
Alexander had lived in the Midwest her entire life, so a culture shock was inevitable upon moving East. But she threw herself into the new. Meeting new people was exhilarating, and in her new teammates she found unconditional support.
Then came the dark. During her first two seasons at Brown, Alexander played in just 25 games. A bout of mononucleosis cut her freshman season short, then severe shin fractures ended her second campaign prematurely.
"Being away from family was hard enough, and then not having basketball, which had been my whole life for so many years, taken away…and the second year sucked," said Alexander. "I wanted a fresh start, and then 'that' hits me."
Every day, Alexander pushed through the tedium and told herself she would come back stronger for her junior season. "The mental game—that's the biggest struggle I had," Alexander said. So, she told herself she was starting over, and the last two years were swept away.
Then, that very spring, Sarah Behn was named Brown's new head coach. A star at Boston College (she finished with 2,523 points, which still stands as the program record), Behn coached UMass Lowell for three seasons, shepherding them through the transition from Division II to DI ahead of '13-14. In their final season in DII, UMass Lowell averaged 82 points per game, playing an entertaining brand of up-tempo basketball. They pressed after made baskets, they searched for good looks on offense—preferably within the first 12 seconds of the shot clock.
When Alexander met with Behn in the spring of last year, Behn told her that she wanted the Bears to equal her previous team's output. She wanted them to practice an entertaining brand; Behn knew from experience that it would put fans in the seats. Alexander realized this was someone who saw the game the same way. She signed on immediately. "Having Behn come in, her style and everything, it gave me more room to play how I do. It did for everyone, and that played a huge part in how the team performed last season," Alexander said.
Twenty-nine points in the season opener, and eight games with more than 20 for Alexander before '14-15 was through. Her 15.0 points led Brown, and were the fifth-highest tally in the Ivy League. She slid seamlessly between perimeter positions, and used her expert conditioning to great effect. As defenses tired, Alexander's eyes lit up. She'd drive even more. A fifth of her points last season came from the foul line. "[Coach Behn] really likes fast-pace, and we like to push," said Alexander. "It was definitely different than my first two years here. She opened it up for us to feel free."
Brown returns four starters from a team that went 10-18. A strong recruiting class joins that core. Behn is giddy about the prospect of depth. This offseason, she's tasked Alexander, who was named one of three captains for this season, with becoming even more of a leader—and rediscovering her dead-eye three-point shot. (Alexander attempted just 27 treys last season.)
Music to the ears of a Reggie Miller fan.
"In high school, I used to be more of a three-point shooter, but last year I concentrated on mid-range and taking it to the hoop and finishing," said Alexander. "But defenses really started to pack it in on me, so I need to be able to pull farther out and hit threes. This summer has been about building confidence. I'm putting up a lot of shots. I'll be a threat from deep this season."
Alexander has the possibility of a fifth season of eligibility, a silver lining from those abridged first two years, but the Ivy League strictly adheres to a ruling that does not allow a player to feature more than four seasons for one team in conference. That opens up the possibility of a grad transfer and immediate eligibility for another Division I team in '16-17, once Alexander has finished her degree in public health. "I'm considering getting my masters in that field, so I'm looking at schools where I could knock out that program during my fifth year in college," she said. "I don't want to be done already. I've played this long. I'll be sad when it ends."
That's all in the future. Right now, there's a reclamation act brewing at Brown. Behn has targeted 15 to 16 wins this season, which would put the Bears on the pedestal of a possible post-season bid. Said Behn, "We'll keep trying to push the pedal to the medal."
Alexander's excellent junior season was two years in the making. It sprang from pain and disappointment, which she transformed into fuel. Now, she has a year of Behn's new style under her belt, and all the confidence from being named Second Team All-Ivy. Add another healthy summer to the mix, and, well, some might watch a player rocking No. 13 for Brown this season and think of a certain Pacers all-time great.
Image courtesy of Brown Women's Basketball
The post Pedal to the Medal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post DeMar DeRozan Hosts Jr. Drew League Camp (PHOTOS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Prior to scoring 31 points in MHP's double-overtime win at the buzzer courtesy of Swaggy P in Week 11 of the Drew League, Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan spent his Saturday morning leading boys and girls at the Jr. Drew League camp at King Drew Medical Magnet HS in Watts, CA.
The annual camp gives kids around the community an opportunity to showcase their skills and work on their game with various dribbling, agility and shooting stations all while getting insight from DeRozan.
DeRozan, a Compton native, reflected on his days as a youth attending similar camps and returns back to the city to be a role model and voice for the community.
"I'm just coming back and trying to be an inspiration to them," DeRozan said. "[I'm also] trying to show them it's a way out."
Check out more photos from the camp above.
Photos by Nike, Drew Ruiz
The post DeMar DeRozan Hosts Jr. Drew League Camp (PHOTOS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post EX-NBA Guard Chris Herren Launches 'The Herren Project' (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
After his two-year career with Denver and Boston were over, Chris Herren spiraled into drug and alcohol addiction. The former Boston College and Fresno St. guard has been sober for nearly eight years and has traveled around the country sharing his story of his path to the pros and how drugs and alcohol derailed his career. His new project aims to spread awareness of the dangers of substance abuse. Check out the video above to learn about Herren's story, his road to recovery and his mission.
The post EX-NBA Guard Chris Herren Launches 'The Herren Project' (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Extraordinary appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Myles Turner has a beautiful mind.
There is an intelligence and thoughtfulness that ring out more than his symmetrical sculpted Greek God body that encompasses nearly 7-feet and 240 pounds. He is enthusiastic, curious and decisive. Despite his boundless physical gifts, it is the power of his mind that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
That's not to say that there haven't been any extraordinary basketball men before him, nor is it a knock on anyone else's intelligence or vision for themselves. Turner is a basketball outlier in his draft class—a hybrid big man who is ready to adapt to any demands the game has for him, thanks to a profound combination of body and mind.
He believes there is no secret to his makeup. "It's all my parents," Turner says, proudly. "They raised me to always conduct myself in a professional manner while going out and showing people who I am by expressing myself. My parents raised me to be who I am—I have a lot of growth left. I'm 19 years old and still discovering myself."
Watching Turner perform on the court can be breathtaking at times—to see a man of his stature move with ease and grace while performing guard-type movements is extraordinary. This is where the game is heading, if it isn't planted there already.
Speaking to him is just as fascinating. The Bedford, TX, native listens intently to every single word before articulately formulating a genuine answer with laser-sharp eye contact—attributes that are uncommon at this stage for many.
Turner's agent—20-year vet Andy Miller—has represented dozens of top NBA players during his career, from Kevin Garnett to Chauncey Billups, and even he is in awe.
"I find him already positioned to become the ultimate professional," Miller says. "The areas of his maturity, focus and inability to be distracted—I find it uncanny. I've never seen it before in a 19-year-old. He has a confidence, not arrogance, and he is very patient. His parents did a great job raising him—he seems to have the total package without any prompting or prepping. There is an awareness to him that you just don't teach and that's the thing I find most impressive about him overall."
It's mid-June and some of the League's most prominent management executives have descended upon Sin City for the biggest pre-draft workout of the 2015 NBA Draft. As the temperature dial nears 100 degrees, the power brokers begin to roll into the air conditioned confines of Joe Abunassar's Impact Basketball gym—Phil Jackson, Sam Presti, Bob Myers, Mitch Kupchak, Sam Hinkie and Masai Ujiri are among the attendees. Coaches Derek Fisher, Flip Saunders, Dwayne Casey and Lakers owner Jim Buss have even made the trek to the desert—every NBA team is represented.
About 20 NBA prospects will work out—the main attraction is the final session of the day that features Turner and Latvian sensation Kristaps Porzingis, staging his one and only workout on US soil.
The players in the first two groups look good, but the level of intensity and concentration in the building rises when Turner and Porzingis take the floor. The trainers begin with instruction and twin-towers from opposite parts of the world start the biggest job interview of their lives. Turner's grace and skill are quickly apparent. He has a beautiful high release with range stretching out to the NBA three-point line. His consistency on jumpers from 15-20 feet from various platforms across the court evokes a classic LaMarcus Aldridge comp. The footwork in the post is swift and natural, finishing with clean running hooks and shots off the glass.
The workout moves to the pick-and-roll stage and this is where Turner clearly translates at the next level. His combination of length, handles and shooting range make him a nightmare to deal with in the P&R game. There were several instances in the workout where it seemed as if everyone was witnessing the workout of two highly skilled European big men—that's truly a nod to how nice Turner's game is. He has the cerebral and fundamental skills often seen in Euro bigs, fused nicely with instincts and an unreal athleticism and agility for a man his size. That's what Turner wants to prove more than anything—he can run up and down the court quickly, filling lanes and finishing on a consistent basis. To display his versatility, Turner dribbles the full length of the court, completing transition dunks so scouts get a solid feel for his natural movement up and down the hardwood within open space. He does not disappoint, closing ground on 94-feet in very few steps, ending the drill with a nice Scottie Pippen signature up-and-under slam that is Dunk Contest worthy.
Afterward, as Turner conducts several on-court interviews with media, he's soaking wet in sweat and adrenaline, pounding water in between questions. "I think it went well and I was able to go out and showcase the stuff I've been working on for the past two months," Turner says. "I didn't notice all the people in the stands, but I knew they would be here. I have much more that I can showcase with teams individually. I think overall it was a success."
Last year at the Nike Hoop Summit, Turner heard the chirping.
There was some discussion going around about his awkward running style and potential for future injuries due to his gait. Turner was surprised and baffled at the news, but he took a proactive approach following his freshman campaign at Texas. After huddling with Miller, long-time trainer Ken Roberson and his father Ken about the issue, Turner scheduled an evaluation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Following extensive testing, Turner was found to have no issues. The hospital provided a detailed 27-page report, sent to every NBA team, stressing that Myles was completely healthy but needs to improve strength in his core and glutes as he continues to fill out his frame. "This is really about me growing into my body, getting acclimated to the way that I'm growing," says Turner, a late bloomer who stood at 6-2 as an eighth grader. "I'm getting stronger and that's probably the most important thing for my body as I develop. The visit was to give everyone assurance that there is nothing to see here—that's really what the point was. I let the teams know that I am ready to go and there are no adjustments that I need to undertake medically."
The transition his body has made since the final game of his freshman year at Texas has been remarkable—physically it appears that everything has aligned for him at the best possible time. He's faster, more agile and sleek. At Texas, he was primarily used to initiate offense on the perimeter, far from the basket, but Turner is most comfortable in the post, either facing up or backing down defenders, and he is eager to show it. "You need to be adaptable in today's NBA moving forward," Turner says. "The norm now is players that can defend and play multiple positions. I think I have a strong ability to do that. I pride myself on being able to play more than one position." Turner's versatility as a stretch big man and rim protector—he led the Big 12 in blocks last season with 2.7 per—is heavily valued by NBA lottery teams and scouts from the analytics community. His game clearly translates at the next level as he projects much better as an NBA player than a collegian, where he posted per-game averages of 10.1 points and 6.5 rebounds and earned Big 12 freshman of the year honors.
Off the court, there may not be a more prepared rookie when it comes to the rigors of the pro life—Turner has zero character concerns and is confident he can adapt to any situation due to his roots and preparation at UT. He is a young man who is extremely comfortable in his own skin and is not easily influenced by his peers. It's a healthy confidence that allowed him to thoroughly enjoy his time in Austin as a student-athlete, where he was fond of riding his bike on campus and spending time at the lake or amid hip parts of downtown. He already misses his college town and intends on residing there during his offseasons, eventually planning to go back to school to earn his degree after he completes a few NBA seasons.
While Turner's personality and outlook is unique in today's NBA, there is no reason to be alarmed from a passion standpoint—this is an elite basketball player with a love for the game. He's not worried about fitting in or earning the respect of his new teammates—adaptation is what Turner prides himself on. It's practically guaranteed.
"I think I will be able to make the NBA transition just fine," Turner says with a smile. "As far as the locker room goes, I will find the right veteran to learn from and I'll do whatever it takes to succeed."
The post Extraordinary appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Gregg Popovich Had Two Heart Procedures Last Year appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The San Antonio Spurs inked head coach Gregg Popovich to a reported five-year extension last summer, and by all accounts, the 66-year-old legend intends to honor the entire pact.
ESPN sources say that Gregg Popovich, as of now, is intent on coaching out his entire five-year contract that he signed last summer
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 4, 2015
It has now come to light that Pop underwent two heart procedures in 2014, resulting in a couple of missed games.
According to Popovich's good friend Larry Brown, the NBA's premiere coach seriously contemplated retirement.
Per The Express-News (via PBT):
Popovich has been well compensated during his NBA career, and he loves to coach. But he has always insisted he has other interests, from politics to wine to travel, and that he was going to experience them without a 24-second clock marking time. […] "You can't live without basketball," Popovich has told Larry Brown. "I think I can."
His hip surgery had gone well, but there was a hiccup with a heart condition that was not unlike the atrial fibrillation that Fab Oberto had. Popovich underwent a procedure, and, after he had done everything the doctors had asked, palpitations returned. […] Brown says the episode occurred during the preseason tour in Europe. That eventually culminated with Popovich missing two games in late November for a second procedure.
"I really believe he was close to retiring then," Brown said.
The post Gregg Popovich Had Two Heart Procedures Last Year appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Roy Hibbert Wanted a Coach 'Who Actually Played in the League' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Indiana Pacers had grown tired of Roy Hibbert and his ongoing struggles, and sent him packing this summer.
The big fella says part of the reason the Los Angeles Lakers were such an attractive destination, is head coach Byron Scott.
Hibbert has re-dedicated himself to fitness and defensive domination, and yearns to play for a coach with intimate knowledge of what it's like to hoop in the L.
(No offense or anything, Frank Vogel.)
Per NBA.com:
You know the NBA is going toward small ball. So how do you not only stay on the court, but remain in a position where you can be a dominant player like you were a couple of years ago? […] RH: "I'm just going to focus on the defense. I know I said it before, but it's important to realize I can possibly change the game. When I met with Mitch [Kupchak] and Scott, we came together and we talked about the expectations and what they wanted from me and how I could affect the game. We had a real good talk. I told them, I want to be like that [Andrew] Bogut-type guy, the defensive guy, because we have a lot of guys who can score already on this team. I'm at the point where I want to win a championship, and getting to play with Kobe, it's an amazing opportunity for me. I wanted to play with a shooting guard or a small forward like Paul [George], who was athletic and can take over games offensively. And I wanted to play for a coach who actually played in the league if I had my own choice. Not to say that Frank [Vogel] wasn't great. I had some real good times with Frank and we played well. But I told my agent that I possibly wanted to play for a coach that played in the league."
Why is that important to you? […] RH: "Just playing for [Brian] Shaw (the Pacers' former associate head coach under Vogel), he went through the things that a player has gone through. He had a lot of real good insight to help myself, my game, with other guys on the court. Because he went through those things. And when you had two sets of four games in five nights, he was real with us. He would say, 'if I'm tired, you're tired.' It's not a huge thing, but I'm really lucky to be in this position."
I'm sure, working out with Kareem over the last couple of years, you know the history of the Lakers' big men. Is it empowering or terrifying to be the next in that long line? […] RH: "I'm going to be realistic. I've made promises before and sometimes they didn't pan out. So I'm going to be optimistic. I'm going to work hard and I'm going to try to make sure I'm a success. I didn't always play up to my capabilities before. I look forward to a fresh start and be able to change what people think of me."
The post Roy Hibbert Wanted a Coach 'Who Actually Played in the League' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post USA Basketball Women's Team Wins 6th Straight FIBA U19 World Championship Gold Medal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Barely three weeks after the Men's U19 squad defeated Croatia to win the gold medal at the FIBA World Championships in Greece, the American Women's team was able to also claim the U19 hardware over the weekend after defeating Russia in Chekhov.
All the details below, via USA Basketball:
Like it had done the entire tournament, the 2015 USA Basketball Women's U19 World Championship Team (7-0) went inside early and often to capture a record sixth-straight and seventh overall FIBA U19 World Championship gold medal. Played in front of a packed full and deafening arena, the USA captured the gold medal in a 78-70 fight-to-the-finish victory against host Russia (6-1) on Sunday night in Chekhov, Russia.
Australia (6-1) earned the bronze medal after holding off Spain (3-4) 69-62.
A'ja Wilson (South Carolina/Hopkins, S.C.), who scored a USA U19 single-game record 30 points against Russia and averaged 18.3 points per game throughout the tournament, earned MVP honors. She was joined on the five-member all-tournament team by Napheesa Collier (Incarnate Word Academy/O'Fallon, Mo.), who had 10 points, 10 rebounds and six steals against Russia.
Also named to the all-tournament team were Russia's Daria Kolosovskaia and Maria Vadeeva, as well as Alanna Smith of Australia.
"I had a great opportunity to work with A'ja and Napheesa last summer, so I think they were familiar with our style of play and how we like to play," said USA U19 and University of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who is a perfect 21-0 as a USA Basketball head coach. "It was great to have their veteran leadership coming into a tournament like this and also playing well throughout, just setting the tone and setting the example of how we need to play and how we need to approach it to win in a tight situation like tonight in the gold medal game.
"What we wanted to do was limit the amount of production from their top two scorers, Raisa Musina and Maria Vadeeva," added Staley on her team's plan heading into the game. "We just tried to cut their production in half to try to make other players beat us. Fortunately for us it kind of worked for long stretches in the game, but a team like Russia is not going to go away. They are a really good basketball team. They work well together. They are going to win a lot more basketball games. I hope we only see them in gold-medal games, because they are a crew that is hard to reckon with."
Including tonight's game, in which the Americans outscored their hosts 46-20 in the paint, over the seven games the squad averaged 49.1 points per game on its inside play, while limiting opponents to just 18.9 points near the basket. Further, the U.S. outrebounded Russia 48-35 and capped its seven games by averaging 56.9 rebounds to its opponents 35.3 a contest.
"It was so tough," Wilson said of playing against host Russia. "I thought away games were tough, but playing an away game in a whole different country against the home team is just out of this world. They had such great fans that were nonstop cheering.
"It was great to win this medal, and to win against the host team is always great."
Also scoring in double digits were Azurá Stevens (Duke/Raleigh, N.C.) with 18 points, 10 of which came in the first quarter, and six rebounds; while Chatrice White (Illinois/Shelby, Neb.) scored nine of her 10 points in the second half and grabbed five boards.
The post USA Basketball Women's Team Wins 6th Straight FIBA U19 World Championship Gold Medal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Jordan Brand #FirstToFly Dunk Contest Recap (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Jordan Brand's "First to Fly" event took over Las Vegas this past weekend, and we were there in person to take it in. Besides the amazing space—which included everything from a virtual dunking experience to free bowling, haircuts, wear-testing and snacks—the marquee moment of the event was both the high school dunk contest and the "pro" dunk contest (featuring well-known dunkers from across the country).
With judges Victor Oladipo, LaMarcus Aldridge, Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard on hand, the AAU players wanted to make a big impression. And they did. Check out a full recap in the video above, including highlights of the illest dunks and quotes from Victor and LaMarcus.
The post Jordan Brand #FirstToFly Dunk Contest Recap (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Manute Bol's 6-11 Son Bol Bol Can Ball (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Last year, we posted footage of Manute Bol's son, Bol Bol, showcasing a wide range of unique skills that made him an intriguing prospect. It was clear then, and it remains clear today—the kid has some serious potential. For a near 7-footer, Bol has freakishly good handles and solid court vision. The big man runs the floor like a guard and has impressive athleticism. Check out the video above to see what we're raving about, and stay posted for more, as Bol is only 15 years old right now.
(H/T: SB Nation)
The post Manute Bol's 6-11 Son Bol Bol Can Ball (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Enter #SLAMPackContest For Chance To Win SLAM Swag and More appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The SLAM giveaway pack—consisting of an official Spalding ball, a New Era Bulls hat, five pairs of Stance socks, our two latest issues, and some rare SLAM swag is officially up for grabs. For a chance to win, you must follow @slamonline on Instagram, @ mention us, and use hashtag #SLAMPackContest on your Instagram post of a recent picture you took of your favorite SLAM issue. In addition, you must explain to us why that particular issue is your favorite. It's as easy as that, and you could get your hands on some dope stuff.
For the official rules, click here.
The post Enter #SLAMPackContest For Chance To Win SLAM Swag and More appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Frank Kaminsky Summer League Highlights (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2015 Draft, Frank Kaminsky, did his thing in the Orlando Summer League, averaging an impressive 15.2 points and 7.8 rebounds a game. The Hornets big man showed his unique ability to knock down perimeter shots, as well as take it strong to the basket. Check out the highlights above.
The post Frank Kaminsky Summer League Highlights (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Damian Lillard Spits Over Jadakiss' 'Why' (AUDIO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Damian Lillard, aka Dame DOLLA, helped kick off this week by dropping a new rap song, entitled "Tell Me Why" (over Jadakiss' hit "Why?"), on his SoundCloud page. Lillard continues to prove, single by single, that he is the best rapper in the NBA. In case you missed it, Lillard previously spit bars on Conan and Sway In The Morning, as well as over Kanye and Common's beat "The Food" and Future's "F*ck Up Some Commas."
This new track also features Lillard's childhood friend V.I.P. Give it a listen above and stay tuned for more, as we're sure we haven't seen or heard the last of Dame DOLLA.
The post Damian Lillard Spits Over Jadakiss' 'Why' (AUDIO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kristaps Porzingis Summer League Highlights (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Let's face it—Knicks fans weren't too pleased when their team drafted Kristaps Porzingis with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 Draft. But Porzingis has refused to let the pressure get to him, as he turned heads at the 2015 Vegas Summer League with a number of highlight plays. So far, it looks as though the 7-foot Latvian is the real deal. Watch the highlight reel above and let us know what you think in the comments section.
The post Kristaps Porzingis Summer League Highlights (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Anthony Davis on Board With Alvin Gentry's Changes appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
New Orleans Pelicans superstar forward Anthony Davis is excited to play for incoming head coach Alvin Gentry.
AD was bummed to see the Pels get rid of Monty Williams, but believes Gentry is the right person to take him to the next level.
Davis, 22, says signing a monster long-term deal in New Orleans this summer was a no-brainer.
Per the AP:
"I definitely love his playing style," Davis said. "My teammates, they have a lot of confidence in coach Gentry. I think that's why everybody's coming back. […] In order for us to be that contender that we want to be, we have to have a lot of chemistry, which we have from the past few years," Davis added. "So it's good that everybody's going to come back and we're going to be able to have that chemistry ready for coach's new system."
Davis said the Pelicans' current roster still has a lot of upside because core players are young and some key players such as Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson are still working their way back to better health from injuries in the past couple seasons. […] "We know that guys were hurt and we could be way better than we were last year, and that's the scary thing about our team," Davis said.
It also meant a lot to Davis to see Gentry look into a TV camera during the Warriors' locker room celebration immediately after Golden State had won the title, saying, "A.D., we're going to be right back here!" […] "That's the biggest thing that really got me excited because he wasn't just saying that to say it. He really believes that," Davis said. "Saying it after he just won was another thing, you know? So you're thinking about (how) the Pelicans are trying to win next year when you could be enjoying your time with Golden State."
Alvin Gentry: Anthony Davis is 'the Best Player in the NBA, Not Named LeBron James'
The post Anthony Davis on Board With Alvin Gentry's Changes appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Phil Jackson 'Could Feel' Kobe Bryant's Hatred appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Los Angeles Lakers managed to win three straight NBA titles at the turn of the millennium, this despite very public warring between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, as well as Bryant and his head coach Phil Jackson.
Bryant resented Shaq for occasionally slacking off and still getting more shine, and grew to dislike Jackson for calling him out in the media and trashing him in a widely-read 2004 book.
The Zen Master says he could sense Kobe's animosity towards him, but the two men's relationship improved markedly over time, resulting in a couple of more championship rings.
Per GQ and ESPN:
GQ: When this was happening, did you actively dislike him? […] Kobe Bryant: "Yeah. ( pause) Yeah. I was like, 'Fuck him. I'm out here busting my ass. I'm killing myself.' And it became insulting. Because I chose to extend my deal with the Lakers to play with Shaquille O' Neal and win championships. I knew what I could have done individually. I could have gone to another team and averaged 35 points a game. I could have gone anywhere and destroyed people. I gave that up to win championships. So it was infuriating to hear people say I was selfish. It was very, very maddening."
In an interview in GQ, Kobe didn't have anything nice to say about you. In fact, he said that he disliked you. Your reaction?
Jackson: "Ah, my good friend Kobe Bryant. … Yes, quite often I could feel his hatred. I'm sure Kobe was pissed when I wrote in 'The Last Season' that he was uncoachable. And, yes, we were often at loggerheads. He wanted more freedom and I wanted him to be more disciplined. This is a normal source of friction thing between coaches and players on just about every level of competition. But when I came back for my second stint with the Lakers, Kobe and I worked it all out. I gave him more of a license to do his thing, as long as it stayed within the overall context of the triangle. And we did win two more championships. Anyway, I've always seen Kobe as a truly great player, an intelligent guy and a remarkable person."
The post Phil Jackson 'Could Feel' Kobe Bryant's Hatred appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Cavs Re-Sign Matthew Dellavedova to One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing back fan-favorite Matthew Dellavedova, having reportedly come to terms on a one-year pact worth just over $1 million with the restricted free agent.
Matthew Dellavedova will return to the Cavs on a one-year deal worth approximately $1.2 million, source w/ knowledge of the deal tells ESPN
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 27, 2015
Dellavedova, 24, filled in admirably for an injured Kyrie Irving during the postseason and helped the Cavs reach the NBA Finals.
The scrappy guard will become an unrestricted free agent next summer:
Another motivation for the timing of the deal, a source said, is that Dellavedova wanted to get his contract situation resolved before competing for his home country of Australia in the FIBA Oceania Championship next month.
Dellavedova, who will turn 25 in September, averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 assists while shooting 40.7 percent from 3-point range during the regular season. He also averaged 7.2 points and 2.7 assists in the postseason, punctuated by a memorable 19 points in a series-clinching win in Chicago in the second round and 20 points in the Cavs' Game 3 win over Golden State to go up 2-1 in the Finals.
Talks between the Cavs and two other key members of last season's Eastern Conference champion squad, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith, remain ongoing.
The post Cavs Re-Sign Matthew Dellavedova to One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post All Day appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
It's a muggy Tuesday evening in downtown Brooklyn. The temperature hovers around 90 degrees, with no wind or breeze to break the stifling heat. As I turn the corner onto Jackie Robinson Playground and feel the humidity engulf me, I'm convinced that pickup basketball is going to be a bust.
Man, was I wrong.
By the time I left the park an hour later, there was action on all six of the playable hoops, and I could barely muster enough energy to drag myself five blocks to the Franklin Avenue subway station. "Just a typical summer day in the park," Chris Wise—a 23-year-old born and bred in the Ebbets Field community around the playground—tells me. Not quite what I had anticipated.
At Jackie Robinson Playground, I encountered an enthusiasm for basketball that even the most diehard ballers don't see everyday. You literally could not get people off the court if you tried. I asked a high school kid how many days a week he plays in the park. "Every single day," he said emphatically, "Sunday, after church. Every day."
I guess the Tuesday I stopped by the playground was no different. In one game, three dudes were wearing flip-flops. When a pair of crocs nearly split in half, the owner simply tossed them to the side and proceeded to play barefoot, seemingly unfazed by the hot and tough concrete beneath him. He just wanted to keep playing.
That's Brooklyn hoops, or at least in this community. Jackie Robinson Playground sits in the shadow of the Ebbets Field Apartments, a rent-stabilized complex that has been plagued with numerous code violations and dilapidating conditions. For basketball players, though, this is it. This is home away from home. According to Wise, there are no other accessible courts in the area, not even a community gymnasium. "This is what we have," he says, scanning the playground he has cherished for years now.
As a result, you see a lot of the same faces in the park. Those faces form a close-knit family, bonded by a passion for the game of basketball. As I'm talking to Chris on a bench in the heart of the playground, he realizes that he forgot his ball shoes at home, so he calls out to a kid walking by.
"What size shoe you wear?" he asks.
"12," the kid responds.
"Can you bring me a pair?"
"Alright, I got you."
"Perfect example man," Chris says, returning to our conversation. Virtually no one passes by our bench without stopping to acknowledge Chris, asking how he is and whether he's playing ball today. Within fifteen minutes, I've realized it myself: this is a family.
While basketball dominates most of the park, there is also a jungle gym where young kids run around frenetically, diving through sprinklers and climbing little facades. It's a fun, carefree environment that contrasts sharply with the often perilous and sometimes fatal environment that surrounds it.
On July 17, 2014, Chris was playing a routine game of 3-on-3 in the park when two shots went off in close proximity. "Imagine a stampede," Chris says as he recalls the ensuing scene. Leaving everything behind, adults and young kids hastily cleared the park. According to Wise, shootings like this occur too frequently around Jackie Robinson Playground, and it's time to do something about it.
That's precisely why he founded the I AM PEACE 3-on-3 18U Basketball Tournament—a positive response to the gun violence that shakes the community. The one-day event was first held on August 9 of last year in Jackie Robinson Playground. "It was crazy standing in the same place [where] there was a shooting 3 weeks before," Wise says, and "seeing nine different color T-shirts with this I Am Peace message on it."
And that's what makes this basketball mecca so special: the park is a safe haven—a place for youth to escape the drugs, gangs, crime, and violence of the Ebbets Field community. It is a place defined not by its shootings, but by its basketball.
This year's I AM PEACE tournament is scheduled for August 8, 2015. Images provided by BlackMarketWares.
The post All Day appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Top 10 Dunks of 2015 NBA Summer League (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
With another NBA Summer League in the books, take a look back at the top 10 dunks from Orlando and Vegas. The list includes monster finishes from notable rookies Mario Hezonja and Montrezl Harrell, plus much more.
The post Top 10 Dunks of 2015 NBA Summer League (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kyrie Irving's Best Handles From 2014-15 Season (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Kyrie Irving may very well be the best ballhandler in the NBA. The Cavaliers' point guard is known to leave defenders looking foolish—just ask Brandon Knight. The 2014-2015 season was probably Irving's best so far, as he averaged 21.7 points and 5.2 assists and crossed up too many guys to count.
Check out the video above of Kyrie's best handles, and be sure to also watch his top 10 plays from last season.
The post Kyrie Irving's Best Handles From 2014-15 Season (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Miami Heat Trade Zoran Dragic to the Boston Celtics appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
According to multiple reports, the Miami Heat have sent Zoran Dragic to the Boston Celtics in exchange for a future second-round draft pick.
Zoran Dragic had been traded to Boston. Heat really like Richardson. Goran is fine with it. Zoran wants playing time.
— Dan Le Batard Show (@LeBatardShow) July 27, 2015
A league source says the Heat agreed to pay Zoran Dragic's salary next season and that the Celtics intend to waive him.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 27, 2015
It's the latest cost-saving move for the Heat, and opens up a roster spot.
Zoran Dragic, Goran's younger brother, played very sparingly after being acquired by Miami last season.
Per the Sun-Sentinel:
The agreement comes a day after the Heat reached an agreement to trade guard Shabazz Napier to the Orlando Magic. […] The Heat also included a 2020 second-round pick in the deal with the Celtics, while receiving a heavily protected second-round pick from Boston that likely never will be conveyed, similar to the pick attached from the Magic in the Napier trade.
The Napier and Dragic moves not only ease the Miami Heat's potential luxury-tax burden, but also clear roster space for young prospects, such as Tyler Johnson and 20165 second-round pick Josh Richardson.
Dragic, who excelled for Slovenia at last year's World Cup, was acquired at the Feb. 19 trading deadline from the Phoenix Suns along with his brother, Heat starting point guard Goran Dragic, in a trade that cost the Heat two future first-round picks, as well as guard Norris Cole, forward Danny Granger and center Justin Hamilton. […] The move shaves $1.7 million from the Heat's 2015-16 salary cap, with Zoran Dragic entering the final year of the contract he signed with the Suns a year ago.
The post Miami Heat Trade Zoran Dragic to the Boston Celtics appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Isaiah Thomas Drops 50 Points at Seattle Pro-Am (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas lit up the Seattle Pro Am to the tune of 50 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists this weekend.
Thomas was getting major buckets and showing off his handles in a 119-117 victory for his Ball Don't Stop squad.
. @balldontstop holds on for the victory! 119-117. @Isaiah_Thomas led the way with 50 points, 11 boards, and 7 assists.
— Seattle Pro Am (@SeattleProAm) July 26, 2015
Light work!! RT @Ballislife: Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) Drops 50 Points at @SeattleProAm! http://t.co/8zA6KC4fZj pic.twitter.com/O2zXDXeo1r
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) July 27, 2015
(H/T: Ball is Life)
The post Isaiah Thomas Drops 50 Points at Seattle Pro-Am (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Nick Young 'Felt Like Pau Gasol' During Trade Rumors appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Los Angeles Lakers couldn't unload Nick Young this summer, so they're hanging on to the 30-year-old chucker for the time being.
Young jokes that he felt a little like former Laker Pau Gasol, whose name always seemed to be in trade rumors during his last few years in L.A.
Swaggy P is confident that a thaw will develop in his cold war with head coach Byron Scott next season.
Per the LA Daily News:
The self-named "Swaggy P" has provided (excitement) with his infectious personality. But Young also produced headaches for the Lakers last season when he averaged 13.4 points on a career-low 36.6 percent shooting and clashed with coach Byron Scott. […] The Lakers also failed to trade Young this offseason, leading him to joke, "I felt like Pau Gasol," who heard endless trade rumors after the NBA overturned the Lakers' Chris Paul deal in 2011. Young also conceded "he can already see" something similar happening to him next season.
Yet, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak recently met with Young to assuage some concerns. Young reported that Kupchak told him not to consider Lou Williams' arrival "a slap in the face" to Young, even if he is also a high-volume scorer. Kupchak also addressed Young's disagreements with Scott over his inconsistency, playing time and playful personality. […] "(Kupchak) says, I'm talented, but just work with coach," Young said. "Work off of coach and make sure everybody is on the same page."
Young also reiterated he has spent this offseason following Scott's instructions to improve his ballhandling, spot-up shooting and his off-ball defense. […] "This year should be better," Young said of his relationship with Scott. "Last year we had a lot going on with the team. So there was a lot of frustration. It's a fresh start now."
The post Nick Young 'Felt Like Pau Gasol' During Trade Rumors appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kobe Bryant Ready to Play Small Forward: 'I Can Do That' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Gary Vitti, the Los Angeles Lakers' head trainer for some three decades, reports that next season will be his last (the 61-year-old will then transition into a consultant position for a couple of years.)
Vitti, who joined the team in 1984, says he informed Kobe Bryant this summer that he'll be playing at the small forward spot due to the emergence of the Lakers' young guards.
The Black Mamba, soon to turn 37, is ready for the new role.
Per the LA Times:
He's been part of 12 trips to the NBA Finals, eight of them successful, and the players he took care of were as legendary as the franchise itself: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant among the many. […] When Vitti started with the Lakers in 1984, he was only slightly older than most players. "Now I'm old enough to be their fathers and some, I guess, even their grandfathers," he said.
So much has happened the last few years, so little of it positive. Vitti even called it "a nightmare." Few would disagree, the Lakers continually losing Bryant and Steve Nash to injury, along with a slew of games. […] "When somebody gets hurt, I blame myself. That's the Laker way — you've got a problem, you go in the bathroom, you look in the mirror, you start with that person," Vitti said. "The one that really affected me and maybe even affected this decision [to retire] was Julius Randle. All of his doctors and his surgeon are saying that nothing was missed, but the guy goes out there and breaks his leg the first game [last season]. That one really bothered me."
Vitti is often an emissary between players and management. He recently met up with Bryant, with whom he shares a longtime bond. "He was asking about our young kids, and I said, 'You cannot believe how quick and athletic Jordan Clarkson is. He looks fantastic,'" Vitti said. "I said I personally thought D'Angelo Russell is going to be a star. He makes hard things look easy when he has the ball in his hands. […] "Then Kobe said to me, 'Well, then who's going to play [small forward]?' I looked at him and I said, 'You.' And with absolute, 100% confidence, he said, 'I can do that.'"
The post Kobe Bryant Ready to Play Small Forward: 'I Can Do That' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Josh Smith Says $6.9 Million Salary Will Be 'a Little Harder on Me This Year' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
A big deal was made about free agent forward Josh Smith taking less money to join the LA Clippers this summer, and the big guy says he'll have to be more judicious with his finances going forward.
Smith agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Clips, but the Detroit Pistons still owe him $5.4 million … so we can safely assume that Smoove's family won't be going hungry anytime soon.
In 55 games with the Houston Rockets last season, the 29-year-old Smith put up 12.0 points and grabbed six boards a night.
Per a salty Orlando Sentinel column:
At an introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Clippers Tuesday, he pointed out how the next year is going to be a financial challenge.
"At the end of the day, you know, I do have a family," he said. "So it is going to be a little harder on me this year. But I'm going to push through it, you know."
Sitting on stage with Smith Tuesday was DeAndre Jordan, who caused the biggest stink of the NBA summer when he backed out of his commitment to Dallas and returned to the Clippers. […] "I made a decision for me and my family," he explained.
The post Josh Smith Says $6.9 Million Salary Will Be 'a Little Harder on Me This Year' appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Cavs Trade Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood to Portland appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
In a minor deal Sunday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers sent veterans Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood to the Portland Trail Blazers, in exchange for future second-round draft picks.
LeBron OK with Mike Miller trade, per source, who said Miller wanted out and a chance to play again. #Cavs receive trade exceptions for both
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) July 27, 2015
As part of the trade to Portland, Mike Miller will receive a $400K trade kicker payout. Better than a going away party.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 27, 2015
The Haywood departure was expected, and Miller is said to be looking for a chance to play and mentor younger players.
The deal could represent nearly $10 million in salary and luxury tax savings for Cleveland.
Per Yahoo! Sports:
The Cavaliers will have two separate trade exceptions – $10.5 million and $2.85 million – that they'll have one calendar year to use. The Cavaliers can use a trade exception to acquire a player under contract in a deal. Those salaries count against the salary cap, but don't impact luxury tax payments.
Haywood has a non-guaranteed $10.5 million contract that the Blazers will waive without cost to them. Miller, owed $2.85 million in the final year of his contract, is a strong candidate to negotiate a buyout with the Blazers and become a free agent, league sources said.
Cleveland's payroll is just over $100 million – without an agreement yet in place for restricted free agent Tristan Thompson, who's expected to get a deal north of the $13 million a year he rejected in the preseason. […] Before the Thompson deal, Cleveland is facing a luxury tax bill near $40 million.
The post Cavs Trade Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood to Portland appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike Air Max 95 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike Air Max 95 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Nick Young Hits Game-Winning Three in Double Overtime at Drew League (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Lakers guard Nick Young has been keeping busy balling this offseason. Today he showed up at the Drew League and hit the game-winning three-pointer in double overtime to Team MHP over Problems, 107-104. If you're out in LA and you haven't made it out to the Drew yet this summer, you're missing out. Check out the video of the insane finish above.
Game of the year at #thedrew. #MoneyMike @mfeebs23 is putting on a damn show against @demar_derozan and #SwaggyP! @DrewLeague
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) July 26, 2015
Folks at #thedrew just got treated to the best game I've seen at the @DrewLeague in the last 3 years. Wow.
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) July 26, 2015
Great game !!!!! https://t.co/2R9ig8HPTL
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) July 26, 2015
The post Nick Young Hits Game-Winning Three in Double Overtime at Drew League (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Dallas Mavericks Sign Samuel Dalembert to 1-Year Contract appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
After losing out on DeAndre Jordan, the Dallas Mavericks have added veteran center Sam Dalembert to their list of free agent signings this summer. Dalembert, who played for Dallas in 2013-14, is now 34 years old. He played 32 games with the Knicks last season before being released. For his career, Dalembert averages 7.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
More details, from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:
Free-agent center Sam Dalembert has agreed on a one-year, $1.4 million veteran's minimum deal with the Dallas Mavericks, a league source told Yahoo Sports.
Dalembert played for coach Rick Carlisle two years ago in Dallas, and will get an opportunity to play a significant role at center for the Mavericks.
Dalembert will join Zaza Pachulia, acquired in a deal with Milwaukee, as part of the Mavericks' center rotation.
Dallas lost Tyson Chandler to Phoenix in free agency and was unable to persuade the Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan to honor his verbal commitment in free agency and sign with the Mavericks.
Dalembert, 34, is fighting to reclaim his professional standing in the NBA and a return to the Mavericks could have a strong mutual benefit if he takes advantage of the opportunity.
Dalembert returns to the Mavericks, where he played 80 games in the 2013-14 season before Dallas sent him to New York as part of the Tyson Chandler trade. He averaged 6.6 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Mavericks.
The post Dallas Mavericks Sign Samuel Dalembert to 1-Year Contract appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Report: Sacramento Kings Offering Front Office Job to Peja Stojakovic appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Kings have offered former All-Star Peja Stojakovic a job in their front office, according to a report this weekend from Marc Stein of ESPN. Peja played with Vlade Divac for years in Sacramento—Divac is now the VP of basketball ops for the Kings. Stojakovic, 38, is currently in Europe, but Divac wants him to move back and be a player personnel guy. Smart move?
The story:
The Sacramento Kings have offered a full-time position in their front office to former All-Star sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic, according to league sources.
Sources said new Kings vice president of basketball operations Vlade Divac has asked his former NBA and international teammate Stojakovic to leave Europe and move back to the United States to assist him in a player personnel role.
Stojakovic's No. 16 jersey was retired by the Kings in December. He attended summer league in Las Vegas with the Kings in a consulting role to Divac earlier this month, but sources say a firm decision on whether the 38-year-old joins them on a permanent basis might not come before September.
Stojakovic, 38, was drafted by the Kings in 1996 and joined them as a player before the lockout-shortened 1999 season, which was also Divac's first as a King. Together with Chris Webber and Jason Williams, Sacramento's Serbian duo helped transform the franchise's fortunes and made them one of the West's strongest teams for a half-decade.
The three-time All-Star subsequently played for Indiana, New Orleans and Toronto before winning a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Stojakovic also teamed with Divac to win gold medals with Serbia in both the 2001 EuroBasket and the 2002 World Championship tournaments.
The post Report: Sacramento Kings Offering Front Office Job to Peja Stojakovic appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Jordan Brand 'First To Fly' Event Takes Over Las Vegas appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Jordan Brand took over Las Vegas with its second ever "First to Fly" event this weekend, celebrating the launch of the Jordan Super.Fly 4 and all the AAU teams that make the yearly trek to Vegas for summer tournaments. See photos of the incredible space at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas above, which includes the "Kaboom Room," a virtual dunking experience that displays the power of each participant's dunk on a massive LED screen and court—with some help from Marvin the Martian—plus wear-testing, bowling and a players' lounge with a barber shop, video games and massage tables.
A short trip away, Jordan also took over Rancho High School, where top AAU talent from around the country descended for the Las Vegas Classic. Jumpman re-painted the main court and added silver rims, as Team Melo and Team CP3 (with Chris Paul himself there to help coach on Thursday) took center stage along with many other prominent programs.
Jordan Brand athletes like Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic stopped by to hang out with the high school kids and help judge an amateur dunk contest. For more, watch the video below:
The post Jordan Brand 'First To Fly' Event Takes Over Las Vegas appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Report: Orlando Magic Acquiring Shabazz Napier From Heat in Exchange For Second-Round Pick appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Shabazz Napier played in 51 games during his rookie season with the Miami Heat, averaging 5.1 points, 2.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game in just under 20 minutes per appearance. According to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports on Sunday, Napier is headed to the Orlando Magic in exchange for a second-round pick.
Orlando is nearing a deal to acquire Miami guard Shabazz Napier, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 26, 2015
Orlando will acquire Miami's Shabazz Napier for a protected future second-round pick, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 26, 2015
The post Report: Orlando Magic Acquiring Shabazz Napier From Heat in Exchange For Second-Round Pick appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike Hyperdunk 2015 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike Hyperdunk 2015 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WATCH: Mo'ne Davis Is A Pure Point Guard With Serious Handle appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Mo'ne Davis is a dominant pitcher, but she's also nice with the basketball. While still in eighth grade, Mo'ne played high school varsity ball at Springside-Chestnut Hill and began AAU this summer with the Anderson Monarchs.
Davis displays a tight handle, excellent court vision and nice outside shot. Check it out in the above video.
The post WATCH: Mo'ne Davis Is A Pure Point Guard With Serious Handle appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post 7-1 Thon Maker Drops Five-Star Big Man With Crazy Crossover (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Thon Maker, a 7-1 elite wing prospect, dropped five-star big man Edrice Adebayo with a killer crossover before burying a three-pointer in the Fab 48 tournament in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old is one of the most intriguing players in the 2016 recruiting class. Be sure you familiarize yourself with Maker's unique story by reading his feature in SLAM 187.
The post 7-1 Thon Maker Drops Five-Star Big Man With Crazy Crossover (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WATCH: 18-Year-Old Jamal Murray Leads Canada Over USA in Pan Am Games appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Incoming Kentucky freshman guard Jamal Murray scored 22 points in the fourth quarter and OT to lead Canada to a 111-108 win over the USA in the Pan American Games on Friday. During overtime, the 18-year-old from suburban Toronto hit back-to-back threes to give Canada its final lead.
After the game, Canada's general manager, Steve Nash, spoke very highly of the 6-4 guard: "He's got such balls and he's not afraid of the moment, he embraces the moment and that's why he's very, very special."
Canada goes for gold on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST, taking on Brazil.
The post WATCH: 18-Year-Old Jamal Murray Leads Canada Over USA in Pan Am Games appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Zach LaVine Throws Free Throw Off Glass For Dunk (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
A night after scoring 49 points and hitting the buzzer-beating three-pointer for the win, Zach LaVine kept up the momentum at the Seattle Pro-Am.
He threw down a self alley-oop from the free-throw line (instead of actually shooting the free throw) and allegedly dropped 51 points on the game.
The post Zach LaVine Throws Free Throw Off Glass For Dunk (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike KD8 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike KD8 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Full Court 21 Qualifiers Slated for this Weekend in LA, Toronto, Vancouver, London & New Zealand appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
With the 2015 World Final for Bobbito Garcia's Full Court 21 exactly one month away, qualifiers around the world are currently taking place to decide which finalists will meet on August 25th at the global finale in New York City. This weekend, there will be a handful of qualifiers around the world. Below is the full list of sites and times for this weekend's qualifiers in Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, London and New Zealand. For more info, visit fullcourt21nyc.com.
New Zealand
July 25, 10am
Trusts Arena *(Indoors due to weather)
Local Organizer: Glen Green, contact firstname.lastname@example.com
Toronto & Vancouver
July 25 (Rain Date August 1), 2015, 1pm
South Arm Community Center Courts
Local Organizer: Will Strickland and Steve Lee, contact firstname.lastname@example.com
Los Angeles
July 25 (Rain Date July 26), 2015, 11am
Cerritos Regional Park
Local Organizer: Rob Hernandez, contact firstname.lastname@example.com
July 26, 12pm
Ducketts Common Courts
Local Organizer: Nhamo Shire, contact email@example.com
The post Full Court 21 Qualifiers Slated for this Weekend in LA, Toronto, Vancouver, London & New Zealand appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Q+A: Scottie Reynolds appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Scottie Reynolds has always been one to keep a low profile. Despite being the face of Villanova basketball from 2006 to 2010, the former AP First-Team All-American prefers to be devoid of attention. He's currently not using any social sites and has been somewhat of a mystery since his playing days at Villanova ended five years ago.
According to Reynolds, it's just his way of doing things, and with a resume like his, who are we to challenge it? We were able to catch up with the Herndon, VA, native to discuss his reasoning for privacy, his current playing career and the NBA.
SLAM: It's been a while man, you've flown under the radar for the better part of five years. How have you been?
Scottie Reynolds: Yeah, I kind of stay to myself for the most part. I don't really do the whole social media thing; and I feel bad sometimes when I see people speaking and asking about me on Twitter, but it's just my way of doing things. Besides that I've been well, been overseas having a successful career. I'm back in Italy now with my former team Enel Brindisi. Looking forward to getting back there and continuing my career.
SLAM: Congratulations on the new deal, that's major. In regards to you being a private type of person, has it always been that way?
SR: Thanks man. That actually started some time in college. I'm not really sure exactly when it was, but it was getting close to the postseason that year and I decided to put my phone away until it was over. I can't sit here and say I did that every year, but this particular year once I did that I felt relieved of certain pressures as far answering people. Even though people like your family and friends have your best interest at heart; it was best to just get away from all of that to put my focus on my teammates and the one voice that really mattered at the time, which was Coach [Jay] Wright. So, in order to keep a clear head and keep what is real in perspective, I find that it's just best for me to not have social media at all.
SLAM: This is your second stint with Enel Brindisi right?
SR: Yeah, I was there three seasons ago.
SLAM: What made you want to resign with them?
SR: Well, when I was first presented with the opportunity, I immediately shut it down which isn't like me. After taking a second look though, I realized I had a great year last time I played there, the same coach and president are still there, and we're also competing in the EuroCup this year, so we'll be playing two games a week now which is big. Aside from that, the weather there is great; it rarely gets below 50 degrees, the city I'm in is on the hills, there's beaches and water, and the fans are amazing. I probably could have gotten more money somewhere else, but this year I want to have fun, be a playmaker and showcase all of my talents.
SLAM: You mentioned being a playmaker, which is funny because we've all known you to be a big-time scorer from your days at 'Nova. How much of an adjustment has it been transitioning into that role as a pro?
SR: It's been a huge work in progress the last two years, because I've been trying to find a way to balance out the two. The European game is so different, so you have to have an open mind and adjust to it. In each place that I've been, I've been asked to play differently. For instance, when I was in Turkey I was asked to score more because I was playing next to Corey Fisher and I was off the ball a lot. Then, the following year I was playing in Italy and I was second in the league in assists behind a guy you might know by the name of Mike Green, averaging 6 assists a game. That was big because overseas, assists are calculated differently.
SLAM: Explain.
SR: Assists only count if the scoring player doesn't take any dribbles; so 6 or 7 assists in Europe equals out to maybe 12 or 14 in the States, so it's a lot harder. So in all, like I said you just have to be open-minded and be able to adjust to what the team wants from you.
SLAM: What are some of the main differences you've noticed in the style of play internationally vs in the States?
SR: It's lot more about team ball overseas. It really overrules everything, so you'll see a lot of ball movement, extra passes and drive and kicks, and not a lot of isolation. You also gotta be smart and be able to understand angles more over there, as well as being efficient which is key. The game is called a lot differently man, and it takes a lot of time to get adjusted to it. You have to be mentally tough and fight through it, because not only is your job on the line, but your image is on the line too. You don't want to get cut because you couldn't adjust and now you have to keep explaining to the next team why you got cut. Once that becomes your reputation it's hard to reverse it.
SLAM: Many including myself, were surprised no NBA teams took a shot on you on Draft night. Is making an NBA roster still something you still aspire to achieve?
SR: I remember the night of the Draft and to be honest I didn't even watch it. I hooped at the high school with a few of my homies that night. Once I got back to the crib it was getting to be toward the end of the second round and at that point, I knew it was a possibility it wasn't 'gon happen. Right after, I got a bunch of calls to come to summer leagues and training camps but none of that mattered to me at that time. I just wanted to have that moment with my family, but I was able to move on from it. As far as now, I have a 4-year-old daughter now and once you have a little one, your life changes. All I want now is the respect from the people that I played with and played against no matter what league they played in. I feel like the respect goes a lot further than the money and all of that other stuff.
SLAM: How much longer can you see yourself playing?
SR: [Laughs] Maaannn I ask myself that every year. Eddie Royal from the Chicago Bears is one of my best friends and workout partner in the offseason. We talk about that all the time. But I'll say if I can make it to 35? Wow, that'll be great.
Kenneth St. George is a freelance writer from Philadelphia who also coaches an AAU Team named Team Philly. Apart from SLAM, St. George runs his own blog, Hardwood Herald. Follow him on Twitter @KSG22_ and Instagram @KSG22_.
Image courtesy of BJK Basketbol.
The post Q+A: Scottie Reynolds appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II (KICKS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Converse had its biggest launch in recent history on Thursday, debuting the Chuck Taylor All Star II—an adaptation of the legendary Chuck Taylor All Star silhouette.
The contemporary version delivers 360-degree comfort and elevates the recognizable exterior features of the original, with a fully embroidered All Star patch and more. According to Jim Calhoun, President and CEO of Converse: "The launch of Chuck II is a ground-breaking moment for Converse as we continue to move the brand forward through creativity and innovation, ushering in not just a new sneaker, but a completely new way of thinking."
The shoe drops Tuesday, July 28 in the following colors: black, white, red and blue. It is priced at $70 USD (ox) and $75 USD (hi-top) and will be available at Converse retail stores, select retailers, and Converse.com. For a closer look, check out the detailed photos above.
The post Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II (KICKS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Pharrell Presents adidas Supershell 'Sculpted' Collection (KICKS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Pharrell Williams is back with yet another transformation of the adidas Superstar model—the Supershell. NYC contemporary artist Todd James, Japanese contemporary artist Mr., and Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid each brought their own unique styles and visions to the dope new collection. The series is rounded out by two of Pharrell's personal designs.
With the influence of such talented artists, the Supershell Sculpted Collection brings the Superstar to its ultimate artistic mode. It will be released globally online and in stores on August 7, 2015.
Artwork by Mr. ©Mr./Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
The post Pharrell Presents adidas Supershell 'Sculpted' Collection (KICKS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post NBA and WNBA Photos Of The Week appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
A compilation of the best images from the past seven days. Catch up on the end of the NBA Summer League action, the days leading up to WNBA All-Star Weekend, and more by scrolling through the photos above.
Photos via Getty Images
Week of July 10 – July 16
Week of June 19 – June 25
The post NBA and WNBA Photos Of The Week appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post NBA and WNBA Tweets Of The Week appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Catch up on the week's top tweets from your favorite NBA and WNBA players. We're adding the ladies in on this one. Check out what all the ballers had to say on Twitter this week, from WNBA All-Star prep to Tony Allen getting locked out of his house—a usual occurrence, apparently.
Week of July 10 – July 16
Week of July 3 – July 9
The post NBA and WNBA Tweets Of The Week appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Ball Up's MDSC National Championship Bracket is Set appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Last week, teams from DC and LA clinched their spot in the Ball Up Million Dollar Summer Challenge national playoffs. And this week, teams from New York City, Philadelphia, Indianapolis and Chicago joined them to make up the final six teams in the tournament.
The National Championship bracket is all set, with the quarterfinals going down on Wednesday, July 29 (7 p.m.), the Semifinals on Thursday, July 30 (7 p.m.) and the MDSC Finals on Saturday, August 1 at 7 p.m. Check out the bracket below, and title game recaps from each of the four most recent cities to punch tickets to the playoffs:
New York City
Sean Bell, the region's overall No. 1 seed, capitalized early in large thanks to the post play of Kavon "Happy Feet" Lynch and the hot shooting of former DePaul guard, Cliff Clinkscales. The duo helped Sean Bell take a 28-16 lead with 6:45 remaining in the game's first half. Team R2K/OOHWAY was able to cut the deficit to single-digits, trailing 37-28 entering half-time. The second half began with a familiar flow as Sean Bell came out firing on all cylinders. Their defense throughout the opening minutes led to a 16-point lead midway through the half. OOHWAY cut the deficit to eight with under three minutes left in the game. Clutch free-throw conversions sealed the deal in the championship win for Sean Bell. Playoff MVP Tyshawn Taylor led all scorers with 19 points, Lynch added 16 points and seven rebounds. Paris Horne scored 16 points, teammate Dwight Hardy finished with 13 points in the title loss. —Gotham Hoops
Naptown was the better team for the majority of the first half and they had a strong hold on Team Heavy. At the 5:00 minute mark that all changed when former Kentucky Wildcat Julius Mays entered the game. Mays gave Heavy new life and as a guard who can play with and without the ball; his presence was felt the moment he entered the game. With his team down seven points (27- 20) Mays hit a monster three from NBA range off a skip pass to cut the deficit to four points heading into the break. Naptown went into halftime with a 27-23 lead and felt good about the situation. At the 8:44 mark, Heavy took its first lead (39-38). By the 3:00 minute mark Heavy was up 52-46 and was slowly starting to put their stamp on this game. The six point lead started to get larger for Heavy. For the last three minutes of the ball game Heavy was able to outscore Naptown 16-9 and walked away Champions. Playoff MVP Gary McGhee was the defensive anchor for Heavy throughout these playoffs—averaging 15.5 ppg and 9 rpg. —Guy Scott
The last time Grimey and Danny Rumph clashed, Grimey won handedly. Grimey created a frenetic pace, and drew first blood in the championship game due to successive buckets by Hanif "Need 4 Speed" Edwards and Defensive Player of the Year, James Pope. Danny Rumph recovered and stopped the bleeding with a Semaj Inge free-throw and baseline dunk. Edwards acted as Grimey's catalyst in the first half, pushing the pace, scoring and getting teammates involved. But later, Inge and Novar Gadson that led to a 16-3 run to put Grimey away for good. The embodiment of team play, Danny Rumph finished with five players in double-figures. Samme Givens, who was named MVP, led Danny Rumph with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Inge and Gadson added 17 and 16 respectively. —Randy Miller
The top two teams throughout the summer would face off against one another in a rematch of opening weekend, as One Chicago and Wright Sports were on Ball Up's center stage for the opportunity to claim big-time cash and local bragging rights in the championship game. At the end of the first half, Tony Bennett hit a spectacular shot from halfcourt to give One Chicago a 39-31 lead at the break. Wright Sports would rally back to regain the lead, as an old- fashioned, three-point play from Kevin Dillard and an Isiah Martin bucket would put them up by as many as five. But in a battle of two heavyweights, One Chicago would throw the final punch. Bennett took matters into his own hands, scoring on a finger roll layup to help cut the lead to one and buried a three-point dagger to help his team regain the lead. Behind the play of Bennett and Ellis late, One Chicago was able to cap off a marvelous season and win the ChiTown championship, 80-71. —Gavriel Wilkins
Regular + Post-season Awards Winners
Los Angeles
Regular Season Scoring Champ: Marc Wilson, Swag Champs
Defensive Player of the Year: Keith Closs, Future Legends
Regular Season MVP: Casper Ware Jr., Cheaters
3 pt. Contest: Mike Jones, Future Legends
Dunk Contest: Michael Purdie, VBL All-Stars
Playoff MVP: Leo Lyons, Cheaters
Championship Coach: Casper Ware Sr., Cheaters
Regular Season Scoring Champ: Tre Kelly, Wiz Kids
Defensive Player of the Year: Dele Ojo, Lincoln Park
Regular Season MVP: Tre Kelly, Wiz Kids
3 pt. Contest: Maurice Creek, P.I.T.S.
Dunk Contest: Roscoe Johnson, Wiz Kids
Playoff MVP: Darryl Monroe, Team Madness
Championship Coach: Larry Bowden, Team Madness
Regular Season Scoring Champ: David Teague, Run & Gun
Defensive Player of the Year: William McClure, Running Wild
Regular Season MVP: Tyrone Anderson, Kenny Kings
3 pt. Contest: Tommy Freeman, Heavy
Dunk Contest: Keyon Millner, Blaze
Playoff MVP: Derrick McGhee
Championship Coach: Robert Pointer
Regular Season Scoring Champ: Stefhon Hannah, We Got Game
Defensive Player of the Year: Billy Baptist, Wright Sports
Regular Season MVP: Tony Bennett, One Chicago
3 pt. Contest: Stefhan Hannah, We Got Game
Dunk Contest: Karrington Ward, The Firm
Playoff MVP: Tony Bennett, One Chicago
Championship Coach: Rich Shumate, One Chicago
Regular Season Scoring Champ: Jordan Theodore, R2k OOHWAY
Defensive Player of the Year: Malik Boothe, Sean Bell All Stars
Regular Season MVP: Jordan Theodore, R2k OOHWAY
3 pt. Contest: Sean Armand, Skull Gang
Dunk Contest: Tyshawn Taylor, Sean Bell All Stars
Playoff MVP: Tyshawn Taylor, Sean Bell All Stars
Championship Coach: Rahim Wiggins, Sean Bell All Stars
Regular Season Scoring Champ: Rahlir Jefferson, 8 Eye
Regular Season MVP: Rahlir Jefferson, 8 Eye
Defensive Player of the Year: James Pope, Grimey
3 pt. Contest: Vinny Simpson, Can't Be Denied
Dunk Contest: Jamelle Hagins, Chuck Ellis Workouts
Playoff MVP: Sammie Givens, Danny Rumph
Championship Coach: Tony Tee
Photos and recaps provided by Ball Up. See more at BallUpMDSC.com
The post Ball Up's MDSC National Championship Bracket is Set appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Tony Parker Evades Tiger on French Game Show (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
French National teammates Tony Parker, Nic Batum, Boris Diaw and Ronny Turiaf were guests on a strange French game show called Fort Boyard. As you can see, the show features a mini-vehicle (that Parker operates), a lot of water and a massive tiger. It seems like these guys are enjoying the offseason.
The post Tony Parker Evades Tiger on French Game Show (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Help Fund I Am Peace Basketball Tournament At Jackie Robinson Playground In Brooklyn appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Jackie Robinson Playground in downtown Brooklyn sits in the shadow of the Ebbets Field apartment buildings. The area around the park is far too frequently the site of crime and shootings. As a result, 26-year-old Chris Wise has put together a basketball tournament advocating against gun violence. The one-day event was first held on August 9, 2014 and was very successful:
I Am Peace 2 is scheduled for August 8, 2015 at the Jackie Robinson Playground. Chris is currently raising money for the following things:
– Event Staff
– Tournament Jerseys
– Trophies
– Referees
– Equipment
– Snacks and Waters
– Championship Prizes
To help fund the cause, please click here to donate. Also, stay tuned for more on the impact of the playground on the local community.
The post Help Fund I Am Peace Basketball Tournament At Jackie Robinson Playground In Brooklyn appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Meet the Star of The Russell Westbrook Parody Video appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
There's a decent chance that Brandon Armstrong has taken over your social media feeds. If he has his way, he'll soon be taking over, period.
Armstrong, aka @BdotAdot5, is the dude behind those remarkably on-point and very, very funny NBA parody videos. He's much more than that—we'll let him explain in a minute—but for our purposes, the story of how this 25-year-old Atlanta-bred ballplayer became an international comedy hoop star is the one everybody wants to know.
We caught up with Brandon this week to learn about his unlikely path.
SLAM: So tell us where you're from, and where you played ball.
Brandon Armstrong: I'm from Atlanta. I went to Chamblee High School, so I was in the same conference as guys like Derrick Favors, Chris Singleton. And then I played AAU with the Georgia Hurricanes and Atlanta All-Stars. When I was in middle school, I actually played against Dwight Howard, Javaris Crittenton, Lorenzo Brown, MarShon Brooks, there's so many guys. It's hard to name 'em all.
SLAM: From the videos it's clear you're a guard. How tall are you?
BA: About 6-1, 175.
SLAM: So what happened after high school?
BA: I played ball down here at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. It's a Division II school. I had a good amount of Division I offers, and I really wanted to go to Boston University. But my SAT scores weren't the best. I had good grades, but those tests just weren't for me. So the coach at Lincoln Memorial, Josh Schertz, came down and watched me, offered me on the spot. The pitch he gave me, I really believed in it. When I got there, they hadn't won a conference game in like eight years. He came in, recruited a bunch of freshman, and we were No. 1 in the nation my senior year. So it was probably the best decision I've made in my basketball career.
SLAM: After graduation in 2012, you got a D-League look, right?
BA: Yeah, it was crazy. I went for a league tryout in Memphis, made it, and ended up getting invited to a tryout in Reno, and I got that, and next thing I knew I got invited to Reno Bighorns training camps. I was fresh out of college, and I was looking to go overseas, so to play at that level was a blessing. I'm still great friends with a lot of those guys, like Garrett Temple from the Wizards. He's a great friend.
SLAM: At that point you're competing against a lot of dudes with NBA talent. What happened next?
BA: After a couple of months, I went to a summer league in Spain, outside of Madrid, and got some looks from a couple of teams out there, and I actually got offered to play for a team in Montenegro. But my mom, she still had that NBA dream… I had that D-League experience, and I was like, Mom, you gotta be realistic. But I ended up passing on the Montenegro offer. That was a really tough point in my life right there. But then later I had an opportunity to play in Australia, and that was a great experience.
SLAM: At what point did you start dabbling in social media stuff?
BA: During that whole time, I was on Vine. I've always done funny videos, just funny little skits on there. When I got back home from Australia, I was still doing the social media thing, and I had a couple of teams hit my agent up, but I was also getting booked for different events—little Vine tours, meet and greets at malls, club appearances, things like that.
Fast forward a couple of months to 2015, and that's when I started transferring a lot of my content to Instagram, because it was longer, and it just went from there. It was mostly straight comedy, just a little basketball stuff here and there, but not much. "White people be like," different stuff like that. The one that I was really known for was "How white girls take pictures." That was on Buzzfeed and YouTube. That was the stuff that people knew me from outside of basketball.
SLAM: At this point, were you more focused on trying to break through in entertainment than hoops?
BA: I was just going with the flow. If I'd gotten a call from a team, I'd look 'em over. But I had an opportunity to go out to Los Angeles and meet Russell Simmons. I told him what I did, and he was like, "Oh, you play basketball?" He was like, "What do you want to do?" I was like, I want to be the top entertainer in the business. He gave me his number, but I haven't hit him up yet. I want to be established first.
SLAM: Looks like you might be hitting that point now. You're everywhere.
BA: Yeah, it's probably about that time to send Russ a text. "Yo, Unc…" I think it's about that time.
SLAM: The hoop imitations are what's really blown up for you. What was your breakthrough vid?
BA: It all started with the LeBron James fast break. That was my idea, and my boy @Famouslos32, he does a lot of these as well. He also originated the James Harden one. But when the LeBron one went so crazy, it was like, "OK, this is what my followers like." That's when I came with the Westbrook, and it just blew up, major. That's when it really started. It's only been about two weeks, but it seems so long ago.
#ICYMI:: Lebron James (@KingJames) in game travels be like… 😂😂
feat. @KeeTheTrainer
•Tag A Hooper & Lebron Fan• pic.twitter.com/agF0D3icwZ
— B.A. (@BdotAdot5) July 18, 2015
SLAM: One of the things that made the Westbrook vid so big was that Russ saw it and responded.
BA: Yeah. I'm guessing his mentions were going crazy, but I'm also really good friends with Ant Morrow, that's one of my boys, and I knew he was gonna find a way for Westbrook to see it. He was like, "Durant really likes the video." Him and Westbrook, they're always on their phones.
Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) in game facial expressions be like… vs. His Player Picture. feat. @That_Guyy23 pic.twitter.com/ejt7319J1R
— B.A. (@BdotAdot5) July 13, 2015
SLAM: You've hit a lot of dudes by now: Derrick Rose, Tim Duncan, and of course the Harden video went crazy this week.
BA: The Rose one, after he hit that game-winning shot, and he had no facial expression. That was pretty funny, probably one of my favorites.
Derrick Rose facial expression NEVER changes not even when he hits a game winner! 😂😂
•Tag A Bulls Fan • Tag A Hooper pic.twitter.com/osPXrB1Yam
— B.A. (@BdotAdot5) July 16, 2015
SLAM: Other than Westbrook, have you heard from any of these guys?
BA: Well, not LeBron, 'cause you know he goes Zero Dark 30 in the Playoffs. And I haven't heard from Harden, but I know he's seen it. He has to.
James Harden (@JHarden13) be like…
FT: @That_Guyy23 & @JHDeuce
(FULL VERSION CLICK LINK IN BIO!) pic.twitter.com/0ltwIXFrfs
— B.A. (@BdotAdot5) July 22, 2015
SLAM: Who are the dudes in the videos with you?
BA: That's actually my manager, Jeremy Halbert-Harris, and my younger cousin, Jared Maner. I'm an only child, it was just me and my mom coming up, and I needed someone to play defense to make it more realistic. Jared just finished his freshman year at Morehouse College, and he's really, really good at baseball.
SLAM: So what do you look for when you're going to decide who to parody?
BA: Just basically finding the players who have particular features, unique characteristics and antics I could imitate.
SLAM: Right—the guys you've gone with are all instantly identifiable to any serious fan. But are you putting in film time, really studying to nail their moves and mannerisms?
BA: No, it's second nature, honestly. I've been watching those guys for a long time, just as a basketball fan in general. With Westbrook especially being one of my favorite players, and then Harden, it was just second nature. I did a little research on Harden as far as which foot he steps back with, but that's it.
SLAM: When did you realize you had this talent for impersonation?
BA: I would do it all the time in practice, or when I'd go play pick-up with the boys. "Who are you gonna be today?" "I'm gonna be JR Smith." "Alright, who you gonna be?" "I'll be Westbrook." That's really how it is.
SLAM: So the obvious question: Who's next on your list?
BA: I don't want to give any particulars, but I have a couple in mind: Kobe, Paul Pierce, Michael Jordan… and I have to do Steph. Steph is actually my favorite player in the NBA, because I like to shoot the ball. I like to shoot threes. I don't shoot twos that much.
SLAM: You must get people suggesting dudes, too.
BA: I get crazy suggestions. Some players I wouldn't even think of imitating, like somebody told me to do Kawhi Leonard. I'm like, He doesn't do anything! But it's cool. I appreciate the help.
SLAM: At some point, you're going to have to throw a white dude in there.
BA: I know. People have been requesting Scalabrine, or Dirk. I would have to look at Dirk a little bit closer. Ginobili, he's a character, so I could probably find something funny and twisted with Manu. And maybe Dellavedova… they're on my list.
SLAM: So what's next for you career wise?
BA: Like I said, I'm just going with the flow right now, and whatever opportunities come up, I'll definitely entertain. There's really no long game right now. I'm just taking it day by day, keep creating a buzz.
SLAM: Are you still enjoying it? You've got expectations now, that could be a drag.
BA: Oh, I'm enjoying it. I get to wake up any time I want, and I just get to be me. I don't feel any pressure.
SLAM: Does this mean your serious playing days are over?
BA: That's what I've been thinking about. That'd be tough. The social media, I'm going with it right now, but if a team came in, I'd have to sit down and evaluate it. It'd probably have to be the NBA. I wouldn't mind being that Kent Bazemore, that 12th guy on the bench.
But the dream, really, I like the entertainment business. It's cut-throat like basketball, so I'm not going to say it's easy, but it's easier. It's not as much wear and tear on my body, definitely. But I want to be one of the best and most-known entertainers in the business. Whether that's comedy, drama, whatever, I don't care. For now, they label me as the NBA impersonator, but if it's bringing people in, I don't mind. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
Ryan Jones is a Contributing Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @thefarmerjones.
The post Meet the Star of The Russell Westbrook Parody Video appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Jeffrey Taylor Agrees To 1-Year Deal With Real Madrid appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The No.31 overall pick in the 2012 Draft, small forward Jeffrey Taylor, has agreed to a one-year deal with reigning Euroleague champion Real Madrid.
The deal is said to be worth more than $900,000.
Per RealGM:
Free agent Jeffery Taylor has agreed to a one-year contract with Euroleague contender Real Madrid, sources told RealGM.
Taylor's deal with Real Madrid is expected to be worth over $900,000, sources said. Real Madrid is the reigning Euroleague champion.
Taylor, the No. 31 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, made progress with Real Madrid over the past several days.
The post Jeffrey Taylor Agrees To 1-Year Deal With Real Madrid appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Mavericks Sign Summer League Standout Maurice Ndour appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Dallas Mavericks have signed Summer League standout Maurice Ndour, who averaged 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds with the Knicks in Vegas.
Apparently, the Mavs offered more guaranteed money, and Ndour will have a real shot to make the roster.
From ESPN:
Maurice NDour has agreed to a deal with Dallas, per league sources. Sources say Mavs offered more guaranteed money than #Knicks.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 23, 2015
Mavs gave #Knicks summer leaguer Maurice Ndour a 3-year deal. First year guaranteed. Half of the 2nd year is guaranteed, per league sources.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 23, 2015
The post Mavericks Sign Summer League Standout Maurice Ndour appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Report: Pacers Sign Rakeem Christmas To 4-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Rookie Rakeem Christmas out of Syracuse is on the move, as the big man was traded from Cleveland to Indiana for a 2019 second-round pick on Thursday.
Christmas, who averaged 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds a game for the Orangemen last year, has already been traded once from Minnesota to Cleveland.
It seems the 23-year-old can finally settle in, as the Pacers were quick to sign him to a four-year deal.
Per ProBasketballTalk:
Earlier in the day on Thursday, the Pacers traded for Syracuse big man Rakeem Christmas from the Cavaliers. Christmas was a second-round pick in last month's draft, and the Cavs needed to get a pick to move Brendan Haywood's contract. Now, the Pacers have wasted no time in signing Christmas to a four-year deal with the first two years guaranteed, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Chris Haynes:
Rakeem Christmas, Pacers reached agreement on four-year, $4.5 million deal, league sources tell @clevelanddotcom. Two years guaranteed.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 23, 2015
Christmas will have a bigger opportunity to get minutes in Indiana than he would have in Cleveland, and the Pacers clearly think highly of the rookie if they were willing to guarantee his first two years as a second-round pick.
The post Report: Pacers Sign Rakeem Christmas To 4-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Lance Stephenson 'Definitely Hurt' Michael Jordan Traded Him appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Lance Stephenson says he's more than ready to take on the challenge of playing for the LA Clippers, but he can't help but feel as though he squandered his chance in Charlotte.
The Hornets shipped Stephenson out after just one season, and Lance admits that he's bummed out by the fact that team owner Michael Jordan gave up on him so quickly.
The 24-year-old put up some historically awful numbers and quickly wore out his welcome in Charlotte.
Per Bleacher Report:
A little more than a year ago, Lance Stephenson and his agent, Alberto Ebanks, flew to Las Vegas to meet with Hornets owner Michael Jordan and some of the team's brass. On July 15, Stephenson became a Hornet. […] This summer, Stephenson, 24, was back in Vegas, representing a new team, the Clippers, and training five days a week at the Impact Basketball gym. His main goal over the past two months has been to become more of an actual shooting guard, to prepare for his bigger off-the-ball role in Los Angeles.
Was Michael Jordan helpful to you on and off the court? […] LS: "He was communicating with me, telling me to keep a positive head even though I had a rough year. This was one of the roughest seasons—injuries, not getting my spot back. I felt like I could help this squad, but it just didn't go the way I planned it to go. It's a good learning experience and it really humbled me because when you have high expectations, you feel like you're that guy. It made me feel like, 'Hey, you've got to keep working. Never stop grinding. Don't take this stuff for granted because playing basketball is a blessing and you're getting paid for it.'"
Does it hurt at all that MJ traded you only after one season? […] LS: "Yeah, definitely it hurt me. I felt like I could've done more for the organization, I felt like we had pieces, and we just couldn't get over that hump. There were a lot of injuries, a lot of things that just held us back from having a successful season."
The post Lance Stephenson 'Definitely Hurt' Michael Jordan Traded Him appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Report: Cavs Attempting to Trade Brendan Haywood's Contract appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers completed a minor trade Thursday—the Cavs sent rookie center Rakeem Christmas to Indy in exchange for a 2019 second-round draft pick that's owed by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reportedly, the Cavs hope this will allow Cleveland to rid itself of Brendan Haywood and his non-guaranteed $10.5 million deal.
Christmas is said to have reached a four-year pact with the Pacers, with two guaranteed seasons.
Per ESPN:
While a final decision hasn't been reached, the Cavs have nearly come to the conclusion that they will not be able to find a suitable deal to use Haywood's $10.52 million non-guaranteed contract, sources said.
The Cavs shopped the contract around to numerous teams over the past six weeks but weren't able to settle on a deal they liked. Other possible trades, including talks with the Brooklyn Nets involving Joe Johnson, dried up when teams made other moves. Part of the reason the Cavs agreed to a minimum contract with free-agent forward Richard Jefferson this week was because they realized they'd just about exhausted their Haywood options and decided to move on.
The Cavs have also been concerned about taking on additional salaries because they are facing historic luxury-tax penalties this season. LeBron James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert are starting huge new contracts, and free agent Tristan Thompson is expected to follow. […] The Cavs are considering options to move Haywood before Aug. 1, when the contract becomes guaranteed, and create what would be the largest trade exception currently in the NBA. The Cavs used a trade exception they created last summer to trade for Timofey Mozgov during last season, a move that helped turn their season around. Creating a large exception would leave their options open for trades going into the season.
The post Report: Cavs Attempting to Trade Brendan Haywood's Contract appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Chris Copeland Signs One-Year Deal With Milwaukee appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Milwaukee Bucks beat out the San Antonio Spurs and OKC Thunder for the services of free agent Chris Copeland.
Source: Bucks & Chris Copeland have verbally agreed to a 1-year contract. Cope & Jason Kidd have a good relationship from Knicks teammates.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 23, 2015
Copeland is set to join the Bucks on a one-year deal at just over $1 million.
The 31-year-old has put up 6.4 points and shot 37.3 percent from 3-point land in his three seasons.
Per RealGM:
opeland had spent the past several days mulling possible deals with the Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Bucks slowly bringing along Jabari Parker from a torn ACL and his relationship with Jason Kidd, Copeland will compete for a significant role in the team's rotation next season.
Copeland was stabbed outside a nightclub in New York in early April, and will be fully healthy for training camp in 2015-16.
After a breakout season for the New York Knicks in which he averaged 8.7 points, Copeland signed a two-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. In his first season with the Knicks and Pacers, the 6-foot-8 forward shot 42.1 percent and 41.8 percent from three-point land, respectively. He scored 6.2 points a night in 50 games last season.
The post Chris Copeland Signs One-Year Deal With Milwaukee appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Cavs Re-Sign James Jones to One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
As expected, the Cleveland Cavaliers will reportedly bring back veteran free agent forward James Jones.
It's a one-year pact at the vet's minimum with the 34-year-old.
The Cavs are still negotiating with free agents Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith and Matthew Dellavedova.
Per the NEOMG:
The contract, according to one source, is for the veteran's minimum. The paperwork was faxed Thursday to Jones, who is in Florida with family. The contract is expected to be signed and finalized as early as Friday.
Jones, 34, appeared in 57 games for the Cavaliers last season and averaged 4.4 points while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range. Last week in Las Vegas at the Players Awards Show, he said, "I'll be back in Cleveland for sure."
He's one of the veteran players LeBron James trusts and vouched for in the summer of 2014. He's a rock inside the locker room, and his long-range catch-and-shooting ability blends well with Cleveland's cast of talented players.
The post Cavs Re-Sign James Jones to One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: adidas D Lillard 1 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: adidas D Lillard 1 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Full Court 21 NYC Qualifier, Week 1 (PHOTOS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
This past Tuesday was the first of a handful of New York City qualifiers for the 2015 season of Bobbito Garcia's Full Court 21. With a trip to the World Final on August 25th on the line, some of the Big Apple's most passionate blacktop ballers took over the concrete at Booker T. Washington Playground in Upper Manhattan while a couple of former NBA players stopped by to take in the action. In the end, Brian Berrios came away as this week's winner and will now advance to the World Final, where awaiting him will be winners of qualifiers from all around the world.
NYC will host another qualifier next Tuesday at 6pm at the same site. Scroll through the photo gallery above to see some of this week's action. For more info on upcoming qualifiers, visit fullcourt21nyc.com. You can also stream the games by downloading the Trekker Live app: trekkerlive.com/fc21nyc/
The post Full Court 21 NYC Qualifier, Week 1 (PHOTOS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WNBA Unanimously Approves Tulsa Shock's Move to Dallas in 2016 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The WNBA board of governors has unanimously approved the relocation of the Tulsa Shock to Dallas in 2016.
The team's majority owner, Bill Cameron, had been planning the move all month and publicly announced his intentions to relocate on July 20.
The Lone Star State has a strong women's basketball culture—boasting four programs that have won NCAA Division I women's hoops titles—as well as the nation's fifth-biggest media market. The team will play in UT-Arlington next season.
More from the WNBA:
NEW YORK, July 23, 2015 – WNBA owners unanimously approved the relocation of the Tulsa Shock to the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The team will finish the current season in Tulsa before beginning play in Arlington in 2016.
"The WNBA is extremely grateful to the city of Tulsa and the team's loyal fans. The support they have shown for the Shock and women's professional basketball over the past six seasons has been tremendous," said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie. "We look forward to having our first team based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area."
The fourth largest metropolitan area in the U.S., Dallas-Fort Worth represents a well-established professional sports market with one of the top five national media markets.
The Shock will play at College Park Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus, subject to approval by the University of Texas System's Board of Regents. Additional information about the team will be forthcoming.
The post WNBA Unanimously Approves Tulsa Shock's Move to Dallas in 2016 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike Kyrie 1 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kick of the Day: Nike Kyrie 1 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Girls, Girls, Girls appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
There's no question the typical basketball uniform experienced quite the number of makeovers throughout the years. From the original padded pants to the short shorts, from the modern day long and loose to the love-it or hate-it sleeved jerseys, basketball players everywhere donned many different looks.
But for a group of Somali American girls in the Cedar-Riverside community in Minneapolis, none of the existing basketball uniform options were good enough to meet their cultural, religious and personal needs.
And so, the girls did what perhaps not many would do. They took the matter into their own hands and reached out to their coaches and mentors at the G.I.R.L.S. (Girls Initiative in Recreation and Leisurely Sports) program they're all a part of.
"Myself and the coaches and the founder of the program, Fatimah Hussein, heard the girls talking about how the traditional clothing presented a major challenge for them to play basketball and be active in the way they wanted," said Dr. Chelsey Thul, a School of Kinesiology lecturer at the University of Minnesota and a volunteer research consultant at G.I.R.L.S. since its inception in 2008.
G.I.R.L.S. itself runs like an afterschool program that offers all-female physical activities for East African girls in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, home to a very densely populated Muslim Somali community. The girls' traditional clothing, often consisting of long skirts and flowy hijabs, made it difficult to complete a crossover and run around the court without something coming undone.
After learning of this challenge over two years ago, Dr. Thul connected with Dr. Elizabeth Bye, a department head in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. "I thought it sounded like a great project," Dr. Bye said. "And we went from there."
With Dr. Bye's undergraduate apparel design students on board and money received from a grant, the collaboration began to create a brand new basketball uniform to fit the young ladies' needs.
And it truly was a collaboration in every sense of the word.
"The most exciting and powerful part of the journey for me was the true collaboration that we had with the community," Dr. Thul said. "The community, the girls, their parents were involved in every step of the way."
The girls sat in on leadership meetings, helped design the uniforms, and debuted the finished garments at a fashion show in June. Their parents served as community liaisons and took part in several gallery walks and feedback events. Dr. Bye's students helped to sketch the original and final designs. The greater Cedar-Riverside community sewed the actual garments. Everyone attended the fashion show—even Minnesota Senator Kari Dziedic, who's doing what she can to license the clothing and potentially make it something the community manufactures and produces for other athletes.
The behind-the-scenes team chemistry can now be seen on the court in the form of the red Lady Warrior uniforms as well as the striped athletic wear.
"Basketball has been the one sport that the girls have played throughout the years," said Salma Hussein, a former participant in the G.I.R.L.S. program and now a member of the leadership team.
Hussein said scheduling for the Lady Warriors travel team is in the works, so the unique uniforms have yet to debut in a game. But that didn't stop people from hearing about them.
"One of my graduate students was at home in China visiting, and she said it was even in the local newspaper there," said Dr. Bye. "It's really exciting that it had so much visibility."
Both Dr. Bye and Dr. Thul said they've had requests from multiple schools and teams (as well as older women in the community!) requesting when and where they can get their hands on the athletic wear for the Muslim girls on their rosters. Put simply, they're not ready for mass production just yet.
But the project did unveil there is a need for a growing demographic of both young and old female Muslim athletes who want athletic wear that's comfortable, modest and cute. What the girls at G.I.R.L.S. envisioned is just the beginning.
"For [the girls], it wasn't only creating the clothes—I mean they loved that, and that was exciting, and how fun it was to be a fashion designer! But more than that, they knew the deep meaning and the impact these clothes would not only have on their lives, but the potential impact they could have on so many other girls' lives," Dr. Thul said. "When you hear the girls talk about that part and see their faces light up to know as a 12-, 13-year-old girl that they are truly making a difference, it's incredible and very powerful."
Photos courtesy of Warren Bruland
The post Girls, Girls, Girls appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Kentucky Sends Drake Cease And Desist Letter appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Kentucky Wildcats apparently want Drake far away from their potential recruits.
Drizzy is an ardent supporter of Kentucky, and perhaps you remember the brick he put up at the 2014 Midnight Madness in Lexington, KY. That evening, Kentucky reported that four-star commit Charles Matthews requested a photo with Drake, which constitutes a Level III (non-suspension) violation.
Big Blue Madness was Crazy!!!' Loved It! pic.twitter.com/F65u44Pxo3
— Team Matthews (@nichole0335) October 18, 2014
Kentucky was obligated to send Drake a letter, and coach John Calipari tweeted that all is well.
There are no issues with @Drake and UK, and Drake is and always will be a part of our Big Blue family. I hope to see him on campus soon.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) July 22, 2015
More from Sporting News:
Kentucky issued Drake a cease-and-desist letter after his appearance at the school's Big Blue Madness event because he took photos with some recruits.
Kentucky's compliance office self-reported the impermissible communication between Drake and three potential student-athletes (PSAs) on April 27, according to a letter obtained by Sporting News as part of an open records request.
According to the details in the letter, Drake and his management team arrived at Rupp Arena prior to the event's tipoff and were advised that "NCAA rules prohibited the institution from arranging contact between him and the PSAs as this would be an NCAA violation." After informing the three recruits in town for Big Blue Madness that they were not allowed to have contact with Drake, athletic directors went as far as trying to coordinate who would be in the hallways to ensure that they did not cross paths.
After Big Blue Madness concluded, Drake "headed back toward the locker room to say goodbye to the head coach (who wasn't there)" and "PSA #3 (whom Sporting News identified as four-star shooting guard commit Charles Matthews) approached Graham and requested a picture."
The post Kentucky Sends Drake Cease And Desist Letter appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post #TBT: Stephen Jackson appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Sadly, Stephen Jackson retired today. Admittedly, he hasn't been Stephen Jackson for about five years now, but it was still nice knowing that he was on a bench somewhere, keeping everybody sharp, ready to check in and score at any time.
That was S-Jax—a fierce competitor and a big-time scorer. (Also: honest with the media.)
I'd say more, but the dude who posted the clip above (with incredible musical accompaniment) pretty much summed it up already:
I love SJaxx and wanted to show my appreciation.
The post #TBT: Stephen Jackson appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Voices of Reason appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Over the last year I have done a radio program in Washington, DC, with former NBA player Etan Thomas. Thomas played 11 years in the NBA, so suffice it to say he has an extensive Rolodex of former players for us to get on the phone and interview. Etan is a thoughtful, politically minded person, and the friends he made in the League over the years are very similar in their approach to both the game and the world. We have been able to interview people like Larry Hughes, Bryon Russell, John Wallace, Nolan Smith, Roger Mason, Antonio Daniels and Joe Smith—very good people with a lot to say.
Of course, we have been doing the show in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement against police violence, a movement that Etan Thomas has heavily invested himself in. This has meant that we have asked many of these former players if they themselves ever had run-ins with the police or had problems with local authorities. I certainly expected some of them to have stories. After all, these are wealthy black men driving fancy cars, which is racial profiling catnip for police officers trained to target in such a manner. There was a great deal, however, that I did not expect to hear. I did not expect to hear the pain in people's voices, as these confident alpha males expressed a guarded torment over going through the ordeal of being treated like a criminal. I also did not expect to hear how close many of these situations came to ending horribly wrong. We are talking about Durham police having guns drawn as the window comes down, the barrel pointed right between the eyes of guard Nolan Smith. This is referred to as protocol. I also did not expect to hear from Nolan Smith that Mike Krzyzewski was one of the first people he told and was given a great deal of love from Coach K and his entire family.
One commonality in all of the stories we have heard was how the attitude of the police would change dramatically once they either recognized the man behind the wheel or looked at their licenses and made the connection that this was not just a random 7-foot-tall man in the front seat of a custom made Denali. On one level, their fame allowed them to travel from being anonymously black—a threat, a predator, someone to approach armed with the finger on the trigger—to being an actual human being. But on another level, the realization that they were dealing with an NBA player at times made the situation more precarious. The attitude by police could careen as fast as an eye-blink from "you are a threat" to "you are a star" to "you better not act like you're better than me just because you're a star." Ask Thabo Sefolosha, Dale Davis or Chris Webber how quickly a run-in with police can turn violent once they figure out that you are not only an NBA player but an NBA player with "attitude."
One profound benefit that takes place when NBA players speak out and stand with the Black Lives Matter movement is that it puts a recognizable face on the question of police violence for white Americans. We still live in a deeply segregated country where many see black Americans as an indistinguishable mass—unless they have fame in sports, music or, increasingly, politics—not unlike the way those police officers approached Nolan Smith's car window in Durham. To speak out, to tell their stories and to tell the truth—that fame, money and glory can only protect you so much—has the power to sever segregation and create a transmission belt of information and understanding. Their stories may not fit with a corporate narrative or the NBA's desire to leap toward even more mainstream success, but the social good that arises from their seizing the microphone should cause us to encourage them to open their mouths and be heard. The stakes are higher than brand potential. They speak to whether we can ever move on from the racial hatreds of the past and build a better country.
Dave Zirin is a SLAM contributor and the Sports Editor of The Nation. Follow him on Twitter @EdgeofSports.
The post Voices of Reason appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Knicks Canceled Meeting With LaMarcus Aldridge Because He Wouldn't Play Center appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Prior to a scheduled sitdown earlier this month with free agent All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge, the geniuses who run the New York Knicks insisted on the big fella "strictly" playing center should he re-locate to Gotham.
Aldridge wasn't trying to hear any of that, and both parties decided it was best if they didn't meet at all.
With suitors like the San Antonio Spurs competing for Aldridge's services, it was an extremely long shot for the Knicks to land him, but failing to even meet with the big guy is another amazing chapter in the franchise's long history of failure.
Per ESPN:
Aldridge said that Phil Jackson and the Knicks wanted him to "strictly" play center. Aldridge didn't want to solely play center. Thus, Aldridge and the Knicks agreed to cancel their scheduled meeting in free agency, Aldridge said.
"They didn't want to meet with me," Aldridge said. "Some people said it was me. But it was both parties agreeing that we shouldn't meet."
League sources say Jackson decided it was best for the Knicks to cancel the meeting with Aldridge because the team prioritized the center position in free agency and Aldridge made it clear that he didn't want to play center exclusively. The Knicks had already missed out on Greg Monroe, a top free-agent target, and decided to focus their efforts on free agent centers DeAndre Jordan and Robin Lopez, sources say.
The post Knicks Canceled Meeting With LaMarcus Aldridge Because He Wouldn't Play Center appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Roy Hibbert Lost 16 Pounds and Aims to Become an All-Star Defender appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
New Los Angeles Lakers center Roy Hibbert says he has shed some sixteen pounds, and wants to re-establish himself as an elite defender.
Roy Hibbert changed his diet and told me he dropped 16 pounds from his playing weight last season, down from 283 to currently 267.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 22, 2015
Part of Hibbert's goal in dropping so much weight is to get a bit quicker and adapt to how the league has gotten smaller.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 22, 2015
Do all of that, Roy, and maybe … just maybe, Kobe Bryant will acknowledge your existence next season.
During his introductory press conference Wednesday, Hibbert said he's excited for a fresh start with the Lakers.
Per the OC Register:
To Larry Bird and others in charge in Indiana, Roy Hibbert was a lost cause. A lumbering center with little offensive game and a disinterested temperament, they were happy pawning him off for nothing more than a future second-round draft pick. The Lakers, however, view Hibbert as a player who can not only regain his standing as an All-Star big man, but anchor their anemic defense, which last year ranked second-worst in the NBA. […] "I expect to play at an All-Star defensive level, and everything else will come," Hibbert said Wednesday.
The 7-foot-2 Hibbert is the most intriguing of the trio. With one year and $15.5 million remaining on his contract, Hibbert could either be a short-term stop-gap or a permanent solution. […] "In this business," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said, "if you can have somebody who's that size, who's 28 years old, that clearly wants to rebirth his career, I think that's a good risk."
Hibbert averaged 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Pacers last season. He is just a year removed from his second All-Star campaign, and helping Indiana to the Eastern Conference finals. […] "It all can't fall to his plate," Kupchak said. "If you're on the perimeter, you can't just let your guy get past you and say, 'Oh, Roy is back there.' It doesn't work that way. Everybody is going to have to buy in defensively and make a commitment defensively."
The post Roy Hibbert Lost 16 Pounds and Aims to Become an All-Star Defender appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Stephen Jackson Announces Retirement from the NBA appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
One of the more entertaining and memorable careers in NBA history has officially come to an end—Stephen Jackson announced that he's calling it quits this week, and wants everyone to show up for the retirement party.
Ex-Pacer Stephen Jackson has officially retired. His best quote was: "I make love to pressure" in reference to his late-game shooting
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) July 23, 2015
Cap'n Jack, 37, was a member of eight teams and averaged 15.1 points and 3.9 rebounds during his fourteen-year run.
Jackson last played during the 2013-14 season for the LA Clippers; he helped the San Antonio Spurs win the 2003 title and was a key combatant in the unforgettable "Malice in the Palace" the following year.
The post Stephen Jackson Announces Retirement from the NBA appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post LA Clippers Ink Pablo Prigioni to One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Free agent guard Pablo Prigioni has reportedly come to terms on a one-year pact with the LA Clippers.
Clippers have reached a verbal agreement with Pablo Prigioni on one-year, veteran's minimum deal.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) July 22, 2015
Pablo Prigioni signing will take Clips more than $13 mil past luxury tax threshold and nudge their tax bill, as it stands, to nearly $24 mil
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 22, 2015
Prigioni, 38, is coming off season averages of 3.0 points and 2.8 assists in 24 games with the Houston Rockets.
Per the LA Times:
Prigioni was recently waived by the Denver Nuggets after they acquired him in a trade with the Houston Rockets involving Ty Lawson, and he became a free agent after clearing waivers.
Prigioni helped the Rockets beat the Clippers last season in the Western Conference semifinals in seven games and joins former Rockets teammate Josh Smith with his new team.
The 38-year-old Prigioni split last season with Houston and the New York Knicks. He averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 18 minutes over 67 games.
The post LA Clippers Ink Pablo Prigioni to One-Year Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WATCH: Grey-Haired Cuttino Mobley Still Balling In The Drew League appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Don't let the grey hair fool you. @CuttinosLife still has game. He did his thing with LAUNFD on Sunday. #OldMoney 💰
— Drew League (@DrewLeague) July 23, 2015
At 39-years-old, Cuttino Mobley is still doing work in the Drew League. Mobley spent the best years of his NBA career with the Houston Rockets and posted career numbers of 16.0 points and 3.9 rebounds a game.
He retired from the game back in 2009 due to a heart issue known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but clearly the man has not lost his touch.
The post WATCH: Grey-Haired Cuttino Mobley Still Balling In The Drew League appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Chris Paul Stars in 'Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation' Spoof Trailer (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
LA Clippers All-Star point guard Chris Paul is featured in a spoof of the trailer for the latest "Mission: Impossible" flick.
CP3, who we've seen act before, makes it really hard for Tom Cruise and his team to get the job done.
We're uniquely trained and highly motivated. #TeamIMF @ESPN @MissionFilm https://t.co/yUaGkLhbd1
— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 23, 2015
The post Chris Paul Stars in 'Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation' Spoof Trailer (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WATCH: Michael Jordan Silences Heckler Who Insults His Sneakers in 1995 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Thanks to one gutsy fan, we have this awesome footage of Michael Jordan and the Bulls from 1995. The fan illegally taped a game between Cleveland and Chicago from his court-side seat, which also happened to be right next to the Bulls' bench. Some highlights include Phil Jackson screaming at Luc Longley, Scottie Pippen getting animated, and MJ responding to a heckler who insults his Air Jordan XIs (around 9:00 in the video).
Check out the footage above to see all that and more.
(H/T: /r/NBA)
The post WATCH: Michael Jordan Silences Heckler Who Insults His Sneakers in 1995 appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post City of Hoops 'Pump Up The Volume' Animated Short (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Our man T is back, as City of Hoops released their third animated short earlier this week. Previously, we've seen T fight tough battles on the court and in the classroom. In this episode, T and O square off in an epic dunk contest that gets interrupted in hilarious fashion by the ambitious T-Baby. Check it out above.
This video is the latest in a series of five shorts from City of Hoops that follows the game through the eyes of the main character, T, and his friends. In total, the series will feature 22 different characters. Stay tuned for more and connect with City of Hoops via their official website and their Facebook page.
The post City of Hoops 'Pump Up The Volume' Animated Short (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post WATCH: New Lakers Go Silent When Asked About Kobe Bryant Reaching Out appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The Los Angeles Lakers introduced their new crop of free agents—Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass were all paraded in front of the local media Wednesday afternoon—and there's a very good chance that Kobe Bryant has never heard of any of these folks.
#BlackHat and the misconceptions of leadership #muse
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 23, 2015
An ominously long silence fell upon the incoming trio when asked if Kobe has been in touch.
Lookin' good. #GoLakers pic.twitter.com/mbRKFjGins
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 22, 2015
Q: Have any of you guys heard from Kobe, and if so, what did he say?
Hibbert: 👀
Lou: 😕
Bass: 😸
— Bill Oram (@billoram) July 22, 2015
Yep, it's shaping up to be yet another great season in Laker Land.
Per the LA Daily News:
Usually, the players will share that Bryant texted or talked with them on the phone. Sometimes, they will divulge what insight or advice Bryant offered. But center Roy Hibbert, guard Lou Williams and forward Brandon Bass, all of whom the Lakers acquired this offseason, indicated in an introductory press conference on Wednesday they had not heard from the Lakers' star. […] Hibbert shook his head "no." The players looked at one another. Brass smiled amid the deafening silence.
Bryant, who is entering the final year of his contract worth $25 million, has touched base with other players in the past. That included D'Angelo Russell, whom the Lakers drafted with the second overall pick. Bryant also sat in on the Lakers' first free agency meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge.
Still, Bass mentioned earlier that his arrival with the Lakers partly hinged on Bryant, […] Said Bass: "I thought it was a great opportunity to play with one of the greatest ever to ever play the game."
The post WATCH: New Lakers Go Silent When Asked About Kobe Bryant Reaching Out appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Spurs Sign Jimmer Fredette To Training Camp Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Former Brigham Young sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette has agreed to terms to be with the Spurs for training camp. The Spurs lost some of their backcourt depth with Cory Joseph headed to Toronto and Marco Belinelli to Sacramento, and are looking for shooters.
Per ESPN and Yahoo! Sports:
ESPN sources say San Antonio is indeed finalizing a deal to sign Jimmer Fredette
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 22, 2015
Spurs are always on the lookout for shooters and want to give Fredette his shot in the San Antonio system
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 22, 2015
Free agent guard Jimmer Fredette is finalizing a training camp deal with the San Antonio Spurs, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 22, 2015
Spurs are searching hard for shooters, plan to give Fredette a chance to make roster. Deal includes modest financial guarantee, sources said
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 22, 2015
The post Spurs Sign Jimmer Fredette To Training Camp Deal appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post adidas Superstar 80s Primeknit (KICKS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The adidas Superstar 80s has been given the Primeknit treatment. Releasing in white/black and black/white, the classic shell toes are taking on a lightweight, contemporary look.
Get your own pair for $140 at select US retailers and scroll through our photos above to get a closer look.
The post adidas Superstar 80s Primeknit (KICKS) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Rapper Thanks Nike For Sneaker Created For Athletes With Disabilities (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Rapper Gee Major, who was born with cerebral palsy, created a video to express his gratitude to Nike for creating a shoe that fits his needs. The Zoom Soldier 8 Flyease doesn't have laces and has a zipper in the back, making it easily accessible for athletes with disabilities.
Check out the video above to hear Gee's story and what Nike's model means to him.
The post Rapper Thanks Nike For Sneaker Created For Athletes With Disabilities (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Warner Brothers Trademarks 'Space Jam' and Signs LeBron James appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Over the years, LeBron James and his management team have carefully built him into a veritable Hollywood mogul.
Warner Brothers announced Wednesday that they've inked the Cleveland Cavaliers megastar to an "unprecedented agreement"; oh, and a "Space Jam" sequel could be in the works.
Warner Bros. filed new trademarks for "Space Jam" last month. Today announced deal with LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/WaZ33sXCsY
— Alex Weprin (@alexweprin) July 22, 2015
Let's Go! So excited #WarnerBrosXSpringhillEnt pic.twitter.com/y097rySpTq
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 22, 2015
James starred in the critically-acclaimed film "Trainwreck", and continues to expand his media holdings.
Per the NEOMG:
Fresh off a $30 million opening weekend at the box office for his first movie and with his production company building momentum, LeBron James is partnering with Warner Bros. in an "unprecedented arrangement," according to the entertainment giant.
The partnership is between Warner, James, and SpringHill Entertainment, the production company owned by James and run on a day-day basis by James' friend and long-time business partner, Maverick Carter. […] Per the agreement, SpringHill will work on movies, TV, and original digital content for Warner. That means James' name will be listed on many of those projects as an executive producer and he could hold acting roles in those movies/and shows.
The buzz he helped generate for "Trainwreck" could be there for several of the projects he engages in with Warner Bros. Not to mention, Warner Bros. owns the rights to "Space Jam," which starred Michael Jordan. The fit for a sequel is obvious. […] "LeBron James has one of the most powerful, well-known brands in the world and we are excited to be in business with him and his partner, Maverick Carter, and SpringHill Entertainment," Kevin Tsujihara, chairman and chief executive officer of Warner Bros. said in a news release. "The combination of LeBron's global media presence and Warner Bros.' unmatched production and distribution expertise is a big win for fans everywhere.
LeBron James Producing 'Becoming' Series on Disney XD
LeBron James' TV Series 'Survivor's Remorse' Renewed for Second Season
The post Warner Brothers Trademarks 'Space Jam' and Signs LeBron James appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Serge Ibaka Ready to Fight Matt Barnes After Winning a Title (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
OKC Thunder big man Serge Ibaka was amused by Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes' public challenge to a fistfight.
TMZ accosted Ibaka for a rebuttal on a Hollywood street Tuesday night, and Serge says he's ready and willing to knuckle up, but that he must first win an NBA championship and pad his bank account.
Next season's Thunder-Grizzlies games promise to be fun.
The post Serge Ibaka Ready to Fight Matt Barnes After Winning a Title (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
The post Nuggets Say They Tried to Help Ty Lawson With Alcohol Problem appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>
Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke says he's rooting for Ty Lawson to get his career and life back on track.
Lawson was recently traded to the Houston Rockets, this after getting busted with a DUI for the second time in a six-month period.
Kroenke and the Nuggets did what they could to deal with Lawson's demons, but decided to cut the cord with the talented 27-year-old point guard once he veered down a "dark path."
Per Yahoo! Sports:
Kroenke said on Tuesday in a phone interview that the Nuggets had been privately trying to help Lawson with his issues for "the past couple of years" and that there had been problems for a long time. […] Kroenke said he had repeated conversations with Lawson about his "life struggles," adding that Lawson often said he would attempt to fix his issues but he could "never fully shake them."
"He always had an affinity for burning the candle at both ends," Kroenke said. "We want to give our players freedom to be young guys as well. We're not going to be drill sergeants. But we want our guys to be able to handle their personal lives on their own. […] Ty … there were times when he was better than others. But the problems have been there for several years, going back to when we were having a lot of on-court success. I don't want to go back too far. There were just a lot of times where you were at practice and you just know. You could smell it. You know there is probably deeper issues than he would probably let on."
"There weren't a lot of teams [interested in Lawson]," Kroenke said. "Houston was in a position where this could put them over the top. We're fully aware of that. We couldn't look at this deal from any perspective but our own. […] In the long run, I hope [the trade] is a good thing for Ty Lawson, the person. There are no guarantees. Sometimes you just need to hear the message from a different person. Sometimes a change of scenery is the best thing for all parties. That's the way we looked at this. … I think Ty Lawson, the person, is starting to understand more so than he ever has the things he needs to do in order to keep his career on track and more importantly get his life on track."
The post Nuggets Say They Tried to Help Ty Lawson With Alcohol Problem appeared first on SLAMonline.]]>