FanHouse

Random YouTube Magic: The Billups Chant

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-28T09:40:00 00:00

Filed under: Pistons, Eastern, NBA Videos, The Word

Maybe I would understand this better if I hadn't yet hit puberty, or spent more time in the state of Florida (per the banners). But as is, I have to come to you, my dear readers, and ask for translation on this one. Or maybe it's a "you pick the caption" type thing, but with dramatic or lyrical interpretation straight from the heart. I get that he's saying players' names, but is this even pro-NBA?

Watch and be amazed. And kid, if you're out there, your Bronze Star is waiting in the Guggenheim.

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What Makes Roy Good

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-25T13:41:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Trail Blazers, Western, The Word

The Blazers are for real, and you should be watching them. Or at least thinking "if I had League Pass, I would totally watch the Portland Trail Blazers all the time".

I'm partial to LaMarcus Aldridge and Travis Outlaw, but it's pretty darn obvious that this team rests on the shoulders of Brandon Roy. The thing is, it's really difficult to explain what makes Roy good. You know he's winning games for Portland, and putting up big numbers. And yet I couldn't say what his signature style is, or why he's hard to stop at key moments. Luckily, David Thorpe had a go at it. He agrees that Roy's hard to pin down, and then does so anyway:

The reigning Rookie of the Year is still at the head of the class. He's not a special athlete, nor a dead-eye shooter, and he doesn't "Iverson" too many people with jaw-dropping ballhandling moves. What he is, though, is a great player, because he's good or very good at everything. He defies NBA scouts' creed of "have to be great at one thing" to be a legit NBA player. Literally, this is a player without a real weakness.

I'm most impressed by his pace. Roy plays at a unique tempo that makes him look slow. But as he goes past guys or creates open midrange jumpers with his handle and timing, we realize that everyone else is moving even slower because he is in total control of his game and the ballgame in general.

I'm wondering if that's also not an excellent working definition for "Duncan-esque".

(Via True Hoop)

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Random YouTube Magic: Magic Just Says No

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-25T09:00:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Lakers, Western, NBA Videos, Los Angeles

Is it just me, or does Magic Johnson come off a lot like Tracy Jordan in this 1987 public service announcement?

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Random YouTube Magic: Random Zaza Magic

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-22T17:30:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Hawks, NBA Videos, Atlanta

Congratulations Zaza Pachulia, your love of music is something mere mortals can only barely begin to touch.

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Random YouTube Magic: Pierce Vs. Delonte

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-18T16:34:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Celtics, SuperSonics, NBA Videos, Boston, Seattle

So Paul Pierce has been doing some major video damage lately. But in this television spot from last season, he's upstaged to all high hell by Delonte West. It's funny at the end when they put a snarky face on those woeful Celtics, but the best comes first, when they argue about fashion.

Delonte: "You ain't never touched this. It's genuine Tasmanian Devil."

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Nene's Tumor Benign

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-17T15:01:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Injuries, Denver, The Word

Some good news about Nene's health issues. The Brazilian big man's website revealed today that the tumor removed this week is not malignant:

A statement posted on the Web site Thursday said, "According to reports presented by doctors, the exams show that the tumor is benign."

[...]

Dr. Fernando J. Kim, who performed the surgery at Denver Health Medical Center, said earlier that a "right testicular mass was found incidentally and it was managed surgically."

The Nuggets organization is waiting on some test results before they make a statement, so maybe there's still some breath to be held. However, you've got to think that Nene wouldn't go public like this unless signs were decidedly positive.

Still no timetable for Nene's return. He'd mentioned at one point that he might be back in time for this summer's international competition. Little solace to Nuggets fans, but it does indicate that he'll be healthy sooner rather than later. Regardless of his future in baskebtall, that's a great thing to hear.

UPDATE: Nene's site no longer has the statement posted. Stay tuned.

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Random YouTube Magic: Pierce on Style

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-17T13:08:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Celtics, NBA Videos, Boston, The Word

Hook, line and sinker. In the last twenty-four hours, Paul Pierce has taken over YouTube. First, it was his trip to the lanes. Now, the two-phase epic in which our man gets a haircut and muses on matters of lookin' sharp. The first one is more technical, but I'll put my money on this second, more reflective, joint.

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Random YouTube Magic: Bowling with Pierce

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-16T22:55:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Celtics, NBA Gossip, NBA Videos, Boston, The Word

Chris Paul and Michael Redd are known to be avid NBA bowlers. But pray tell, how could either one of them match the sheer exuberance of a night at the lanes with Paul Pierce?

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Lakers Can Live Without Bynum

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-16T12:25:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Lakers, Western, NBA Injuries, Los Angeles, The Word

Kobe Bryant is probably the best player in the league, but it's the emergence of Andrew Bynum that's made the Lakers legit. You'd think that his injury would cripple their championship hopes. But as TrueHoop reader Robert noted yesterday, the numbers say others:

As of today, the Lakers are 26-11. Assuming that the eight-week projection for Bynum's return is accurate, then the Lakers have 26 games left without him. Over the past two seasons, when Bynum wasn't the player we've seen this year, the Lakers were generally a .500 team finishing with 42 and 45 wins respectively. If the Lakers revert to being that .500 team, then they'll win 13 of those 26 games. That would give the Lakers a 39-24 record with 19 games remaining in the season. I see no reason that the Lakers could not win 11 of those last 19 games considering that 11 of them are at home and only 10 are against teams currently in the top eight in their conference.

Follow all that? The long and short: The Lakers weren't bad pre-Bynum. They just weren't elite. It's realistic to expect .500 ball from them until the big man returns, which, by all estimates, should be before the playoffs. They may not home court or anything, but they won't be facing an unbeatable in the first round, either. So while it's far from ideal, the Lakers aren't finished yet.

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Now Zeke Wants Bibby

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-16T11:10:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Knicks, Eastern, New York, The Word, MSG

From the same computational matrix that brought "Isiah Thomas wants Ron Artest" and "Zeke hearts T-Mac," here's a brand new dance. Reported by the Sacramento Bee:

But according to two league sources who didn't want to be identified because of the private nature of trade talks, New York has an interest in [Mike] Bibby, as well. Yet a possible obstacle in those dealings could be forward David Lee. The athletic second-year big man out of Florida represents the very sort of piece the Kings are coveting as they enter this new rebuilding era at a pace of measured and patient deliberation. Lee has upside galore and a contract (two years and combined $2.8 million remaining) that lends itself to a more sane salary cap.

The frustrating thing is that, despite Zeke's rampant mismanagement, he still could make a deal if he let Lee go. Between the third-year forward (who doesn't start) and a couple of expiring contracts, the Knicks could make a move for the underpaid Artest or the moderately important Mike Bibby. What's more, he's got Stephon Marbury's $20 million coming off the books after 2008-09. Maybe, just maybe, some rebuilding team wants to put up with a year and a half of Marbury. Then, the sky really is the limit.

Admit it, though -- it drives you crazy that, after all he's messed up, Isiah still could swing a deal. Not one that's going to make the Knicks legit, but one to keep his job(s) one more season.

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Nene News, Sort of

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-15T13:16:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Injuries, Denver, The Word

Nuggets big man Nene has been mysteriously, undisclosedly away from the team since last week. We knew that details would come at some point, and now at least we've got a rough sense.

From Yahoo!:

Doctors removed a tumor from Nuggets forward Nene, according to the player's Web site Tuesday.

The statement said the surgery was done Monday at a Denver hospital, but it did not indicate whether the tumor was cancerous or where it was located.

Nene's medical team will discuss what to do next after getting test results expected by the end of the week, the statement said.

Kelly Dwyer has put out an open call for Portugese translator, in hopes of discerning more info. Kenyon Martin is healthy and looks good, but as KD notes, he's also in "unprecedented" medical waters and should be conserved for the playoffs.

Here's what I don't get it: The Nuggets have Marcus Camby, reigning DPOY, in their starting five. And yet still Nene's absence poses a problem? It's a testament to how strong the West is, and how weird the Nuggets are, that Camby, recovering K-Mart, and some spare parts aren't enough to complement Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony.

Update: More news has it that the tumor was testicular in nature.

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Meet Thaddeus Young

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-14T14:32:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: 76ers, Eastern, Philadelphia, The Word

He kind of got overshadowed in this last summer's mammoth draft, but Sixers rookie Thaddeus Young looks like a keeper. Picked twelfth, the former Yellowjacket was a raw athlete without a jumper. However, he's also impressed coaches and vets with his work ethic and desire to learn, which has him making great strides at age nineteen.

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

"I think he gets it," Sixers veteran guard Kevin Ollie said. "He knows what spots to be in; I don't know whether it's innate or what, but he gets it on defense. On offense, he stays within his limitations and it makes him look good ... He's just grown. He works hard, he listens, he absorbs what you tell him. And he works, which is a good quality for any young player. It's nice that his cup isn't already full, because it leaves room for him to absorb more."

He's also introduced himself to Bill Russell and Julius Erving, and gotten good advice from them.

Depressed Fan has one on-court anecdote that shows Young's growth. After getting his ankles broken by Ben Gordon, the rookie came back for more:

Here's an example of his brain, and the learning experience: after Gordon burned him, Young didn't shrink away from the challenge, in fact he sought it out. In the second half he wound up in the exact same situation with Gordon and this time he didn't go for the head fake, he moved his feet and cut off the baseline.

Hey, if Andre Iguodala ends up leaving town, maybe the Sixers can get a redo in the form of Young.

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Bynum Hurt, LA Stops Breathing

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-14T13:06:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Lakers, Western, NBA Injuries, Los Angeles, The Word

Here's the play that may have altered the Lakers' storybook season FOREVER. Last week, we told you just how legit this team was. Kobe Bryant is acting all grown, Andrew Bynum has arrived, and all those other dudes are making their jumpers. Now, all that might have ground from a screeching halt.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Bynum had sprained his left knee, a team spokesman said later. Although X-rays were negative, Bynum will undergo an MRI exam today and won't accompany the Lakers to their game at Seattle ... His youth works in his favor, as does the fact that he had not hurt that knee before. He discarded his crutches as he left the arena, but the MRI exam should tell whether there's damage lurking beneath his swollen knee.

The concern, he said, is "just the kneecap and the ligaments around the kneecap."

So we wait and see. It's still early enough in the season that nothing's urgent; since Bynum has been the key to the Lakers' success, expect them to be especially cautious about getting their young star back into action. One thing to watch: If Bynum is out for a while, would Kobe start getting restless again?

(Hat tip to With Malice for the clip.)

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Now Arenas Might Not Stay in DC

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-14T12:11:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Wizards, Eastern, NBA Rumors, Washington, DC, The Word

So remember how Gilbert Arenas was planning to opt out, but told D.C. to worry not? There's some tune-changing in the air now. From The Boston Globe:

"I want a new contract for the longevity of it and get another six years at the end of this deal," said Arenas, who is making $11.9 million this season. "I don't know what's going to happen. I could have signed an extension this year, but it wasn't going to make sense for me. If my own team doesn't take me, I'll go somewhere for a lot less to win a championship."

Let that sink in, Wizards faithful. Okay, now wait for the Gil backlash to take on a decidedly local bent.

Or what if -- gasp -- this isn't all about Arenas's change of heart. What if the Celtics have the potential to make or break a new model for championship-chasing? I know Boston is a proud franchise, but here, the (Really) Big Three have basically rented a team to use as their own.

If these Celts can win the title, might Arenas not be out to form his own coalition? Before this summer, no team was worse than Boston. Why couldn't Arenas and some other stars in their primes come together in a similar fashion in, say, Charlotte?

(Yes, I know that's a little absurd, and what we're really talking about is Gilbert trying to get to Los Angeles or Cleveland.)

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Scottie Does Sweden

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-14T10:55:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Bulls, NBA Videos, Chicago

Scottie Pippen's most lately been in the news for chasing the Bulls coaching job -- after harshly criticizing most of the current players. Don't forget, though, that he's also been moonlighting as a basketball player over in Finland. He may not be have what it takes to return to an NBA roster, but he doesn't look so bad here, does he?

Correction: My bad, apparently this is in Sweden, where Pippen went to play a one-game stint.

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Random YouTube Magic: Golfing with Clutch

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-13T15:00:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Rockets, Western, NBA Videos, Houston

Please be advised: Mascots are hilarious, especially giant, comedic bears (Bear City, anyone?). Mike James is a very funny man. The golf course is no place for bloodsport. Stir it all together and you've got one heck of a Rockets promo video.

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Random YouTube Magic: Plane of Miami

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-11T14:28:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Heat, NBA Gossip, NBA Videos, Miami, The Word

The Miami Heat may have problems on the court, but in the air, they're still first-class. Maybe Pat Riley needs to try sticking the team in coach -- you know what they say about letting NBA players get too comfortable. Though with Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade chronically ailing, maybe going all Spartan would backfire.

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The High-Flying Utah Jazz

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-11T14:06:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Western, NBA Videos, Jazz

Back in October, I told you to drop your preconceptions and watch the Jazz. And that was with Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Miles tagged as "sleepers ... who wouldn't have a breakout year."

Well, Brewer has made an impact and Miles is starting to make his presence felt. And nowhere is this more evident than when the Jazz decide to go mano-a-mano with a team like the Suns. Before last night's game devolved into a blowout, Utah proved themselves every bit as capable as Phoenix of putting on a show. The above clip shows Miles dunking on Amare Stoudemire; it came from a stretch where he, Brewer and Deron Williams really put on a show.

Yet another reason why, despite Jerry Sloan's immortality, these aren't your father's Utah Jazz.

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Wills Reed Still Believes in Knicks

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-11T11:56:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Knicks, Eastern, New York, The Word, MSG

Willis Reed might be the most famous Knick ever. He provided the most memorable moment of those 1970's teams reign of glory. He's got rings, and stands for toughness and selflessness. You might even say he's the epicenter of all Knicks nostalgia.

So it's pretty funny to hear him speaking up in defense of today's dysfunctional bunch. In particular, he's optimistic about the Eddy Curry/Zach Randolph tandem. From the New York Post:

"If I had Curry and Zach on my team, I wouldn't give up on them yet," Reed told The Post after appearing at the NBA Store yesterday to promote the NBA's new partnership with Kia. "I love Zach. I was happy the Knicks were able to acquire him. I'd walk in the room and say, guys, don't give up on yourselves. Eventually it will come. I would tell them to stop the reading the papers. Eddy is a very talented player and I hope he doesn't get discouraged."

Call me crazy, but I smell a phone call from Isiah Thomas or Jim Dolan. Curry and Randolph have replaced Stephon Marbury as the Knicks' chief scapegoats, and Reed has as much cred than anyone else in the organization's storied history. It's no accident that he's a big man, or that he's one who embodies everything the Knicks frontcourt currently lacks.

For what it's worth, Reed's not all sunshine and flowers: "I know I've been disappointed. But if they can live through this process, they can become a good team." Then again, he also either compares Randolph to Dave DeBusschere, or says that all the Knicks need is another DeBusschere. Good luck with that.

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Bucks Want to Trade Everyone; Everyone Wants to Trade Everyone

Bethlehem Shoals — 2008-01-11T10:54:00 00:00

by Bethlehem Shoals

Filed under: Bucks, Eastern, NBA Rumors, Milwaukee, The Word

Okay, so the Bucks aren't going after Zach Randolph. According to the The Journal Times, they've also decided to pass on pursuing Ron Artest.

What are their plans? To try and trade Charlie Villanueva, Bobby Simmons, Charlie Bell, and Dan Gadzuric and hope they can get someone to bite. Simmons and Gadzuric are grossly overpaid, and Bell was until recently having one of the worst seasons ever. But there's some talent there, so who knows.

Then again, maybe they should get in line. The article's got a list of the other NBA players assumed to be available before the deadline, and it's kind of mind-boggling:

New Jersey guard Jason Kidd, Philadelphia guard Andre Miller, Memphis forward-center Pau Gasol, Memphis swingman Mike Miller, Lakers forward Lamar Odom, Cleveland guard Larry Hughes, Sacramento point guard Mike Bibby, Phoenix power forward-center Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix forward Shawn Marion, Atlanta forward Josh Smith, Chicago small forwards Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni, Chicago center Ben Wallace, Denver forwards Kenyon Martin and Nene, Houston shooting guard Tracy McGrady, Seattle power forward Chris Wilcox, Seattle point guard Luke Ridnour, Miami swingman Ricky Davis, Miami point guard Jason Williams and virtually anyone on the New York Knicks not named David Lee.

This is nothing new, and some of these are suspect. But seeing it all in one place is pretty dizzying.

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