NBA 24/7 365

Let me start by saying that it can be fairly difficult to gather information about the CBA.  I’ve yet to find a website published in English that covers the league well, and translations of the Chinese sites usually come out pretty messed up.  I mean, you can get the gist of what happened, but that’s about it.  Fortunately, I do have quite a bit of experience in gathering CBA info.  Stromile Swift played for the Shandong Lions last year, so I checked the CBA news daily. Anyway, based on the what I’ve taken away from various tidbits about JR’s first game in China, here’s the bottom line: it was apparently a preseason match, and his teammates weren’t even sure if he’d play.  He had only had a couple of days to work with his new squad, and he’s not really familiar with anything yet.  He seems to have told a reporter something along the lines of “I’m still adjusting, and I’m not in peak shape just yet.”

No matter; he dropped 33 points, grabbed 10 boards, and handed out 10 assists.  You can view a few videos shot by a fan by clicking here.  Sorry, I can’t figure out how to embed them.

That’s about all I’ve got for you at this point… I can’t even figure out who won the game.  Once the regular season starts I think I’ll be able to provide more detailed information and better videos.  I plan to follow JR, Wilson Chandler, and Kenyon Martin, so I’ll be keeping my readers posted.  Speaking of Kenyon Martin, his team appears to have played this morning.  Whether or not he participated is unclear… I can’t find a box score or anything.  He practiced with his new team for the first time just two days ago.  Click here to hear him talk to a reporter about his new team.

UPDATE: Kenyon Martin did play this morning.  He scored 12 points and grabbed 3 boards as his team, Xianjiang, beat Stephon Marbury and Beijing 97-88.  While 12 points seem a little disappointing, consider this: five of Martin’s teammates also scored in double figures, and no one (including last season’s MVP Quincy Douby) reached 20 points.  I figure that Martin will score his fair share over in China–probably around 20 PPG–but he probably won’t be doing 30 a game or anything.  Quincy Douby is apparently Jordanesque in the far East, so I figure he’ll be putting most of Xianjiang’s points on the board.

Fun fact: The game in which Martin played was between two teams called the Flying Tigers and the Ducks.  The CBA is obviously home to some of the coolest-named franchises in professional sports.

My main man Sonny Weems appears to be doing fairly well in Lithuania.  Relative to some of the other NBAers (including Sonny’s teammate Ty Lawson) who chose to take their talents to Europe, he’s doing spectacular.  In his Euroleague debut, Weems fell just two points shy of leading his team, Zalgiris Kaunus, in scoring.  He dropped 16 points (although it took him 16 shots to get there) while grabbing a team-high six boards and collecting a couple of steals.  His team lost by 13 to Nenad Krstic, Andrei Kirilenko, and CSKA Moscow, but I believe CSKA is a top-flight team over there.  Thirteen-point loss or not, Sonny had a few impressive moments.  Here are his highlights…

I was a little disappointed with the lack of slam dunks, but I suppose Sonny isn’t over there to learn how to dunk, is he?  The lightning-quick between-the-legs crossover which kicks off the video was absolutely excellent, and I like the fact that all but one of his buckets were scored inside of the paint.  Sonny really needs to improve in three areas: ball handling, three-point shooting, and getting all the way to the bucket.  In this video he showed us little flashes of brilliance in two of those three areas.  Unfortunately, he clunked all three of his long-range attempts.  However, in his second Euroleague game, Sonny went 2-3 from distance.  He scored a team-high 21 points on 8-14 from the floor, and you can see one of his three-balls in the game highlights…

Yeah, Zalgiris lost once again, but it appears that Sonny’s play probably wasn’t the reason.  I’d also like to point out the fact that, clearly, Euroleague has much different standards than we do when it comes to “huge” dunks.  Oh, and who remembers Jorge Garbajosa?  The former Craptor played in this game, going 0-2 for the other team.

Anyway, it looks like Sonny’s doing alright overseas.  Nothing crazy, but solid stuff.  Oh, before I forget, let me clarify something: Sonny’s team has played 13 games thus far, not two.  The two games I discussed are the pair of Euroleague games they’ve played thus far.  See, not all of their games are played in the Euroleague; Zalgiris plays in a variety of leagues and tournaments.  I chose to talk about the Euroleague games because, to my knowledge, they’re the most competitive and meaningful.  Sonny actually seems to be saving his best performances for the top competition.  He’s averaging 11 points in one of the lesser leagues, and 13 points in another (total of three games in each of those leagues).

Now that I know where to find the info, I’ll keep you posted on Sonny’s progress.

I didn’t even know Scal was playing overseas, so this video came as a surprise to me.  I wasn’t surprised to see him draining threes and even driving to the basket for a left-handed layup, though.  There’s a reason why he made it to the NBA, and it isn’t his dancing abilities.  Scal was clearly at a huge disadvantage athletically when playing against NBA talent, and most importantly, he appeared to lack confidence.  Like, you know the dude can shoot the lights out in an empty gym, but when he’d finally get his chance in a game he simply couldn’t get the shots to drop.  I always felt his pain… I’ve had similar confidence issues when playing basketball… but I kinda laughed at him anyway.  It’s hard not to when he does something like this.  Plus, the guy is chubby on NBA standards, and he’s got bright red hair.  He doesn’t look the part, and goddammit it’s funny.

He’s fitting in much better in Italy, though.  Check it out…

Good for Scal!  Look at how he moves without the ball at the 40 second mark.  The screening and movement he used to get open on that play were a thing of fundamental beauty.

You may recall a post entitled Carmelo Anthony: From Swagged-Out To Swag-Less which I submitted on the 16th of September.  It chronicled Melo’s transformation from a hip hop era fashion icon into one of Kanye West’s hipster disciples.  Anyway, Melo continues his journey down this questionable fashion path… here he is wearing leopard-print slip-ons at GQ’s Gentleman’s Ball–whatever the hell that is.

He ought to involve that print in his next pair of Jordans.  He could go with a matching headband and arm sleeve as well.  Then he’d look almost as cool as his teammate Amare Noswagemire.

Official –Swag-O-Meter– Rating:

1.5/5

I went easy on him here because, aside from the shoes, he doesn’t look as stupid as usual.  Had he worn these slip-ons with one of his other fits?  I probably would’ve created some sort of new –Swag-O-Meter– that can show a negative rating.

Whenever this lockout ends and NBA basketball returns, former Philadelphia 76er teammates Allen Iverson and Larry Hughes want to be part of the action.  Iverson says he’ll “play for anybody.” Hughes claims he’s “still got some game left.”  While I don’t doubt that–physically–Hughes still has something left in his tank at age 32, and even Iverson at 36, I have my doubts that either of these two can help an NBA team win basketball games in 2011.  I’ll begin with Allen Iverson.

The Answer last suited up for an NBA game with the Sixers in February of 2010.  He scored 13 points on 13 shots in a 32-point loss to the Bulls.  According to his detractors, it was probably a fitting way for him to leave the game.  He scored a little bit, but did so inefficiently in a losing effort.  According to many, that’s the story of AI’s career… despite the fact that he was once the MVP of the league playing for a team which made the finals.

While I was a big fan of Allen Iverson and believe that he’s become rather underrated and unappreciated due to his ugly exit from the league, I don’t think he’ll be able to help a team win basketball games anymore.  I don’t doubt that he can still put the ball in the basket.  What I do doubt is his willingness to take on a lesser role.  In order to help an NBA team at age 36, Iverson would have to do the job of a prime Flip Murray: come off the bench and score some points fast.  If the ball isn’t going through the hoop then have a seat for the night and try again tomorrow.  AI’s never shown me anything to make me believe that he’ll be happy doing such a job… and if AI isn’t happy, then AI isn’t a guy you want on your team.

Iverson was an extremely special player, no doubt about it.  In fact, I consider him to be one of the most unique players ever to play the game.  Part of what made AI so unique, and so great, was his ability to carry the offensive load for a winning team night in and night out (while standing six feet even on his best day).  In order for AI to thrive, though, he needed to be surrounded by a team tailor made to his specifications.  He needed to be allowed to dominate the ball and do his thing.  He needed to play with guys who would be content with an offensive role that consisted of little more than cleaning up after his misfires.  Dikembe Mutombo and Eric Snow were perfect complements, and in 2001 it made perfect sense for a franchise to build a team around AI.  He was probably the league’s most popular player, and he definitely put butts in seats.  In 2011, though?  Allen Iverson isn’t going to draw fans to the arena.  He’s not going to sell jerseys, and he’s obviously not going to be anybody’s franchise player.  Due to his attitude, I don’t think AI can produce in any other role.  On one hand, I’d be happy to see him prove me wrong.  On the other hand, I kind of hope he just stays retired.  A comeback could do further damage to his legacy.  AI was the sh!t because he did it his way.  AI’s way was being the f@ckin’ man.  He can’t do that anymore, and I’m not sure I really want to see him conform and be a glorified Flip Murray for the LA Lakers.  AI never conformed… that’s who he was.  I think I’d rather see AI remain ringless than get one Gary Payton style.  That’s not Allen Iverson.

As for Larry Hughes… he says he’s looking to “have a role on a team.”  He even goes on to explain that he wants that team to be a contender.  With specifications like that, Larry encounters a possible roadblock.  Beggars can’t be choosers.  In the eyes of NBA teams, Larry is a beggar right now.  If he’s lucky enough to get an offer from the Toronto Raptors then he should probably take it.  Head on up to Canada, or off to Minnesota, or over to Sacramento, and put your money where your mouth is.  Show us that you’ve still got that game you claim to have.  If you show a little somethin’ then maybe somebody better will give you a shot in the future.  Basically, if Larry Hughes wants to make an NBA comeback he needs to accept the fact that he’s in no position to demand anything but a roster spot.

The main reason why I wouldn’t sign Larry Hughes to be that veteran who helps get me over the top?  His jumper’s too sketchy.  I can’t have an aging slasher with declining athleticism that can’t shoot.  Guys that stick around in the NBA until they’re grey haired are the ones who can be relied upon to knock down that open jumper.  Kurt Thomas.  PJ Brown.  Jerry Stackhouse.  They do exactly what is asked of them, and they make the open shot.  Can Larry Hughes do that?  Based on the fact that he’s a career 40% shooter… I’m going to say no.  Also, young Larry Hughes was only able to play 70 games twice in his career.  How many is 32-year-old Larry Hughes going to make it through?

Let me make it very clear: I liked both of these guys a lot when they were young.  I attempted to model my own game after Iverson’s, and I once watched Hughes score 33 points at the Fleet Center.  Unfortunately, I don’t see either of them making a successful comeback to the league.  I wish them the best in attempting to prove me and a gang of other doubters wrong.  They’ll begin their quest on November 12th in Las Vegas where Iverson is hosting a two-day tournament.  AI and LH are supposedly going to be teammates for the first time in over 10 years.  Should be fun.

Precisely one year ago today I submitted the first post ever on NBA247365.COM.  Well, here we are, 560 posts later, still going strong!  I would like to thank everyone who has read the blog over the past year; your readership is much appreciated.

So, one year in, what do you like most about NBA247365.COM?  Is there anything you don’t like about it?  Comments, criticism, suggestions, whatever; I’d be happy to read your thoughts.

Here’s to hoping that we’ll have the NBA back by the time the site celebrates its second birthday!

Although he was once a sneaky athlete, Morris Peterson was never known as one of the league’s most spectacular players… probably because he never was–not even close.  As a matter of fact, he was predominantly a catch-and-shoot three-point gunner.  When it comes to shots that are downright strange, though, has anyone made more than Mo Pete?  I think not, and I’m about to make my case.

Take a look at the following mix.  According to it’s title, all of the footage is from the ’04/05 season…

There are more bizarre layups shown in that video than most NBA players make in their careers.  That’s one season of Mo Pete.  I recall watching the Raptors back in the day and thinking, man, this dude makes a f@cking lucky shot every other game.  How he would even end up in so many of the situations that resulted in crazy shot attempts… I have no idea.

Backwards, two-handed layup while falling to the floor?  Just another drive to the bucket for Mo Pete.

I assume that many would crown Mo’s longtime Craptor teammate Vince Carter the NBA’s king of circus shots.  While VC is most definitely the decade’s highlight master, I wouldn’t take his array of circus shots over Mo Pete’s.  Has Vince Carter–or anyone else, for that matter–ever made a blindfolded layup?

If so, I’ve never seen the footage.  The odds of the existence of a blindfolded layup that yours truly hasn’t seen?  Slim.

Now, before you go calling me crazy for picking Mo Pete over VC, and MJ, and Dr. J, and D-Wade, and the rest of the NBA’s all-time great layuppers, let’s get one thing straight: I’m talking circus shots.  Shots that have no business going through the hoop.  Shots that appear to involve far less skill than they do luck.  Shots that no one would ever have practiced–not even one time.  Yes, the players I listed a moment ago made legendary careers out of converting difficult shots.  Time after time, they blew your mind with their ability to put the ball in the basket in astonishing ways.  However, no one makes a career out of knocking down circus shots.  Circus shots are, by nature, bad shots.  They are derived from awkward attempts that never should’ve been released in the first place.  VC, MJ, etc. took (and made) a few of those, but the majority of their shots were good ones; that’s why they were allowed to shoot so many.  There’s a difference between a difficult shot and a circus shot… that’s all I’m saying.

Morris Peterson?  He shot 9.2 times per game for his career.  Almost four of those attempts were threes.  That doesn’t leave a lot of room for drives to the basket, let alone such an abundance of unusual finishes.  Per two-point attempt, Mo Pete has to be the leader in “WTF” shots.  Hell, he even hit circus shots from three-point land.

And that, my friends, is why Morris Peterson is king of the circus shot.

Once again, Youtube delivers.  By following related video links after an original search of “Quentin Richardson,” I came across this gem from March 3rd, 2000.  Watch as Kenyon Martin helps to solidify himself as the ’99/00 Player of the Year by leading his Cincinnati Bearcats past Quentin Richardson and the DePaul Blue Demons in come-from-behind fashion.  He absolutely DOMINATES both ends of the floor throughout the final 3 minutes and 46 seconds of this game.  Try to ignore Dick Vitale as he continuously repeats himself.

All I can say is… wow.  K-Mart showed us everything but the kitchen sink as he went 5-5 for 10 of his 33 points, swatted a pair of shots, and assisted on DerMarr Johnson’s game-winner.  He scored 21 of Cincinnati’s 35 second-half points as they came from 17 down.  Still, all I can come up with is… wow.

You probably noticed that Quentin Richardson was nowhere to be found down the stretch.  He actually led DePaul with 17 points (and 11 boards) in this game, but the only time he touched the ball during the video was on the final possession.  I can’t believe his heave actually connected.  What a crazy finish it would’ve been had he released the ball on time.

This game featured a total of three players who were selected in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft.  K-Mart went on to be selected first overall by the Nets.  DerMarr Johnson was taken at #6 by the Hawks, and Q-Rich was selected 18th by the Clippers.

So… I’m sitting at work on this quiet October afternoon, and I’ve got no responsibilities aside from being present.  I decide to do the most constructive thing I am self disciplined enough to do: sift through Youtube videos in search of quality highlights to use in my next “best plays you’ve never seen before” post.  By continuously clicking on related video links I end up watching a bunch of dunks and blocked shots by man-beast Jason Maxiell.  Included in the videos I watched were this moster dunk against Joey Graham the Craptosaurs, this violent rejection of a Raef LaFrentz layup attempt, and a stone-cold denial of his former teammate Rasheed Wallace.  Eventually, the trail of links leads me to a video entitled “Jason Maxiell UC Highlight Video.”  I begin watching it and I realize that I’ve seen it before… many times, as a matter of fact.  Anyway, here it is.

My brother–who is basically a 6’3 Jason Maxiell–and I used to watch this like three times a day at our job during the summer of… maybe 2008.  I had completely forgotten about it until I re-discovered it just a few moment ago.  I recall that we particularly enjoyed the dunk at the 1:35 mark.  My brother just so happened to walk in a few minutes ago, and I reminded him of the dunk.  Without even seeing it he immediately remembered.  “Oh yeah, the guy blocks the first shot and gets all excited… then Jason Maxiell makes him eat sh!t.”

Pretty much.

In addition to the abusive, humiliating, two-handed posterization of the poor bastard from… whatever school that is wearing the orange unis, the short montage is jam-packed with monster swats and massive slams (and even a James White sighting!).  Enjoy; multiple times.