The NBA 24/7 365 Basketball Dictionary, Sixth Set Of Entries

al·ba·tross [al-buh-traws, -tros]

–noun
1. something burdensome that impedes action or progress.
2. The five-year, $30 million deal given to Jerome James by the New York Knicks after a fluke playoff performance in 2005.
Origin: Isiah Thomas.
—Synonyms
disgrace, load, burden, millstone.

smooth [smooth]

–adjective
1. free from or proceeding without abrupt curves, bends, etc.: a smooth ride.
2. Ray Allen’s stroke.
Origin: the gym.
—Synonyms
fluid, fluent, velvety, easy.

vol·a·tile [vol-uh-tl, -til or, -tahyl]

–adjective
1. tending or threatening to break out into open violence; explosive: a volatile political situation.
2. Kenyon Martin.
Origin: Saginaw, MI; 1977.
—Synonyms
erratic, flippant, tempermental.

an·i·mos·i·ty [an-uh-mos-i-tee]

–noun
1. a feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or enmity that tends to display itself in action.
2. The feelings of the City of Cleveland toward LeBron James.
Origin: The Decision; July 8, 2010; ESPN.
—Synonyms
bad blood, malice, hate.

in·flu·en·tial [in-floo-en-shuhl]

–adjective
1. having or exerting influence, especially great influence: three influential educators.
2. Michael Jordan.
Origin: an unmatched competitive drive; North Carolina.
—Synonyms
inspiring, impressive, big-gun, leading.