Double Issue* Special Championship Edition
$4.99 USA
* Flip Over for Alternate Cover
DerChampFinals MVP Dirk Nowitzki brings home first
NBA Championship for the Dallas Mavericks
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The GameplanFeaTuresDeparTmenTs
4 2010-11 Greatest HitsNot since the days of Michael Jordan-led
Chicago Bulls teams has there been
as much attention on one team in the
NBA. Everywhere the Miami Heat went,
arenas were packed, wanting to get
a glimpse of the power trio of LeBron
James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
The Heat aside, fan interest was at an
all-time high thanks to the amazing aerial
feats performed by Blake Griffin, Kobe
Bryant making his gradual ascent atop
the NBA scoring charts and rising teams
like the Oklahoma City Thunder and
Chicago Bulls led by their two young
stars, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose. Of
course those were just the top line items.
Peep the entire look back in our annual
aggregation of the season.
34 Simply Mav-elousGoing into the season, and even well
toward the end of the regular season,
the likelihood of a 2006 Finals rematch
didn’t seem very plausible. That it did
come to fruition was a pleasant surprise
as the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat
gave the world a series that will go
down as one of the best in history. Take
a look back at the six games that made
the Dallas Mavericks first-time NBA
Champions.
5 The Point
9 Jumpballnumerology: Our look into the
numbers of the NBA gets hijacked
by Shaq; head2head: LaMarcus
Aldridge vs. Zach Randolph; Know
Your newb: Gordon Hayward; First
Five: Sonny Weems, Ryan Anderson,
Tyler Hansbrough, Gerald Henderson,
DeAndre Jordan; Celeb row: Charlie
Murphy; Dancelife: Dallas ManiACC
Big Rob; Brack-It: Which player
made the biggest jump?; In his
shoes: Alonzo Mourning looks back
at the biggest shot of his rookie year.
31 24 Secondswith Eric Gordon
46 Call OutThe NBA and WNBA provide tornado
relief; Brandon Jennings’ busy
offseason; The Heat and Mavericks
find time during the Finals to open
up learning centers; Lisa Leslie is
recognized for her inspiration to
women.
49 Check Itspin moves: Rodney Stuckey’s
favorite TV show might shock you;
Triple-Double: Thaddeus Young and
Carl Landry debate two albums and
offer up their summer playlist; Goods:
Our summer picks for consumer tech
highlighted by the iPad 2; Official
Goods: The best in NBA gear; Gear:
Summer basketball kicks, featuring the
adidas Crazy Light; Wear: Stay fresh
this summer with our T-shirt picks.
66 StepbackLooking back at Shaq’s first Finals
appearance against Hakeem
Olajuwon.
68 Final ExamDwight Howard might be the class
clown, but did he pay enough attention
to pass our test?
POSTERThe latest Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki is
paired up with the latest Hall of Famer
Dennis Rodman.
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HOOP004
Volume 39, No. 4
Editor-in-Chief Ming Wong #2
Design Director Kengyong Shao #31
Editor-at-Large Jeramie McPeek #4
Online Editor Darryl Howerton #21
Copy Editor Trevor Kearney #8
Tech Editor Shane Battier #31
Style Editor Caron Butler #4
Straight Shooter Kevin Love #42
Videogame Editor Nate Robinson #4
Music Editors Thaddeus Young #21, Carl Landry #24
WNBA Editor Lois Elfman #40
Senior Writer Michael Bradley #53
Contributing Writers Philip D’Apolito #14, Jon Cooper #10,
Art Garcia #44, Anthony Gilbert #1, Brian A. Giuffra #17,
Melody Hoffman #34, Andy Jasner #27, George Kiel III
#15, Holly Mackenzie #32, Brett Mauser #25, McG #93,
Jeff Min #12, Rob Peterson #9, Earl K. Sneed #23, Duane
Watson #7
Illustrator Matt Candela #52
Retired Numbers #6, #11, #13, #30, #99
Professional Sports Publications519 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10018Tel: (212) 697-1460 Fax: (646) 753-9480
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NBA Publishing/NBA PhotosExecutive VP, and Executive Producer, Production, Programming, and Broadcasting Danny Meiseles
Senior VP, Multimedia Production Paul Hirschheimer
Senior VP, Entertainment & Player Marketing Charlie Rosenzweig
Senior VP, Marketing Communications Mike Bass
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Executive Vice President, Global Merchandising Group Sal LaRocca
Sr. Director, Entertainment Products Licensing Anne Hart
Sr. Manager, Entertainment Products Licensing Matt Holt
Coordinator, Licensing Lindsay Milne
Manager, Global Media Programs Felecia Groomster
Senior Directors & Senior Official NBAE Photographers Andrew D. Bernstein, Nathaniel S. Butler
Vice President, NBA Photos Joe Amati
Director, Photos Imaging David Bonilla
Official NBAE Photographer Jesse Garrabrant
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Photo Coordinator Kevin Wright
All NBA photos appearing in this magazine, unless otherwise indicated, are copyright of NBA Entertainment. All WNBA photos appearing in this magazine, unless otherwise indicated,
are copyright of WNBA Enterprises. All NBDL photos appearing in this magazine, unless otherwise indicated, are copyright of NBDL Enterprises. HOOP is published monthly, December
through June, by PSP. © 2011 Professional Sports Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of publisher is prohibited. To subscribe to HOOP,
call (800) 829-3347. PRINTED IN THE USA
THE PoINT
Ming Wong #2
BONUS POINTS
1. This will all make sense when you get to the bottom.
2. Four-letter word that is slang for pressure.
3. Overlooked in the Finals was the great defense from Tyson Chandler and Shawn Marion.
4. I had questioned Rick Carlisle’s claims that Dirk belongs in the top 10 of all time. He’s still not top
10, but he’s certainly climbed up a few rungs after this Finals.
5. You may disagree, but it’s true.
6. It was great to see a team-first player like Kidd finally win one. If nothing, just to shut up
childhood pal and notorious trash-talker, Gary Payton.
7. Jet walks the walk. Dude could’ve put that Larry O’Brien Trophy tatt somewhere discreet, but he
placed it on his bicep for all to see. We can’t wait to see the finished piece.
8. Matrix proved he can still defend elite players.
9. Dallas isn’t champ without Chandler. Just ask any of his teammates.
10. As if the guy who’s dating a former Miss Universe needs to win a chip. Some guys just have
all the luck.
11. Our Style Editor looks fresh in a suit, but don’t forget he was an integral part of the team before
his injury, and served as inspirational figure during his recovery.
12. Whose claims to fame involve a viral YouTube video of him losing to Gilbert Arenas in a three-
point shooting contest after practice, his long-running beef with the Cavs’ best player from some
years back, sporting an insane amount of tattoos (including one of Abraham Lincoln on his Adam’s
Apple) and a beard-growing contest against Drew Gooden (DeShawn won).
13. Brian Cardinal, who owns one of the best NBA nicknames.
14. The 67-win Mavs team that was pushed around by a crappy Golden State Warriors team in a
2007 First-Round playoff upset.
15. Losing four straight after going up 2-0 in the 2006 Finals.
It is not without some irony that a team that calls themselves the Mavericks was the squad that played like a
true team. And the losing team1 was the one that succumbed to their namesake.2
Whether it was the extra pass, the confidence in defensive3 rotations/assignments or the execution of the
play to its perfection, the Mavs played with the efficiency and precision of a group of guys who trusted each
other in battle.
It didn’t matter that: the Mavericks’ best player, Dirk Nowitzki,4 who was possibly the third-best player5 in
the entire series, went up against a team with a pair of top three talents coupled with an All-Star caliber third
wheel; that the Mavs’ supporting offensive pieces to Nowitzki were a 38-year-old Jason Kidd,6 and a pair of
33-year-olds in Jason Terry7 and Shawn Marion;8 that their starting center, Tyson Chandler,9 (at various points
in his career) has been labeled a bust, been rescinded in a trade due to health concerns and is playing for his
fourth team in six years; that one of their best offensive options is a barely-if-that 6-foot JJ Barea;10 that their
initial sidekick to Nowitzki was a suited-up11 Caron Butler; that middling career journeyman shooting guard
DeShawn Stevenson12 was a subpar shooter his entire career; that backup center Brendan Haywood shot 36
percent from the free-throw line during the regular season and was barely available during the Finals; that one
of their bench cogs is a guy whose nickname is the “Custodian”13 and looks a few years from collecting his
pension; that one of their most promising young players, Roddy Beaubois, failed to log a single postseason
minute; their hired gunslinger, Peja Stojakovic, shot 20 percent and didn’t log a single three-pointer; that the
team has had a long-running reputation as being soft14 and coming up short.15
None of that mattered. The only thing that does matter is that the Dallas Mavericks came together and are
the 2011 NBA Champions.
The team that the Mavs beat out for the title? Well, I think everyone talked enough about them all season.
Let’s properly give the Mavs their time in the spotlight.
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HISTORY WITHIN REACH.
WATCH COMPLETE NBA COVERAGE ON
nba.com/nbatv
Check your local listings for channel locationor call your local service provider today.
y g
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NumerologyThe 123s of The NBA
5,317The number of career regular-
season free throws missed.
Consider that Kevin Garnett has
attempted only 5,687 free throws
during his 16-year career.
All
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1 The number of career three-
pointers made.
Number of career
regular-season dunks
4,250
#34 The number ThaT The Los angeLes Lakers wiLL reTire in
honor of The 3 nba Championships, 3 finaLs mVp awards and 1
League mVp ThaT o’neaL earned as a member of The Lakers.
24
The age at which shaquille o’Neal was selected as one of The 50 Greatest
Players in NBA history, in 1996. It was slightly controversial at the time,
but 15 years later, it has proved to be prophetic.
1016-510The career regular-season record of
teams that Shaq was on, a .666 winning
percentage. In his 19 seasons, none of his
teams have ever had a losing season and
made the playoffs 18 times.
2 backboards broken in career.
6 The number of nicknames Shaq has officially retired
upon his retirement: The Big Aristotle, Shaq-Fu, The Big
Shamrock, The Big Cactus, The Diesel and Superman.
The number of special-edition
All-star shoes that shaq has
showcased during All-star.
A shoe phone in 2005; the
remote control car shoe and
video camera shoe in ’06; and
the slot machine shoe in ’07.
4
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HOOP010
HOOP: You’ve been with the ManiAAcs from Day
One; how did it all get started?
Big Rob: Well, at first we were just supposed
to come out as just a one-time act, just to try go
and change things up and do something funny
for the fans. Actually Mark Cuban had seen a big
guy dancing at one of the away games and the
crowd was getting into it, so he told the marketing
department, “Hey, why don’t you put a team
of those guys together for one game?”
So, they put it together, ran some
ads saying they were having an
audition for big guys that can
dance. [The payment
was] playoff tickets and
a chance to dance on
the court. I think they received
like 80 applications and from
that they chose like 40 guys to
come to the audition, and it was
the funniest thing you ever saw.
HOOP: So, what was that
first audition like?
Big Rob: They didn’t
really know what to do
with us so they had a choreographer do a few eight
counts. They were just looking to see if guys had
rhythm or if they could just learn a few simple dance
moves. So, they put this routine together, ‘It’s Raining
Men,’ and the rest is just history. We’ve done so much
stuff. This playoffs was our 10th one. We’ve done
everything under the sun, but it still feels like the first
time when we go out there.
HOOP: How unique are the ManiAAcs when you
look around the NBA, including in your own
arena, and see more traditional dance teams?
Big Rob: It’s extremely unique. And the one thing I
know Mark can pat himself on the back about is
that we started it. I know that there’s somewhere
between 12-15 teams that have a variation of
either older people or big guys and they got the
idea from us. And really that’s a huge pat on the
back. And we hang out. I see these guys at least four
to five times a week. At the end of the day, I tell the
guys that you have 17 guys that you can call for
anything, and most people don’t have that. That’s
about as unique as it can get.
HOOP: You guys were already becoming
one of the most popular dance groups in
the League, and then you appeared on
America’s Got Talent. Was that the best
achievement for the group so far?
Big Rob: Yeah, that’s a highlight. And we’ve done
two All-Star Games, we got a spread in GQ magazine,
we’ve done two documentaries on Japanese TV, The
Best Damn Sports Show a couple times, several
times on ESPN, CNN and spot here and there, but the
ultimate was this past summer going and auditioning
for America’s Got Talent. And not only making it on the
show, but making it past the first round to Las Vegas,
and then making it past Las Vegas to Hollywood. It
was insane. Nine days, the ManiAAcs in Hollywood,
everything paid for? OK, let’s do this. [laughs] So, it
was so much fun, man.
HOOP: So, where do you see the ManiAAcs taking
their talents to next?
Big Rob: To be honest with you, every year we think,
“We’ve done this, so there’s nothing we can do next.”
But really to me the only thing we haven’t done is a
movie role, so I could see us showing up somewhere in
a movie. I could see us showing up in a music video, but
other than that we’ve done just about everything else.
But to be honest we’re having so much fun with it, and
we understand exactly what it is and it doesn’t have to
go anywhere. This is where we want to be, and really our
ultimate goal is to just work hard and just be a part of the
Mavs’ family and do this to a point where they feel they
can’t have a game without us. Earl K. SnEEd #23
DANce Life
Big roBdallaS ManiaacS
“We’re not the prettiest bunch. We’re not the smoothest, either. if you look at
our game, it’s kind of dirty. i just found a dirty name and called us the Goon
Squad. We go out there and do the dirty work.”
—Tyler Hansbrough on the indiana Pacers’ bench unit
“You know i remember the time i was 19, i could get hit by a car and five
minutes later i would be OK.”
—Shaquille O’Neal on getting older
3 PTS
Kevin Durant
“I just remember when I was about 8 or 9, and the
Bullets were the eighth seed and they played the
Bulls in the first round (1997 NBA Playoffs). That
whole series was fun, watching it on TV. Washington
never really got to the playoffs, but they had Chris
Webber and Juwan Howard, Chris Whitney and
those guys. I was a big Bullets fan back then. We
weren’t a real dominant team year in and year out,
but we made the playoffs that year and US Airways
Arena—that’s what they called it back then—was
rockin’. I remember that, watching it on TV from my
house, me and my mom. So that really kind of brought
that competitive spirit out of me as a kid.”
Shawn Marion
“Probably the [1998] NBA Finals, Michael Jordan’s
crossover of Byron Russell. That was tough. That
would have been tough for anyone to guard him in that
situation. [Russell] tried, but what are you gonna do?
You know, I was a Bulls fan growing up, so watching
that series and that shot, I was like, ‘That’s for real!
That’s for real!’ A bunch of us were watching it at
Antoine Walker’s house. We were going crazy. It was
hyped up, I’ll tell you that. It was a magical moment.”
Jose calderon
“I remember the Lakers-Spurs series (2004 Western
Conference Semifinals) when Derek Fisher hit
the shot with 0.4 seconds. I don’t think anybody
expected him to make that shot. I think everybody
just thought it was over, but he just got it and made
it. It was unbelievable. I think that changed the whole
(series). It changed the momentum. I think those kind
of shots, when you fight the whole game and you’re
winning, and in the last second they hit a shot like
that, it’s always something in your mind.”
What’s your greatest nBa playoff memory growing up?
HOOP0506-DanceL-3pt.indd 10 6/21/11 10:52 AM
4(5<-(*;<9,9»:�*6<765�����������,?709,:�����������
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HOOP012
straight shooter
Kevin Love
I usually get takeout from Manny’s Steakhouse...probably a filet mignon with shrimp cocktail
and a Caesar salad.
With room service I’m always eating pretty healthy so anything that I can get that’s good for me.
I would grow out my hair, definitely.
I don’t know if it would look too good on
a big fellow like me though rocking the
Tom Brady haircut. I might do a mohawk
or something just to be different because
that’s me.
Yeah, usually it’s Michael Beasley’s car
that we’re looking at because he always
has new cars around.
I want to take a couple of vacations but I don’t really know the destinations yet. That’s something
I’ll start thinking about after the season, but definitely going out of the country a couple of times
and going back home to see my family.
The best part of practice is when you’re
scrimmaging with your teammates and
they’re keeping score and you’re getting
down to the last couple buckets and you
need a stop or a score. If you’re going
to 11 or 15 and you have to win by two
and it’s coming down to that last bucket
and you’re getting into it. The worst part
is probably when you turn the ball over a
couple of times and you have to get on the
line and run.
My headphones, my iTunes, my laptop,
my phone, my wallet...probably more than
anything my Tumi backpack which carries
all of that stuff. And I have to have my
toothbrush, toothpaste and all my toiletries.
I might take the Ocho Cinco route and
try to play baseball and be a pitcher. But if
I really had to go to another job I actually
would probably go back to school.
got a question for Kevin? email it to [email protected]
What’s your go-to take-out
food order?
What about room service meal?
Would you ever consider
growing your hair, If so, what
style would you rock?
When a teammate gets a new
car does everybody go to the
parking area to check it out?
Other than working out and
working on your game, what do
you have planned for fun this
coming offseason?
What is the best and worst part
of practice?
What do you never go on a road
trip without?
What would you like to do if
you weren’t a professional
basketball player?
When Michael Beasley debuts a new car, there’s almost this
much fanfare in the Timberwolves locker room.
We were skeptical, but it’s actually not a bad
look for Kevin.
Some vacation suggestions for Kevin while
he grows out his mohawk.
Headphones...check. iPhone...check. Crap, where’s my
teddy bear?
“Thanks, Darko...you just cost us laps.”
The Minnesota big man aims for honest answers to your questions
“When you lay on a bed and eat hamburgers and drink soda, actually
your day is pretty easy, not too hard,”
—Yao Ming
“Why would i shoot a floater when i can dunk on you?”
—russell Westbrook
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HOOP014
1Round
Scoring: If this comparison took place prior to this
season, it would not be much of a debate that Randolph is
the superior scorer. Even though he’s averaged about 18 ppg
the past three years, until this season, Aldridge relied primarily
on his capable outside stroke and finesse moves around the
basket. This season, however, the should’ve-been All-Star
has diversified his offensive game, namely developing some
power moves inside (LA is one of the league leaders in dunks
this season and even has bruises on his wrist to prove it) and
getting to the line (just 71 games into the season, he’d easily
surpassed his career-high in free-throw attempts).
Randolph might be a one-trick pony since almost all of
his attempts come in the paint, but this horse can get the
ball into the bucket efficiently. Although undersized for a 4,
Randolph uses his bulk to get position where he can muscle
the ball through guys. This has served him well throughout
his career, as he’s averaged 20 ppg five times in his 10
NBA campaigns. He has a passable jumper, but it’s not his
strength, nor is putting the ball on the floor. A big plus to
Z-Bo’s repertoire is his excellent offensive rebounding, which
leads to many putback points.
While Randolph’s offensive game might not be majestic like
Hakeem or Kareem, Z-Bo just gets it done, finding ways to
score even if it’s sometimes ugly.
Advantage: RANDOLPH
2Round
Floor Game: Neither guy is known
for having an all-around game, and both are
more of throw-it-into-them-on-the-block
forwards who are capable of manufacturing
their own points. Aldridge plays it careful with
the ball and rarely turns it over for a guy who
gets a lot of touches, but he’s also not known
to be a type of player to set up mates either.
The same goes for Randolph, although he
has improved on his turnovers and assists
in the past few seasons. That said, the two
areas where Aldridge has an advantage over
Z-Bo are in transition and off the pick and
roll. Although the Blazers don’t run too much,
on the break, Aldridge is good at beating
most power forwards down court and
finishing. On the ubiquitous pick and roll that
every team employs, LA is a great target to
set up for the pick and pop. And this season
has seen Aldridge flash toward the basket
more on the play, proving that he’s just as
capable rolling to the rim.
Advantage: ALDRiDge
head 2 head
LAMARcus ALDRiDge vs. ZAcH RANDOLPH Power forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Zach Randolph may look dissimilar; their games are anything but, as they are two of the more effective players at the position.
What separates them from one another?
Do
ug P
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Aldridge Randolph
PPG 21.8 20.1
APG 2.1 2.2
RPG 8.8 12.1
SPG 1.0 0.8
BPG 1.2 0.3
FG% .500 .503
3PT% .174 .186
FT% .791 .758
PER 19.2 22.6
’10-11 stats
LAMARcus ALDRiDge ForwArd 6-11, 240 pounds
PORtLAND tRAiL BLAZeRs
HOOP0506-H2H.indd 14 6/21/11 12:40 PM
HOOP 015
3Round
Defense: As effective as Randolph may be
on the boards (he sits at 9.2 over his career with
a personal high of 12.5 this year), he’s a poor
defender. His lack of lateral mobility and speed
means difficulty in staying in front of most players.
A lack of commitment on the defensive end also
means he gives up a lot of uncontested jumpers.
His career mark of 2.8 fouls per game might also
indicate a lack of aggressiveness on D. Although
on the plus side, his attention to boardwork means
getting to a lot of errant shots and preventing
second-chance points.
Aldridge is no world-stopper on defense, but
he’s put in some time to improve himself. At an inch
shy of 7 feet, LA uses his height and reach to keep
scorers at bay. This season he’s even averaged a
combined 2.0 in blocks/steals, which shows he’s
active on defense. This season he added extra bulk,
meaning he’s less prone to get pushed around
on the block as in years past. Aldridge achieved
a personal high on the boards this season, but
eeking out another rebound of two per game would
make him a vaunted 20-10 performer.
Despite being a much better rebounder,
Randolph’s other deficiencies on defense can’t
overcome Aldridge in this area.
Advantage: Aldridge
4Round
Leadership: Early in his career, Randolph was an
impressionable youngster on a team full of veterans where he had
a less-than-stellar reputation as a teammate. Now it’s exactly the
opposite: Randolph is one of a few vets on a team full of younger
cats. The turnaround has been dramatic. The player once labeled as
immature and selfish is now the guy teammates turn to for guidance.
In an Sports Illustrated article, Aldridge was cited as being the
rock to his mother during her battle with cancer and was the guiding
force in helping his brother not give up after he lost his job. In the
Blazers locker room, Aldridge is already a lead-by-example guy
with his work ethic. In addition, head coach Nate McMillan is always
challenging Aldridge to become more of a vocal leader on the team.
With his ascension to the team’s best player this year, things are
primed for Aldridge to take the reins.
Advantage: Aldridge
5Round
Clutch: Throughout Aldridge’s career, the Blazers have put
the ball in Brandon Roy’s capable hands in tight situations, but with
the guard ailing most of this season, the next in line is #12. He’s
not knocked down any YouTube-worthy game-finishers, but LA is
one of the most dependable offensive players to throw the ball into.
Opportunities beget clutch and Aldridge will soon be besieged with
plenty of chances to play hero.
Randolph is not known as a player to come up big in closing
situations, only because he’s either not been afforded the chances
or played on bad teams that saw little crunch time. He’s had some
late-game heroics, most recently the 20-foot rainbow he knocked
down to beat the Mavericks on the road in early March. A cold-
blooded scorer, Randolph certainly has the makeup to take and
make shots like that.
Advantage: rAndolph
The VerdicTIt’s tough to argue for Randolph in this matchup against a counterpart that is equally as good right now, but who is younger and getting better. Randolph has been one of the best producers at his
position for a long time now, but Aldridge is every bit as effective right now and we envision him surpassing Randolph’s peak, so we’re going with LA.
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By Ming Wong #2
“I don’t care if my momma’s on the court, I’d hit her, too.”
—Chris Paul on his competitive nature
Zach randolph ForwArd 6-9, 260 pounds
MeMphis griZZlies
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BY ART GARCIA #44FIRST FIVE
Larry Brown’s departure opened the door for more
than Paul Silas in Charlotte. Gerald1 Henderson2
went from being a bit player to a starter with the
coaching change, and quickly rewarded Silas’ trust
with the most productive stretch of his young career.
“He’s one of those coaches that gives you
confidence, lets you play,” Henderson says of Silas.
“For me I’ve gotten a lot better learning his system
and also getting confidence from my teammates, but
I still have a lot of room to get better.”
Henderson, 23, played sparingly last year as rookie
lottery pick out of Duke.3 It wasn’t much different this
season until the demanding Brown abruptly stepped
down in December. The February trade of Gerald
Wallace to Portland cleared up even more minutes
for Henderson, an athletic 6-4 shooting guard
looking for a chance.
“It’s not fun when you’re not playing,” he says. “I’m
always a good teammate4 and work on my game5
to get better, but at the same time you want to be
out there on the court playing in a game setting like
you’ve done your whole life. When you’re not doing
that it’s tough.”
A leader and winner at Duke, Henderson wants to
be part of the future in Charlotte and do his part with
a franchise that hasn’t known much success.
“The biggest thing for me is I want our team to
do well,” he says. “I love how I can influence and
impact that.”
GERALD
HENDERSON
15 - Guard - Charlotte Bobcats
BONUS POINTS
1. His full name is Jerome McKinley Henderson Jr. His dad was given the moniker “Gerald” in his
hometown of Richmond, VA. “Gerald was a nickname for Jerome,” Henderson says. “I can’t really
explain it, but that’s where it came from.”
2. Gerald’s dad, Gerald Henderson Sr., played 13 NBA seasons and won three titles, but Junior never
felt any pressure to live up to his dad’s legacy. “That pushed me, not to outdo him or be better than
him, but earn my own way,”
3. Henderson credits Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski for helping mold him into an NBA player: “Coach
K has a vision for you as a player when you come into school. He’ll push you as a player all the time
you’re there.”
4. Gerald was high school teammates with Wayne Ellington at Episcopal Academy in Merion, PA.
Ellington went to North Carolina before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
5. Gerald is a scratch golfer…during the offseason. “During the season my game goes to the
basement,” he admits. “After, I try to figure it out again.”
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When Charlie Murphy started in the entertainment
game, he was simply known for being Eddie Murphy’s
older brother. After the widespread success of
Chappelle’s Show and performing his comedy
around the world, the screenwriter and actor has
established a successful stand-up career of his own.
Murphy has an affinity for hoops that goes beyond his
infamous pickup game against Prince, the portrayal
of basketball guru Leroy Smit1h in an Air Jordan
campaign and his passion for the Boston Celtics.
You’re a New York guy, how did you become a
Celtics fan?
I liked Pierce, Garnett and Allen as individual players,
so when they formed the big three that made me a
Celtics fan. I was a Lakers fan, but then they broke up
Kobe and Shaq. Now we have Shaq on the Celtics,
it’s a perfect squad.
How did you feel about the Kendrick Perkins
and Nate Robinson trade for Jeff Green and
Nenad Krstic?
I like Perkins. I didn’t want to see him go. But you
know, it is what it is.
Do you play basketball?
No, I watch. My job is to tell jokes.
Basketball is a contact sport. I’m in
show business. I can’t do stand-up with
a sprained ankle, I can’t be in front of
the camera with teeth missing.
On Chappelle’s Show, in “Charlie
Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories,”
the skit had you famously losing a
game of 5-on-5 to Prince and the
Revolution. True story?
It was true! Of course he didn’t have on
the outfit or the pumps and stuff; he had
regular clothes on. Everything else was
true. We went to his house after the club
and we played basketball. We didn’t even
think it was funny when it happened.
So it’s true? Prince can ball?
Back then he could, he has a slick little
man’s game, very fast.
If you had to pick four players for
a rematch vs. Prince’s team, who
would you take?
My Celtics: Rajon, Ray Allen, KG and
Paul Pierce.
In your autobiography The Making
of a Stand-Up Guy, you wrote about
your awkward fan moment with Kareem Abdul-
Jabbar. Have you seen him since the airplane
incident?
No, and I don’t want to see him. When you see
somebody and you have a confrontation with them
and admit to yourself that you did something childish,
you don’t want to see them no more.
So you recently started doing stand-up comedy
after all of these years?
That’s my main source of income, that’s what I do more
than anything else. I’m doing this movie right now, but
I’m booked doing stand-up all the way to December. I
do real well so that’s good, but the bad side of it is I’m
a single parent, which makes it kind of rough.
What else are you working on?
I’m getting ready to do another stand-up DVD in
July, called The Charlie Murphy Acid Trip. Right now
I’m shooting a movie with Will Saso from MAD TV,
it’s called The Guys Who Move Furniture. I’ll be in
another comedy called Cookout 2 coming out this
year; there’s a lot of cameos in it: Jalen Rose, Rick
Ross and Jay-Z. I also did some commercials with
the NBA that will aired during the playoffs. It’s with
some talking basketballs; one of those basketballs is
Charlie Murphy. Duane Watson #7
Celeb ROW
Charlie Murphy
TRANSITION GAMe
steve nash
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BY DUANE WATSON #7FIRST FIVE
With Chris Bosh’s departure, Sonny Weems,
DeMar DeRozan and Amir Johnson are the promising
future1 of the Toronto Raptors. Weems spent time up
north during the offseason working out and training
with team staff. He also endeared himself to the
city when a fan invited him to play at a local run via
Twitter. The West Memphis, Ark.2 native agreed:
“Pick a day this week to have people at the gym and
me and DeRozan will come play.”
Fans and ballers alike arrived en masse and true
to Weems’ word they came, they saw and they
conquered. “It’s just part of our personality,” Weems
says. “It’s not for the attention or for anything else.
We play open gym back home anyway; fortunately,
we just have a bigger name here so whenever we do
something like that it kind of always goes public.”
On the NBA hardwood, the third year forward
posted career stats of 10.7 points 2.6 rebounds and
2.3 assists through mid-December, before suffering
a back injury that forced him to miss 18 games. “The
season started off great, and then gradually went
downhill. Getting injured was hard ‘cause I ain’t ever
really been hurt like that.” Yet he bounced3 back to
post career season averages in points,4 assists, and
free-throw percentage and remains positive despite
the Raptors growing pains.
“Hopefully next year will be a better season.” With
new expectations, Weems has already proven that he
doesn’t shy away from challenges.5SONNY
WEEMS
24 - Forward - Toronto Raptors
BONUS POINTS
1. The trio have dubbed themselves “Young Onez.”
2. In the 2008 NCAA tournament, Weems led the Arkansas Razorbacks to their first tourney win in
nine years, knocking off Indiana University and freshman sensation Eric Gordon.
3. Weems won the 2008 NCAA Slam Dunk Championship and assisted J.R. Smith at the 2009 NBA
Slam Dunk Contest and DeMar DeRozan at the 2010 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
4. Weems scored a career-high 25 points in a Raptors win against the 76ers in 11/17/10.
5. He’s been on three other teams in his NBA career (Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee). In addition, he led
the Colorado 14ers to the D-League championship in his rookie season.
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Steve Freem
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“Hard for me to come to work? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard today. There’s challenges and obstacles whether you’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 company,
whether you’re doing surgery and you’re in the medical field. There’s challenges every day. Sometimes you have travel issues getting from city to city,
but guess what? You still show up, right? I love what I do.”—Avery Johnson
When you think about professional basketball, most of the guys live to
compete. It was very exciting because it was my first time in the playoffs. You’re
ready to get your feet wet, prove yourself, and for us, it doesn’t get any bigger
than facing the Boston Celtics in the first round. That was a pretty big hurdle to
face in only my rookie season. Growing up and watching all those guys, Robert
Parish and Kevin McHale, compete against the Lakers, and then to be on the
court against them, I wanted to prove myself to them. For us to beat them was a
pretty amazing accomplishment for the Hornets franchise.
The play where I scored the series-clinching shot, the play was originally
designed for Dell Curry. Because he was the inbounder, we were supposed to
screen and throw it back to him, but when the whistle blew, he had no one to throw
it to. I was the outlet pass and so I ran to the top of the key. I was so wide open
and the seconds seemed to be ticking off the clock so fast, I just shot it and it
went through and everyone jumped me on the floor. It was one of the most exciting
moments in my professional career. Alonzo Mourning As told to Mcg #93
In HIS SHOES
Alonzo Mourningon his game-winning shot in Game 4 of the
1993 NBA Playoffs, First Round
How hard was it
watching Butler
and UConn go at
it during the nCAA
Tourney?
Well it was tough
because they played
so well throughout
the tournament.
I don’t think they
played poorly they
just didn’t shoot
the ball well. They
picked a bad game
to go cold and it was
tough watching them because I know they wanted to
win so badly.
So from the college game to the pros, what’s
been the toughest adjustment?
I think the mental aspect is the biggest transition. You
go from being the guy on the team getting the ball all
the time and playing the whole game to sitting. This
year I’ve had to watch from the bench a little bit, and
even when you’re in there you’re not the first option
and it’s just been different. It’s an adjustment you
have to make.
It’s easier to pinpoint what it would take
physically to succeed in the nBA, but the mental
hurdles are a little bit harder to overcome. Did
any player take you under their wing?
Raja Bell did a good job of showing me the ropes a
little bit. Mentally though you just got to deal with the
change in mindset and realize your time will come,
and that right now you got to wait it out.
Did you experience any rookie hazing?
Uh, at the beginning of the year we had to dance in
front of everyone. We had sort of a rookie dance off.
We had to carry pink bags to all the away games,
which was kind of rough. I had to get bagels before
the game and [fellow rookie] Jeremy [Evans] had to
get doughnuts. We all had to go through that, so it
was alright.
When head coach Jerry Sloan resigned the
entire culture of Jazz basketball changed. How
has the team got through that? Has it made the
team stronger?
I think so. It’s obviously been different, but at the
same time, moving forward, I think it’s good for us.
We’re excited as a team.
It seems like new head coach Tyrone Corbin is
running a lot more plays through you.
I think he just wanted me to be more aggressive and
expand my game. He feels he can get more out of
me so he’s putting the ball in my hand a little bit more
and letting me make plays.
Any parts of your game you plan on improving
on over the summer?
I’m going to work on everything. When you come
into this league you realize that everything’s got to
improve, every part of your game has to be sharp. I’ll
definitely hit the weights and get stronger.
What about your free time?
Hopefully I can go on a couple vacations with my
friends, and kind of get away from the game for a little
bit. It’s been a while since I’ve been away. I’ve been
going nonstop. It’ll be nice to have a little break.
Jeff Min #12
KnOW YOUr nEWB
gordon Hayward Utah Jazz
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BY MELODY HOFFMAN #34FIRST FIVE
When the Indiana Pacers made coaching
changes1 in the midseason, Tyler Hansbrough’s role
changed, too.
“[Head coach] Frank [Vogel] told me I was going
to be a big part of the offense and he wanted me to
help contribute on a nightly basis and see consistent
minutes,”2 says Hansbrough. “ I kept my game up
to par, really working hard. When I wasn’t playing, I
was always in the gym working on my game with the
assistant coaches trying to get a little better so when
I did have my chance I would make the most of it.
“All the time in the gym really paid off.”
Limited to just 29 games3 during his rookie season,
the 6-9 second-year forward has been an immediate
source for points and rebounds4 for the young team.
Over a 10-game stretch in March, the former North
Carolina Tar Heel5 scored 20-plus points seven
times. His scrappiness, midrange game and scoring
ability down low and with pick and pops helped the
Pacers get into the playoffs for the first time since in
2006.
He does admit that he needs to continue to get
better and this offseason6 he’ll be working on his
defense7 with his younger brother, Ben,8 who is
currently playing college ball at Notre Dame.
If things go accordingly, the Pacers will have
another piece in place on their burgeoning young
team next season.
TYLER
HANSBROUGH
50 - Forward - Indiana Pacers
BONUS POINTS
1. Assistant coach Frank Vogel took over for Jim O’Brien on 1/30/11.
2. Hansbrough went from averaging 8.9 minutes a game in December to 30.4 min and 16.8 pts in
March and started all six games in April.
3. The same number of games Tyler started this year.
4. For the 2010-11 regular season, Hansbrough averaged 11 points and 5.2 rebounds in 70 games.
5. The 2008 national player of the year led the Tar Heels to an NCAA championship in 2009.
6. This offseason Hansbrough says he will work on his game beyond the arc. “I want to develop my
jumpshot farther, maybe possibly have three-point range and also work on my left hand.”
7. Says Hansbrough: “I think I’m growing as a defensive player and really starting to pick up on the rotation.”
8. Tyler and Ben played on the same Missouri high school team together and led Poplar Bluff High
School to back-to-back state championships. Tyler says the possibility of the brothers both being in
the NBA next year would be a dream come true. “It would be pretty cool. It would be awesome if I
played with him, too.”
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BY DARRYL HOWERTON #21FIRST FIVE
From mid-December throughout all of January,
DeAndre Jordan played like his old teammate and
mentor Marcus Camby.1
“Marcus told me this game is really all about timing
and where to position yourself,” recalls Jordan of his
former Clipper teammate. “That goes for offense,
offensive rebounding, defensive rebounding, blocked
shots and screen and rolls.”
In those 21 games, Jordan seemingly was always at
the right place at the right time, averaging 2.3 blocks
and 9.1 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per game, while
starting for the injured Chris Kaman and playing like a
Camby clone.2
Consequently, the Los Angeles Clippers were
winning at unprecedented levels, taking 14 of 21
games3 and knocking off NBA elite in the process
(Lakers, Heat and a road win over the Bulls).3
Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin was the
showstopper, but even he was crediting4 Clipper D
and good friend D.J. for getting the party started in
L.A.
“It was great,” says the 22-year Jordan. “I just
tried to do my job, just do my role. Whenever I had a
chance to block or alter a shot or even just contest
it, that’s what I tried to do. Just try to limit shot
opportunities to help my team out.”
Injuries5 later took out Eric Gordon, ending the
Clippers’ 2011 playoff hopes.
But with Gordon and Kaman back in the lineup
March 2, the team started to jell again, starting a string
that went 10-7, despite losing Gordon for another half
dozen games in the midst of that span.
“If we come out and play the way we know we can
play and execute all 82 games,” says Jordan, “then of
course we’re going to be in the 2012 playoffs. I just
really think with a full, healthy team and us playing the
basketball we’re capable of playing, the sky’s the limit
for us.”6
DEANDRE
JORDAN
09 - Center - Los Angeles Clippers
BONUS POINTS
1. Camby was the Clippers’ starting power forward/center in Jordan’s first two NBA seasons in
2008-09 and 2009-10.
2. In Camby’s two years as a Clippers’ starting big, he averaged 9.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
in 31.2 minutes per game; in his first season as Clippers’ starting center, Jordan averaged 7.1 points,
7.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 25.6 minutes per game.
3. The team won nine home games in a row, bringing the excitement—and even old fan Billy Crystal—
back to Clipper games in Staples Center again.
4. During that stint, Griffin said, “It starts with our defense. When we get steals and blocks and we
start running the floor, that creates those exciting plays for us.”
5. The Clippers went 32-50 in 2010-11, despite Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman missing 26 and 50
games, respectively.
6. Jordan adds: “We’ll be a team that nobody thinks can do it, but we all have each other’s back and
we believe in each other.”
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BY BRETT MAUSER #36FIRST FIVE
He was hurt, he got sick, and on top of all that, he
wasn’t playing much. For Magic forward Ryan Anderson,
even after he committed to polishing his game last
summer, the expectations he had for the 2010-11
season weren’t being met.
At that point, it wasn’t his game that needed to be
revamped; rather, it was his woe-is-me attitude. Anderson
scrapped it and focused his energy on contributing when
given a chance, and believing that things would turn
around. They have, and the confidence with which he
plays now is a byproduct of Orlando’s belief in him.
“It was a really tough time for me, but it helped me
grow as a person,” he says. “I realized that basketball
is my life, and when I changed my attitude, everything
started getting more positive.”
Rashard Lewis1 was dealt to Washington2 in
December, freeing up minutes for Anderson. He seized
the opportunity, averaging three three-point makes a
night in January at a 42 percent clip, and poured in nearly
12 points per game over the season’s final four months.3
The Magic have reaped the benefits as well, having
won 50-plus games for the fourth straight season.
“When you get consistent minutes, you play better
more consistently,” Anderson says. “But it takes a lot of
hard work to get those minutes.”
Anderson’s been dynamite on the pick-and-pop, and
opposing 4s have had trouble finding their guy crashing
the boards from 22 feet out. He and Brandon Bass have
been the perfect complements to Dwight Howard on the
block.
This offseason, he’ll work on getting stronger4 and, as
defenses give him more attention, further developing his
pull-up jumper. Anderson5 knows what it took to earn his
role and how quickly he can be replaced.
“It’s been pretty unbelievable,” Anderson said. “I’ve
been given this amazing opportunity, and I feel so
blessed. It’s been a great year.”
RYAN
ANDERSON
33 - Forward - Orlando Magic
BONUS POINTS
1. Lewis’ 10-game suspension to start the 2009-10 campaign opened the door for Anderson, who
averaged 15 points a night over six games of that stretch before spraining his ankle.
2. That Anderson had proven his mettle allowed Orlando to trade Lewis to the Wizards for three-time
NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas in January.
3. Anderson’s stroke began to round into shape in eighth grade. When friends mocked his shoot-from-
the-hip form, he reworked his shot. After growing into a big man, he began to fire from outside during
his freshman year at Oak Ridge High School.
4. Anderson has played in the 240-pound range this season but hopes to hold steady at 250, where
he feels he’s most effective.
5. He was a first-round selection (21st overall) by New Jersey in the 2008 Draft. After his rookie year,
he was dealt with Vince Carter to Orlando for a package that included the next pick in the ’08 draft,
Courtney Lee.
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BRACK-IT
EIGHT THINGS. ONE UNDISPUTED CHAMP.
HOOP028
WHO MADE THE BIGGEST JUMP THIS SEASON?
It can be argued that Love’s potential was always there. Per 36 minutes, Love has always
shown to be a double-digit rebounder. Even so, no one expected him to go Moses Malone
(the last NBA player to average 20 points and 15 rebounds for an entire season) on the
League. Love’s season put him on notice as one of the young cats to pay attention to for the
rest of this decade.
For his first four NBA campaigns, Millsap established himself as the best power forward
backup in the game, spelling Carlos Boozer to an extent where many wondered if he might
even be better. Boozer’s departure this year gave him that opportunity and he proved every bit
as dependable, averaging two points and rebounds shy of a 20-10. The boards were down,
but it can be a result of playing alongside an equally adept boardman in Al Jefferson.
Still, Love’s season will go down as a special one since he pulled off a feat not seen in the
NBA in 28 seasons.
As much credit Kevin Durant deserves for
Oklahoma City’s success, it might not be
possible without Westbrook. His ascension
into the top flight point guards of the League
is equally as paramount to the Thunder’s
success. Comparatively against Chris Paul, the
standard bearer of point guards, Westbrook
compares favorably and might even have an
edge on defense where his frenetic technique
can wreak havoc on the opposing team.
Aldridge began the season as a curious
sidekick to Portland’s established and
unquestioned leader, Brandon Roy. He was
also viewed as a perimeter-oriented big man
who preferred to pick and pop than roll. This
year, with Roy missing swaths of time and
Aldridge adding bulk and dedicating more of
his offense inside, he put up a career year
(21.8 ppg and 8.7 rpg) deserving of an All-
Star nod.
As big of a jump LA made in’10-11,
Westbrook’s leap was as high as one of his
dunks that he routinely unleashes.
If you asked Wright and even the Miami Heat,
the 16.2 ppg season that Wright displayed in
his first year as a full-time NBA starter for the
Golden State Warriors was no surprise. Miami
always knew Wright had potential, plucking the
swingman in the ’04 draft out of high school.
But in order to assemble the Big Three, they
relinquished the swingman to free agency.
He’s more than doubled his scoring output
and continues to show a three-point stroke.
Little needs to be said about Rose and
his massive leap to become one of the best
young players in the game that has his name
in the same sentences as Kobe, LeBron and
Durant, which is to say he’s joined elite status.
Statistically, Rose only saw modest gains, but
it’s really about his impact he’s had on his
team that puts him in the running.
Taking nothing away from Wright, but he
could’ve tripled his scoring average and he
might not get past Rose. Yes, Rose was just
that good in ’10-11.
In the 2008 NBA Draft, Beasley and Gordon were both highly touted
prospects. After being taken five picks from one another (Beasley, No. 2;
Gordon, No. 7), Gordon looked like he should’ve been the higher selection.
During their rookie seasons, Gordon tallied 16.1 ppg while Beasley
struggled to fit in despite a solid 13.9 pgg. This season, the two draftmates
have both made good strides: Gordon making the jump to a 20-plus
scorer (22.5, to be exact) while Beasley has established himself as one of
Minnesota’s go-to weapons on offense while averaging 19 points.
A tough mid-seed matchup, but we have to go with Gordon’s smooth
scoring over the spectacular, though sometimes-erratic Beasley.
Russell Westbrook
Westbrook
Kevin Love
Love
Michael Beasley
LaMarcus Aldridge
Paul Millsap
Eric Gordon Gordon
Derrick Rose Rose
Dorell Wright
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BY MING WONG #2
HOOP 029
Derrick Rose
It’s hard to believe that the UCLA Bruins didn’t win it all in the 2008 NCAA Tournament with the
Love-Westbrook tandem on the roster, one that would look equally potent in the NBA. Both were
taken in consecutive picks in the draft (Westbrook, No. 4; Love, No. 5) and this year they both
cracked the All-Star team in the West. Statistically, Love unequivocally made the bigger jump,
putting up almost eight points and five boards above his career numbers. The 20 and 15 Moses
line was unexpected, but most people could love at Love’s career per-36 minutes numbers and
extrapolated his success. Westbrook was a bit more unexpected even though he’s put up two
solid seasons. Even going up against an abundance of PG talent, RW has managed to shine at the
position. The uptick in production has been modest, but Westbrook plays a tougher position and
his role on the Thunder cannot be understated. Durant might be the constant force to OKC, but
it’s Westbrook’s booming presence that gives the Thunder’s storm extra strength.
Westbrook to the finals? Like his nickname, Why Not?
It comes down to a battle of point guards who
might soon, if not already, usurp Chris Paul
and Deron Williams as the two top point men
in the game. Both guys have jumped another
notch on the NBA ladder in their third years
and both look to stay on top for the remainder
of the decade.
Westbrook made the tough leap from
being a 16.1 ppg scorer to a 21.8 one.
While it may look simple. many players have
struggled to conquer that ceiling. And it may
not mean much in the grand scheme, it does
demonstrate Westbrook’s drive to improve
upon a game that was already pretty good
to begin with. His fearless approach might
sometimes seem overzealous, but it’s that
exact quality that makes him so effective,
dangerous and a game-changer.
What made Rose the top pick in the ’08
draft wasn’t his deft ballhandling, ability to get
to the basket, speed or any other natural skill
he’s been blessed with. What made him stand
out to the teams vying for him and Chicago
the fortunate team to garner his services is
the inner drive he possesses in wanting to be
better. As he’s grown, the Bulls have improved
with him. And just like this season when Rose
made a quantum leap, so have the Bulls,
making him an easy choice for this Brack-It.
Much like Rose’s first-round opponent, Gordon’s rise this
season was predicated on scoring more points, which he did
very well. If Gordon can improve on his 45-percent mark from
the field next season, get to the line more and shoot the three
ball better, he can explicably see 25 ppg next season. As good
as ’10-11 was for him, Gordon still has room to improve, which
speaks volumes.
That said, if Gordon were to jump to 25, drop about four
more dimes, beef up the defensive intensity, lead his Clippers
to a top seed in the conference, there’d be more of a debate
here. OK, the top seed part was unfair as that is a team
accomplishment, but it does show the divide between Rose and
Gordon’s ’10-11 performance.
Rose in a second-round cakewalk.
Who made the biggest jump this season?
Westbrook
Rose
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NB Hoop r op- oop d2 ch anica l.indd 1 NBA Hoop Troop-Hoop ad2 mechanical.indd 1 6/24/11 1 2:07 PM 6/24/11 12:07 PM
HOOP: We hear you’re back in Indiana right now?
GORDON: Yes, I am. I came back to see family.
HOOP: Do they still call you Mr. Basketball1 when you’re
back in town?
GORDON: Yeah, yeah, they do. You know, that meant a lot.
When you see the guys before you, like Oscar Robertson
and Larry Bird, it’s always great to have your name up there
with those guys.
HOOP: Do you get priority seating at restaurants by
checking in under the name Mr. Basketball?
GORDON: I’d probably get comped or something [laughs].
Everybody knows who is Mr. Basketball in Indiana.
HOOP: How soon after the season ends do you pick up
a basketball again?
GORDON: About a month and a half. I take a little break.
HOOP: Was it difficult to watch the playoffs rather than
being a part of it?
GORDON: No, I love watching the playoffs, especially being
at games in that environment. I mean, I wish I was in it, but
you’ve also got to learn about the playoffs for when you do
get there.
HOOP: Now tell us the truth: You headed home to
Indiana after the playoffs ended so you didn’t have to hear
about the Lakers in L.A. for two months, right?
GORDON: Yeah, basically [laughs]. The Pacers are in the
playoffs, so I’m going to check those guys out.
HOOP: What’s it like sharing the Staples Center?
GORDON: It’s a good arena, but it’s different sharing it with
another organization. It’s basically like roommates.
HOOP: What’s the difference between Lakers games
and Clippers games inside the building?
GORDON: They are different environments. I like our Clippers2
environment better, because I think our fans are really in tune
with the game. The crowds are into it and the attendance
was really good for us this year.
HOOP: The Lakers, obviously, are known for their
celebrity fans, but you guys have a lot of stars come out, too,
right?
GORDON: I’ve seen Billy Crystal at a lot of games. The guy
from The Green Mile, Michael Clarke Duncan3 attends a lot
of our games. We get a lot of different people that come at
different points of the season.
HOOP: You didn’t mention Clipper Darrell. He’s
practically a celebrity now.
GORDON: Clipper Darrell! He’s probably the No. 1 fan for the
Clippers. It’s always good to have a guy like him. He has a
fire about him, where he wants us to win.
HOOP: You need to get a red and blue suit4 like his.
GORDON: [laughs] I don’t know about that. He’s very
supportive.
Jen
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HOOP 031
with Eric Gordon
By JEramiE mcPEEk #4
24 seconds
HOOP0506-24 Seconds.indd 31 6/23/11 1:33 PM
HOOP: Let’s talk about Blake Griffin. What did he mean to your team this year?
GORDON: He definitely means a lot. He brings a great work ethic every day, and he’s a
rebounding and scoring machine.
HOOP: How much fun has it been to play with him?
GORDON: A lot of fun. You know, he makes spectacular plays up in the air. Not many guys in the
League can do what he can and jump over people. It’s always good to see a big man like him
come down the court, making plays, dribbling and also getting those dunks.
HOOP: Have you ever dunked over a car?
GORDON: No, I’ve never really dunked over anything like that. But I dunked over my brother5
once. He’s about 6-1.
HOOP: NBA TV followed Blake around for 24 hours. What would fans see if they
followed you around for a day instead?
GORDON: A lot of people would think I am a comedian. I’m a jokester and am always pulling
pranks on guys in the locker room.
HOOP: How would you grade your season?
GORDON: I would say a B+. Scoring wise, I showed I am capable6 of being one of the best
in the League, and I did it while shooting a good percentage. And I was making plays for
everybody on my team.
HOOP: If you hadn’t injured your wrist7 and missed so many games, you would have been
a contender for Most Improved Player.
GORDON: Right. I think I probably would have helped our team’s record, too, if I was in some of
those situations in late games where we were close and I didn’t get a chance to play.
HOOP: When the season ended, what did Coach Del Negro tell you he wanted you to
work on over the summer?
GORDON: Just to keep working on my ball handling, my low-post game and become even more
of a leader.
HOOP: You’re still a young guy with a lot of room to grow. Where do you see yourself in
five years?
GORDON: Well, definitely an All-Star and hopefully an MVP candidate, and an NBA
Championship contender.
HOOP: What do the Clippers need to do to take the next step as a franchise?
GORDON: We can make a big step up if we can just stay healthy. Every team has some injuries,
but we can’t miss as many games as we did this year. I’m looking for us to be a playoff team
next year and be one of the elite teams soon.
HOOP: What else are you going to do this summer? Do you have any vacation plans?
GORDON: Yeah, I’m going to do some traveling for vacation and business reasons, too. I’m
doing a couple camps overseas in Europe and China.
HOOP: You were in Turkey last summer for the World Championship. What did that mean
to you to represent the U.S.?
GORDON: It meant a lot. I always wanted to be a part of a USA experience. I still remember the
first Dream Team like it was yesterday. Michael Jordan, John Stockton and all those guys. They
just killed everybody.
HOOP: Are you wearing your gold medal right now?
GORDON: No, I don’t wear it. I’ve got it in a nice display case.
HOOP: What’s it like having a birthday on Christmas day?
GORDON: I enjoyed it growing up. We celebrated Christmas that day and my birthday at night,
so I got presents all day.
Bonus Points
1. Gordon was named “Mr. Basketball” as a senior at North Central High School in Indianapolis,
a year after Greg Oden won the award playing at Lawrence North.
2. The Clippers selected Gordon with the 7th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Indiana.
3. Who also coincidentally voiced one of the “talking balls” for the NBA’s playoff commercials this year.
4. Check out the suit and the red and white ride at ClipperDarrell.com.
5. Eric’s younger brother Evan recently transferred to Arizona State University to play basketball.
6. Gordon averaged 22.3 points, 4.4 assists and 2.9 boards, while shooting 36 percent from behind the three-point line.
7. The third-year guard suffered a sprained wrist during a game in late January and missed 26 games. The Clippers went 7-19 without him.
Noah G
raham
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HOOP032
HOOP0506-24 Seconds.indd 32 6/23/11 1:33 PM
* According to 2000-2011 erankings.com and NPD data. © 2005-2010 Take-Two Interactive Software and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. 2K Sports, the 2K Sports logo, and Take-Two Interactive Software are all trade-
marks and/or registered trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifi cations used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrights designs and other forms of intellectual
property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. © 2010 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family l ogo are registered trademarks of
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The PlayStation Network Logo is a service mark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment
Software Association. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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2K Sp ort s. indd 1 2K Sports.indd 1 9/1/10 4 :13 PM 9/1/10 4:13 PM
SImply
Mav-elousFew predicted that a Dallas team featuring a veteran core
would even make it to the Finals, let alone win it. But the
Mavericks never stopped believing in themselves, reminding
everyone that basketball played as team will always prevail.
The victory gave four longtime NBA stars, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason
Kidd, Jason Terry and Shawn Marion, their first taste of being
NBA champions.NAthANiel S. Butler/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP034 HOOP034
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 34 6/23/11 1:35 PM
HOOP 035HOOP 035
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 35 6/23/11 1:35 PM
In their 11-year run of playoff
appearances, Dallas has
always lacked a pivot who
could control the paint. The
addition of Tyson Chandler
proved to be a difference as
the Mavs were able to have a
dependable presence in the
middle.
NAthANiel S. Butler/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Dallas is all too familiar with what Dwyane Wade
is capable of doing in a short series. Despite the
difference in outcome, Wade was every bit as deadly
as he was in 2006 when the two teams met in the
Finals. Over the six games, Wade averaged 26.5 points
while shooting 55 percent, 7 rebounds , 5.2 assists,
1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
With one of the most original
nicknames in the NBA, Brian
“the Custodian” Cardinal was
a solid contributor for Dallas
off the bench.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
He might no longer be able to do the freakishly athletic
things he once did in his career that earned him the
“Matrix” moniker, but Shawn Marion can still get up to
finish a dunk without the aid of any CGI.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP036 HOOP036
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 36 6/23/11 1:35 PM
One of the few bright spots for Miami during the series
was the play of Mario Chalmers. The third-year point
guard proved he’s not shy on the big stage, averaging
a solid 11.8 points per game and shooting 40 percent
from three-point range.
NAthANiel S. Butler/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
The series was a tightly
contested battle between the
two teams with many lead
changes, so it was fitting
that it came down to hustle
plays and scrapping for the
ball—like this one between
Mike Miller and J.J. Barea.
mike ehrmANN/Getty imAGeS SPort
A streaky but inconsistent shooter throughout his 13-
year career, it was fortunate for the Mavs that DeShawn
Stevenson was on a hot streak during the Finals,
shooting 54 percent from the field and an even better
56 percent from three.
NAthANiel S. Butler/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Going into the series, all eyes
were on Miami’s vaunted
trio of stars and whether or
not Dallas would be able to
match up against the three.
ANDrew D. BerNSteiN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
In the 2006 Finals, Miami’s
Udonis Haslem was able to
keep Nowitzki in check. Five
years later, no one on the
Heat roster had an answer
for him, as Nowitzki was able
to constantly shed defenders
off—including Haslem—to
get to the basket.
mike ehrmANN/Getty imAGeS SPort
The Dallas defense cooled
the Heat attack for most
of the series, but on the
occasions that it showed
some cracks, Dwyane Wade
was able to capitalize in a
big way.
Pool/Getty imAGeS SPort
HOOP 037
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 37 6/23/11 1:36 PM
In a rare crunch time miscue, Wade
mishandled the inbounds pass at
the end of Game 4 with 6 seconds
remaining and the Heat down three
points, fumbling away a good shot
opportunity for Miami.
Bill BAPtiSt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Is it a surprise that someone
with 11,578 career assists
knows how to throw a perfect
bounce pass? Just look at
the precision of the pass,
between two defenders to
a cutting—and just barely
in the frame—Chandler for
what was likely an easy
basket. Well played, Jason
Kidd.
ANDrew D. BerNSteiN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
They weren’t of the game-
ending variety, but Mario
Chalmers still managed to
impress with two makes
to end quarters. This one
pictured ended the first
quarter of Game 3.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
We’re not sure if it was in French or English, but Ian Mahinmi, by way of France to
the NBA, unleashed his pregame huddle scream to amp up his teammates. Besides
providing hype, the backup center for Dallas gave the Mavs plenty of tough boards and
some interior scoring when Tyson Chandler was on the bench.
ANDrew D. BerNSteiN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP038
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 38 6/23/11 1:36 PM
Miami’s defense was every
bit as good as Dallas’. It
was just that when the Heat
turned up the pressure,the
Mavs were able to hit big
shots with the shot clock
expiring, get an offensive
rebound or, in this case,
make the right pass to
negate Miami’s defensive
efforts.
Victor BAlDizoN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
DeShawn Stevenson is not
one who has a problem
expressing himself.
Throughout the series,
Stevenson did his best to
get under Miami’s skin as
much as his tattoo artist
has gotten ink onto his. With
his blistering shooting from
deep, Stevenson was able
to flash his “three monocle”
regularly.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
What makes Dirk Nowitzki so difficult to guard is that
his lights-out jumpshot sets up his forays to the basket.
Once in the paint, the right-handed Nowitzki is adept at
finishing with his left hand.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
An underrated matchup during the Finals was Tyson
Chandler going up against Chris Bosh. The two 7-footers
were regularly mixing it up in the paint for loose balls
and positioning.
ANDrew D. BerNSteiN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Dallas knew that LeBron James is at his best when
he gets to the basket and commands extra attention,
enabling him to create opportunities for his teammates.
So when the Mavs were able to get James to shoot
fadeaway 20-foot jumpers, they knew their gameplan
is working.
NAthANiel S. Butler/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
When the Heat were able to create turnovers and get
into their transition game, the Mavericks were unable to
keep up. It was a good thing Dallas did a good job taking
care of the ball, preventing more of these breakaway
Wade dunks from taking place.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP 039
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 39 6/23/11 1:37 PM
In what was likely the best dunk of the
Finals, LeBron James went strong into the
belly of Dallas’ defense and was met with
the Mavericks’ last defender at the rim, Ian
Mahinmi. James went up and over the 6-11
center to flush it home.
Victor BAlDizoN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
He is smaller than some of the fans that packed the
arenas during the Finals, but J.J. Barea proved that
one’s game cannot be measured by size. His quickness
and speed allowed him to dart around the Heat defense
to score to the tune of 8.8 points per game.
Joe murPhy/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
The most demonstrative player on the court, Jason
Terry feeds off the crowd, so he was regularly seen
encouraging and rallying the Dallas faithful.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP040
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 40 6/23/11 1:37 PM
Part of what makes Dwyane Wade so effective at
finishing at the rim is that he possesses uncanny body
control to squeeze himself through the tiniest sliver in
any wall of defenders to get himself into a clearing to
get his shot off.
GleNN JAmeS/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Usually when a 7-footer and a 6-4 guard meets at the
rim, it’s the smaller guy attacking the rim while the
bigger guy is trying to protect it. In this case, the roles
are reversed as Dwyane Wade goes up to block Tyson
Chandler’s dunk attempt.
GleNN JAmeS/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Despite the burden of his newborn daughter Jaelyn’s
heart condition weighing heavily on his mind and in his
heart, Mike Miller soldiered on through the Finals.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
For those who have followed
Jason Kidd’s 17-year career,
it has been amazing to
witness the improvement
in Kidd’s three-point
shooting. He’s gone from
being a subpar shooter from
distance to one of the best
on the Mavericks. Heady
stuff if you also consider that
he plays with Dirk Nowitzki
and Jason Terry.
NoAh GrAhAm/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
When they first came
together, some people
wondered who of the Miami’s
big three would take the last
shot in games. In Game 3,
the answer was Chris Bosh,
as his clutch jumper in the
corner sealed the win for
the Heat.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Jason Kidd took full advantage of Dwyane Wade’s aggressive
defensive approach with the best countermove: the pump fake. It
worked so well, in fact, that Wade flew up and over Kidd in an attempt
to challenge the shot.
GleNN JAmeS/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP 041
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 41 6/23/11 1:38 PM
Controlling the boards, especially on the offensive end, was a big reason the Mavericks were able to overcome the Heat. Tyson Chandler, particularly, took advantage of Miami’s smaller frontline to clean up the glass after one of his teammates’ misses.
Pool/Getty imAGeS SPort
Absent during most of the regular season and playoffs, Udonis Haslem came back late in the postseason to provide the Heat with his rugged interior defense, rebounding and even a bit of scoring.
ANDrew D. BerNSteiN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
With seconds remaining until victory, the Mavericks bench is ready to erupt off the sidelines to hit the floor as NBA Champions. Yes, that is team owner Mark Cuban to the right of Brendan Haywood.
roNAlD mArtiNez/Getty imAGeS SPort
Sure, Dirk Nowitzki owns one of the best strokes in the game, and at 7-feet tall, he’s able to shoot it over everyone, but his ability to unfurl the shot at varying angles and positions, and still maintain a crisp release makes him almost impossible to guard.
iSSAc BAlDizoN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
After his underwhelming Game 4 showing where he totaled only 8 points, LeBron James returned in Game 5 with a 17-point, 10-assist and 10-rebound triple-double, the only one during the Finals.
Bill BAPtiSt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Dirk Nowitzki won Finals MVP, but Jason Terry was equally brilliant in the six games. He shot 49 percent from the field (including 39 percent from three) while averaging 18 points per game.
NoSh GrAhAm/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP042
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 42 6/23/11 1:38 PM
If it wasn’t #41 hitting a big bucket,
you can bet that it was #31. And
after every momentum-shifting or
rally-killing basket made, you will
likely see The Jet take off back to
defense.
roNAlD mArtiNez/Getty imAGeS SPort
His teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade might
be bigger stars, but Chris Bosh showed during the
Finals that he can shine just as bright. For the series,
Bosh averaged 18.5 points and 7.3 boards.
Victor BAlDizoN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Even when the Heat were successful at preventing
him from getting his shot off, Dirk Nowitzki was able to
patiently locate his other four teammates.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
One of the biggest subplots to the Finals was the
mystery behind LeBron James’ game fading as the
series progressed and his fourth-quarter struggles.
NAthANiel S. Butler/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP 043
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 43 6/23/11 1:38 PM
As with most Finals, the
stars get top billing, but
oftentimes it’s the play of
role players and the bench
that decide the outcome of
the series. Dallas’ reserves
routinely outplayed Miami’s
thin bench, putting even
more pressure on Miami’s
stars to shoulder more of
a load.
roNAlD mArtiNez/Getty imAGeS SPort
No NBA owner wears his
dedication and loyalty
to his team more on his
sleeve than Mark Cuban. In
past losses, he’s been as
emotional as any fan, so it’s
no surprise that in winning
the NBA Championship for
the first time, that Cuban
would celebrate just as hard.
Joe murPhy/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
He might have one of the sweetest strokes in
NBA history, but Dirk Nowitzki shows that he can
occasionally display some power to his game as well.
JeSSe D. GArrABrANt/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd waited a total of 28 years
of ring-less NBA seasons. When the two enter the Hall of
Fame one day, they will now have NBA Champion to add
to their storied careers.
Joe murPhy/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Although in his 12 NBA seasons, Shawn Marion has
proven to be an excellent defender, many thought he
might be too old to take on the big task of checking
LeBron James. Marion proved otherwise, even
managing to block a James shot or two.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
Dallas’ clever mixing of defenses—from traditional
man to zones to quick trapping double-teams—never
allowed Miami to be comfortable on offense.
NoAh GrAhAm/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP044
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 44 6/23/11 1:39 PM
Shawn Marion’s primary
responsibility during the
Finals was to defend LeBron
James, which he did with
aplomb. But he also found
time to expand on his role by
chipping in with 13.7 points
per contest, forcing James
to work just as hard on the
other end of the floor.
ANDrew D. BerNSteiN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
The Miami Heat might have
the bigger parts, but the
Mavericks proved that it’s
the sum of the parts that
matters.
GArrett ellwooD/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
When Dirk Nowitzki hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy
up in the air, the Dallas Mavericks officially entered
the elusive club of NBA Champions, as this is the
franchise’s first title since joining the League in 1981.
Joe murPhy/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
He’s been one of the best players over the past decade and been bestowed every
conceivable accolade including a League MVP, but Dirk Nowitzki managed to add a
new one to the mantle—Finals MVP. At the postgame press conference, Nowitzki got
emotional reflecting on the long road to becoming a champion.
mike ehrmANN/NBAe/Getty imAGeS
HOOP 045
HOOP0506-f-Finals Recap.indd 45 6/23/11 1:39 PM
04
It might’ve been in the midst of
one of the more tightly-contested
Finals in recent history, but members
of both the Dallas Mavericks and the
Miami Heat still found time between
pressure-soaked games to open up
an NBA Cares Learn & Play Center in
partnership with HP and State Farm
in their respective cities. As part of
the NBA Cares Community Caravan,
Miami team president Pat Riley and
several members of the extended Heat
family cut the ceremonial ribbon to
the center at Paul Laurence Dunbar
Elementary School, while in Dallas,
Jason Terry took on a bunch of school
children at the newly dedicated JW
Ray Learning Center in a game of Clue.Jesse D. Garrabrant(2)/nbae/Getty ImaGes
03
Awards are nothing new for Lisa Leslie, one of
the most highly decorated players in WNBA history
(if you need a reminder: She’s a two-time WNBA
champion, three-time MVP and eight-time All-Star, to
name just a few) but even in her post-playing days,
she’s still garnering accolades, including the CieAura
Pioneer Award she’s shown here accepting during
the 2011 Inspiring Women’s Luncheon in New York.nathanIel s. butler/nbae/Getty ImaGes
HOOP046
02
NBA and WNBA players did their part in helping areas of the country recover
from the ravage caused by extreme weather, which left destruction and displaced
lives across the country this past spring. D.J. White, Eric Bledsoe and DeMarcus
Cousins were down in Tuscaloosa, Ala., with the American Red Cross to lend a
hand with donations of shoes and clothing after a tornado. WNBA players Miranda
Ayim, Kayla Pedersen and Betty Lennox organize food for victims of a tornado in
Joplin, Mo.shane beval; bIll baptIst/nbae/Getty ImaGes
01
Brandon Jennings’ Milwaukee Bucks might not have qualified for the playoffs
but he’s having himself an eventful summer nonetheless. He started his offseason
on a goodwill tour of India, where he conducted several basketball clinics around
the country, and then came back to Milwaukee to help install drywall as part of
Habitat for Humanity.Gary DIneen/nbae/Getty ImaGes
03
04
01 02
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Ve rsa fitness. indd 1 Versafitness.indd 1 6/24/11 1 2:19 PM 6/24/11 12:19 PM
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CHECK IT
TEE TIMEIf you’re like the average guy, you
probably own T-shirts. A lot of
T-shirts. We’re certainly guilty of
it ourselves. Our closets are filled
with stacks upon stacks of the
venerable, yet versatile, article
of clothing. The T-shirt makes
the perfect canvas of fashion
expression and like blue jeans,
Chucks and a pair of cool aviators,
they never go out of summer
fashion. We have a few suggested
additions to your ever-growing
collection on page 54.
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BY PHILIP D’APOLITO #14
ILLUSTR
ATION: M
ATT CAN
DELA; ALLEN
EINSTEIN
/NBAE/G
ETTY IMAG
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Rodney Stuckey
Detroit Pistons
Stuckey just finished his
fourth season, where he
led the Pistons in per-
game scoring and assists.
Despite the Detroit guard
being often mistaken for
50 Cent, he doesn’t list
Curtis Jackson as one of his
favorite artists to listen to.
During the offseason, other
than working on his game,
Rodney plans on catching up
on all the movies he missed
during the season since he’s
not big on videogames and
other tech. His one big
guilty TV pleasure? It
will surprise you.
Rodney’s Movies
All time, it’s a really old-school movie called The Sixth Man. It’s a basketball movie.
Rodney’s Videogames
Nah, I’m not really a big videogame guy. If anything I’ll play the Wii, that’s
about it though. [Growing up,] I was a big fan of the old Nintendo,
like Super Mario and Contra and Double Dribble. So if I could get
my hands on one of those I think I’ll be addicted back to playing
videogames. [laughs]
Rodney’s Music
I listen to a lot of stuff, different stuff. Mainly the artists I really like to listen to are
Drake, Lil Wayne, I like Rick Ross, Fabolous. I like R&B, too. I listen to a lot R&B,
too. You got Trey Songz, Marques Houston, Usher. I like all different kinds of
music. I listen to it all, man.
SPIN MOVES
Rodney’s TV
My favorite TV shows to watch are like The First 48, I like CSI Miami. One of my favorite
TV shows is Entourage. I like, it’s called The Secret Life of the American Teenager. It’s
like a high school show it’s funny though it’s like a drama show—if you haven’t seen it you
should watch it. [Ed note: We were rolling in laughter at this point.] Yeah it’s funny though.
Whatever’s on TV, I watch whatever.
CHECK IT
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OCKY
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CHECK IT
Three albums. Two players. One dynamic pair of music critics
Stone Rollin’ is a soulful and artistic album. Raphael’s music has a retro feel and a style all his own. He does an outstanding job of capturing the old ’60s Motown sound in tracks like “Radio,” “Movin’ Down the Line” and “Just Don’t.” It reminds me of when I was young and our family would play music on the record player. I really liked “Good Man,” which had a catchy hook and was well-put together. The title track was another favorite—I loved the guitar and lyrics. Raphael’s music is very chill and his lyrics do an excellent job of painting a picture of the message he is relaying to his listeners. If you are an R&B fan and enjoy unique music, this is a must have. I really enjoy listening to quality and creative music. Great Buy!
Raphael Saadiq is a soulful musician, and it shows in Stone Rollin’. His old-school R&B style sounds much different than the club R&B of today. He plays a lot of instruments, including bass, drums, guitar and tambourine, to name a few, and handles vocals, showing his range as a musician. He also brought on more than 60 other musicians to work on the album. The single “Good Man” is one of my favorites on the album; his soul really comes through. The song “Radio” is another classic with an old school ’60s feel to it. Saadiq is one of the most talented musicians of our time, and Stone Rollin’ is a great album, a refreshing change from the normal radio R&B.
THAD’S SUMMERTIME PLAYLIST
“Touchdown” - Yo Gotti “Tupac Back” - Rick Ross feat. Meek Mill
“I’m On One” – DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Lil
Wayne, Rick Ross
“That Way” - Wale feat. Jeremih & Rick Ross
“Oh My” - DJ Drama feat. Roscoe Dash,
Fabolous, Wiz Khailfa
“Motivation” - Kelly Rowland feat. Lil Wayne
“Made Men” - Rick Ross feat. Drake
“M-Town” - Yo Gotti “Light Up” - Drake feat. Jay Z
“In the Morning” - J. Cole feat. Drake
“Feel Love” - Sean Garrett feat. J. Cole “You Got It” - J. Cole feat. Wale
CARL’S SUMMERTIME PLAYLIST
“I Smile” - Kirk Franklin
“Tupac Back” - Rick Ross feat. Meek Mill
“The Lazy Song” - Bruno Mars
“In Da Club” - Canton Jones
Motivation - Kelly Rowland feat. Lil Wayne
“Sure Thing” - Miguel
“I’m On One” – DJ Khaled feat. Drake, Lil
Wayne, Rick Ross
“Down On Me” - Jeremih feat. 50 Cent
“All I Do Is Win” - DJ Khaled
“Int’l Players Anthem” – UGK feat. Outkast
“The Edge of Glory” - Lady Gaga
“Eye of the Tiger” - Survivor
I can’t believe the Beastie Boys are still around! I remember hearing “Fight for Your Right” when I was just a little kid. This is their eighth studio album, with some of the old Beastie Boys flavor while sampling some new styles. The album ranges from punk to rap to rock. I really like “Too Many Rappers” featuring Nas. “Long Burn The Fire” sounds more like their old stuff. They have certainly earned their respect over the years and are still solid. And if you have a chance, check out the promo video “Fight for Your Right (Revisited)” on Hulu, with tons of celebrity cameos. Good wishes to MCA, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009.
The Beastie Boys are a little before my time. I know a little of their history and have heard some of the more popular, earlier music. With that said, I was very interested in reviewing an album to see what these legends had in store. The first impression is that the Beastie Boys stay true to who they are, B-Boy hip hop. “Make Some Noise” starts off the album with an extremely uptempo track. Typical Beastie Boy sound, the guys have unmistakable voices and delivery. I liked “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win” and it was great to hear the collaboration with Nas on “Too Many Rappers.” My only problem with Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is that the music can be a little too busy and sometimes distracting. The sound can overwhelm the vocals at times and make it difficult to understand the lyrics. I know this is somewhat of a trademark for the Beastie crew, but it makes it tough for me to get 100 percent into the music.
Beastie Boys
Hot Sauce Committee Part 2
Raphael Saadiq
Stone Rollin’
CARL LANDRY
TRIPLE DOUBLE
THADDEUS YOUNG
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the goods
CheCK It
Apple iPad 2The folks at Cupertino changed the game with the release of the iPad and the follow-up to it merely cements the notion that a tablet device can be a replacement to most people’s basic computing needs. The ridiculously intuitive device improves on the original by being lighter and thinner, beefing up the processing speed under the hood and adding in a front-facing camera for facetime chatting. Also new is the Smart Cover, a simple, yet ingenious cover that hooks on via magnets and doubles up as a stand for the unit and a way to elegantly put the device to sleep.
$829 (for the pictured 64GB WiFi + 3G model) $39 (iPad Smart Cover)
ESPN 30 for 30 Vol. 2The second part of the Worldwide Leader in Sports’ set of sports documentaries come bundled together in a six-disc DVD set (also available on Blu-ray) that includes three hours of bonus content (deleted scenes, extended interviews, trailers and director commentaries). Of the 15 films in the set, two notables include: Jordan Rides the Bus (about Michael Jordan’s brief foray playing minor-league baseball) and Once Brothers (about the relationship between Croatian Drazen Petrovic and Serbian Vlade Divac that was torn apart by political and ethnic strife).
$74.95
Apple TV Apple’s svelte streaming box is nothing new. The tiny (about 4-inch x 1-inch) box can do the usual for entry-level media streamers: shuttle your iTunes, Netflix, YouTube and photos to your TV, but new to the mix is the ability to stream NBA League Pass Broadband onto the big screen at 720p high-def goodness. You can opt to go with a wired approach (Ethernet) or wireless (802.11n) and HDMI brings it all to your HDTV. We usually gloss over the stock remote controls, but Apple’s included one-piece aluminum-shrouded remote is, like most things Apple, an elegant solution.
$99
Dyson Air Multiplier Tower FanIf you’re to believe the folks at Dyson, fans with traditional blades are so uncivil, what with an old-time propeller chopping up air in clunky waves. The Air Multiplier is akin to a wheel-less car, using their bladeless approach to smoothly push air to cool. The lack of blades means little Johnny and Jenny won’t lop any curious fingers off, there’s no dust-collecting parts to clean and it’ll capture the attention of anyone who comes across it. An analog dial means you can fine-tune the power of the fan and 90-degree oscillation disperses air accordingly.
$449.99
Wet Circuits Power StripSummer means bringing the indoors out. Devices like TVs, stereo systems and projectors find their way to the backyard and with it, the need for power strips. It also means an additional hazard as poolside splashes, water gun sprays and spilled beverages and power cords don’t make for a good mix. Alleviate concerns with the Wet Circuits power strip that can prevent electrical shocks from water contact. In addition, the power strip features overheating protection and protects against electric shock from insertion of metal objects into the outlets.
$70
HOOP0506-Goods.indd 52 6/23/11 2:50 PM
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Black & Decker Steam-MopFloor cleaning could mean doing it OG style with a bucket of soapy water, a mop and plenty of elbow grease from wringing it out. Or it can be filling up the B&D Steam Mop’s chamber with tap water, attaching a washable microfiber pad and harnessing the power of hot steam to power away the grime and disinfect surfaces. The mop is good for wood, tile and laminate floors (a dial controls the steam output for each floor type), and has a quick power-up time of just 15 seconds and a built-in filter for areas with hard water.
$89.99
V-Moda Crossfade LP CustomYour one-of-a-kind playlist of Rebecca Black, Rick Ross and Neil Diamond demands that you listen to it from headphones as unique as your musical tastes itself. Rather than looking like the masses of white ear buds or similar headphones, V-Moda can help you trick out your own set of Crossfade LP. The options include a palette of colors, metal plates and laser-engraved designs or words on a set of over-the-ear headphones that deliver deep lows and vibrant midranges with high-def clarity. The headphones’ lightweight and memory foam ear cushions ensures extended wear without fatigue and the steel frame and Kevlar-reinforced cables provides durability. The in-line microphone/remote allows phone call management and volume and playback control. It also comes with a snazzy exoskeleton case (not pictured) that handsomely houses the headphones.
$199.99
Conair iStubbleFor those sporting the not-quite-clean/not-quite-beard look, the iStubble is a device with the five o’clock shadow in mind. The motorized length control system can adjust the cutting length from 0.4 mm to 5 mm (shown on the digital LCD display), a floating contoured head guides along the nooks and crannies of your face and the rechargeable unit means wire-free operation.
$68.99
Dell Streak 7For those in love with their Android-based smartphone and wished for a bigger experience, Dell has come up with the Streak 7. A 7-inch tablet based on the quickly growing Android platform, the Streak 7 has a few good things going for it. The dual-core 1GHz processor gives the Streak 7 a very snappy user experience, flicking from page to page is almost instantaneous and apps launch and run quickly and video playback is excellent. The one glaring (a fitting word) is the screen. Using it under bright sunlight or overhead lights will mean fighting a huge glare that washes out the display, and on that note, the Streak 7’s paltry 800 x 480 left images and video looking less sharp than what it could’ve been. We got about 5-6 hours of use on a charge, which could’ve been better. But on the positive note, the Streak 7 comes with three iPad-killing features: a SD card slot for expandable storage, tethering capabilities so you can share your device’s data connection and a very friendly price point.
$149.99 (requires data contract)
DYMO LabelManager PnPAdmittedly, when this came across our desk, we were far from impressed. Label makers are nothing new and certainly nothing exciting, but the LabelManager impressed us in its sheer simplicity. You take it out, plug the USB cable in (it’s powered via USB), your computer (PC and Mac compatible) detects it like any USB device, you launch the software (no need to install anything) and you type and print your label using whatever system fonts you have. It’s perfect for the obsessive-compulsive organizer who doesn’t have the time or know-how to deal with complicated set-ups.
$59.99
Where to Buy:
Apple iPad 2 and Apple TV, applestore.com; Wet Circuits Power Strip, wetcircuits.com; Conair
iStubble, conair.com; DYMO LabelManager PnP, dymo.com; Black & Decker Steam Mop,
blackanddecker.com; Dyson Air Multiplier Tower Fan, dyson.com; V-Moda Crossfade LP Custom
v-moda.com; Dell Streak 7, tmobile.com; ESPN 30 for 30 Vol. 2, amazon.com
HOOP0506-Goods.indd 53 6/23/11 2:52 PM
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OFFICIAL GOODS
1. NBA Marvel
HeadwearNew Era’s NBA Marvel
line combines Marvel’s
legendary superheroes—The
Incredible Hulk, Spider-
Man, Iron Man and others—
with team logos of the NBA.
The visor graphic for each
hat features an image of
the Marvel superheroes in
NBA team colors. These
caps come in both adult
and kids sizes and are
available at NBAStore.com,
marvelstore.com, Lids and
shop.neweracap.com.
$34.99
2. Team Grill
NBA Patio Series
Game Day GrillCook up whatever it is
you desire with the Team
Grill NBA Patio Series
Game Day grill. The three
stainless steel tube burners
and porcelain-coated
grates are sure to cook
your food perfectly, while
the side shelves extend
for additional preparation
room. The high-quality finish
cleans easily and is weather
resistant.
$899.99
3. NBA Marvel
T-ShirtsC-Life provides another
element of the NBA’s
collaboration with Marvel.
Designed for fans of all
ages, this t-shirt collection
features your favorite
team’s name and logo,
paired up with comic-book
superheroes dressed in
team colors. Each oversized
bold graphic is screen-
printed on the chest.
Available at NBAStore.com,
JC Penney and Champs
Sports.
$23.99
4. Spalding NBA
Game Ball Series
NEVERFLAT BallNever lose air during your
next pick-up game with
Spalding’s NEVRFLAT
basketball. The indoor/
outdoor composite leather
basketball with Nitroflate
technology, is guaranteed
to stay fully inflated for a
year—10 times longer than
traditional basketballs.
Available at sporting goods
retailers.
$39.99
5. NBA Digi SocksYou may recall these socks
from the All-Star Friday
and Saturday Night events
during NBA All-Star 2011.
The For Bare Feet Digi-Fade
crew sock is crafted with
an all-over printed pattern in
six different colorways and
is finished with an official
NBA logoman on the cuff.
Available at
NBAStore.com and
Champs Sports.
$11.99
1
2
3
4
5
HOOP0506-Official.indd 54 6/23/11 2:54 PM
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GEAR
CHECK IT
adidas
Crazy Light$100
weight (size 9): 9.8 oz.
We understand the logic behind adidas choosing the “Crazy” moniker to its
revolutionary basketball shoe. When you pick it up for the first time, one of the
words that come to mind is exactly that; that’s how light the shoe is. To put it in
perspective, the Crazy Light weighs roughly the same as two iPhones, a little less
than half the weight of an official NBA basketball and almost an ounce under Nike’s
lightest basketball shoe, the Zoom Kobe VI (as demonstrated in those web ads that
has adidas slicing/chopping/hacking the competition’s shoes). The shoe weighs in
at 9.8 ounces, making it the first sub-10-ounce basketball shoe in the market.
Unlike some shoes where it’s designed first and then weight is pared off of it,
the Crazy Light’s genesis had lightweight in mind. Much of it was accomplished
through adidas’ Sprint Web, a light, yet strong exoskeleton that makes up the
upper of the shoe. Cut-outs on the Sprint Web were made judiciously to pare
more weight down while keeping the integrity of the shoe intact. The end result
is much like a web, a relatively strong structure that requires minimal material to
create. Bonded to the Sprint Web is nylon mesh that serves as reinforcement and
to provide ventilation. The other component to the Crazy Light is the Sprint Frame
that is a one-piece heel counter and midfoot support that locks the foot in and
provides energy return.
Speaking with the lead designer of the Crazy Light, Robbie Fuller, he went into
how no small detail of a shoe was overlooked when it came to engineering it for
maximum lightness. Even taken-for-granted details like eyelets and shoelaces were
scrutinized in the process. It didn’t make the final cut, but a prototype version of
the CL had these “hollow” shoelaces that were loosely woven tensile strands that
were designed to shave even more ounces. But according to Fuller, they were
scrapped from the final version due to durability issues. And like the Air Jordan
2011, the CL comes with a choice of two insoles to customize the experience.
One insole is the “Crazy Light” for, you guessed it, maximum weight reduction and
“Crazy Comfort” for a more padded ride.
Upon first lacing up the shoes, the lightweight sensation is felt immediately,
especially if you’re used to wearing a 13-ounce-or-heavier shoe. It feels almost like
wearing sandals or having a basketball midsole/outsole bonded to the bottom of
your feet. And speaking of the outsole, the traction surprised us. From looking at
it, the pedestrian-looking outsole pattern didn’t instill much confidence, but it’s one
of the better performing ones we’ve tested recently, providing a nice stickiness to
the court. Those looking for low-profile and responsive shoes will be glad to hear
that the shoe has great “feel” to the floor. Coupled with the traction, hard cuts and
changes of direction will not be a problem for the CL. That said, the cushioning is
a bit lacking, but it’s not to say not good enough. For the smaller player, the small
sacrifice of shock absorption is well worth the trade-off for explosiveness. A bigger
player, however, might not see this as a good compromise. As for ventilation, the
360 mesh cutouts leaves your feet feeling like a sleeping with the windows open
on a cool spring night.
The one drawback to the shoe, and potentially a big one depending on the
particular wearer, is the stability of the shoe. The Sprint Web upper, while strong,
might not be suitable for a big man. In our testing, the smaller players had almost no
issues with it, while the bigger players felt a lack of security on the foot during lateral
movements. This is less a blemish on the shoe than it is a warning to bigger players.
We were excited when we first heard about the Crazy Light and after testing
we walked away impressed. No, it’s far from being a versatile shoe for everyone
(that shoe has yet to be created), but for a smaller player looking for light and fast,
adidas really got very close to a perfect shoe for them. But at $130, it’s certainly
not cheap. Considering it’s the lightest shoe in the game with the high price tag,
pound-for-pound, this easily makes the Crazy Light the most expensive basketball
shoe—the saffron of b-ball kicks. Nevertheless, it’s adidas’ best effort in a while,
and we just hope it’s a signal for more great innovation and creativity in the
basketball shoe game to come.—Ming Wong #2
Construction:
Comfort:
Playability:
Value:
Style:
Innovation:
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Jordan
Play In These F$115
Weight (size 9): 14.8 oz.
The Jordan Play In These F was the go-to model for Jordan Brand members
such as Gerald Wallace, Ray Allen and Joe Johnson during the first round
of the 2011 NBA Playoffs. Its mid-cut, ridged-side panel look is something
very unique that we have not seen from Jordan Brand in terms of aesthetics.
Although it is classified as a lightweight sneaker, the Jordan Play In These
features a bulky build, and this is a testament to how the shoe plays. It owns a
very sturdy, firm wear, which gives way to very little flexibility. There is not much
room for one’s foot to maneuver in the shoe, which can positively aid comfort
on the court or decrease one’s ability to move freely. Nevertheless, the Jordan
Play In These does possess a maximum, snug fit and the ever-so-comfortable
Podulon cushioning, which is one of the main characteristics in Chris Paul’s
high-performing Jordan CP3.IV. Another interesting attribute on the Jordan
Play In These is the supreme amount of breathability it owns. A snug-fitting
shoe usually ranks very low in the breathability column; however, Jordan Brand
incorporated a limitless amount of perforations throughout the side panels
and toe area eliminating the sweat factor after playing a number of games.
Although the Jordan Play In These fits very snug, the smothering feeling was
non-existent thanks to the previously mentioned perforations.
The hardened rubber outsole, along with the herringbone pattern on the
outsole, provides the wearer with a great amount of traction in multiple
directions; but the bulky feel again keeps one from feeling explosive in this
shoe at times.
The Jordan Play In These F is definitely a peculiar shoe in terms of aesthetics
and performance capabilities. Jordan Brand incorporated a very interesting
look on this shoe and put a lot of focus into the extreme grip and breathability
columns. One of these qualities is usually the benefactor of the other’s inability
to exist, but the Play In These oddly ranks high in both categories. It is not the
most comfortable of shoes and may be a bit low in value considering its $115
price tag.—George Kiel III #15
Construction:
Comfort:
Playability:
Value:
Style:
Innovation:
Nike
Zoom Hyperfuse
2011$100
Weight (size 9): 12.25 oz.
The Zoom Hyperfuse made its debut last year and was met with positive
reviews, including our seal of approval. Inspired by outdoor basketball in China,
the Zoom Hyperfuse makes for a very versatile shoe. I keep a pair in the office
and in the car for impromptu pick-up opportunities.
The follow-up doesn’t stray too far from the original (it even has the same
weight). The fused upper is basically the same. Ditto for the tongue and
midsole/outsole. The two big changes lie in the ankle collar of the shoe and
the midfoot area on the lateral side. The 2011 moves away from the more
padded ankle collar and adds in additional support in the midfoot with some
stiff reinforcement material (where the Swoosh lies). We’re not sure if either
change was prompted by any issues with the 2010 as we didn’t have any
problem with either area when we reviewed the shoe.
As expected, on the court, there was little deviation from the 2010 and
2011—which is a good thing. Nike knew it had a winning formula with the
original and stayed close to it. The fit remains as snug even for the narrowest
of feet, thanks in part to the Hyperfuse material’s foot-molding properties. The
Zoom Air supplies low-profile responsiveness, making this an ideal shoe for
the nimble player. We were a initially disappointed in seeing the same outsole
pattern as we experienced some minor sliding in the 2010, but we had no
issues this time around.
We’re giving the Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 high marks, but we’re not
recommending it. For those who like the tweaked look of the 2011 or
absolutely have to have the latest kicks, buy it, as you won’t be disappointed.
But for those with a limited sneaker budget, we recommend you pick up a
pair of the 2010 instead since it’s so similar in performance. There’ll be more
colorways to be had and you’ll likely be able to find it marked down.—#2
Construction:
Comfort:
Playability:
Value:
Style:
Innovation:
GEAR
Where to Buy:
adidas Crazy Light (previous page): adidasbasketball.com
Jordan Play in These F; Fly Wade: jumpman23.com
Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011; LeBron 8 PS: nikebasketball.com
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Nike
LeBron 8 PS$150Weight (size 9): 14.5 oz.
The third part in the LeBron 8 trilogy, the PS stands for Post Season. The
reason behind the three-shoe approach was that LeBron wanted to start off
the season in a luxe ride (V1), then streamline things for the second half of
the season (V2) and then really go barebones for the title run (PS). Gone is
the heavy leather upper from the V1, the Flywire in the V2 is swapped out for
Hyperfuse construction and the 360 airbag in the V1/2 gets replaced with a
180 bag in the heel coupled with full length Zoom in the forefoot. A carbon
fiber midfoot arch transitions the 180 Air in the heel to Zoom in the forefoot.
The result is a nice mix of speed and responsiveness with big man cushioning
in the rear—much like LeBron’s game.
The other new wrinkle in the shoe is the Hyperfuse upper. It cuts down on
material, thus making it lighter, but at the sacrifice of fit. Because the shoe is
a bit wide in the toe box, those with narrow feet might experience pinching in
the front when laced tight. Yes, the Hyperfuse should mold to feet after some
time, but if you have very narrow feet, the PS might not be the best choice.
Performance-wise, the PS gets high marks. It’s a heavy shoe, but it doesn’t
feel plodding, especially when compared to the V1 and V2. Cushioning as
touched upon earlier is where the PS shines. Ventilation is a close second as
the Hyperfuse upper provides ample cooling. The one complaint to the shoe
would be the traction. Overall, it’s fine, but when making sharp cuts or turning
corners, there would be some slippage along the medial and lateral sides.
The PS does feel like a different shoe from the previous in the series, while
remaining close enough to the original. Of the three, we still like the V2 the
best as it was the perfect medium. The V1 and the PS seem like opposite
extremes of the LeBron 8. Call us Goldilocks.—#2
Construction:
Comfort:
Playability:
Value:
Style:
Innovation:
CHECK IT
Jordan
Fly Wade$140
Weight (size 9): 13 oz.
Everything seems to be getting lighter these days in regards to performance
basketball shoes. Recently, Jordan Brand made sure it was apart of the
lightweight craze by introducing Dwyane Wade’s first Jordan signature shoe, the
Jordan Fly Wade. Although we have witnessed a ton of lightweight sneakers from
the brand, this shoe instantly becomes the lightest Jordan basketball sneaker
ever created (13 oz.). At first thought, it seems a little odd for Jordan Brand to
make an extremely lightweight shoe for a player like Dwyane Wade considering
his physical, rugged approach to the game of basketball. However, the Jordan Fly
Wade possesses a very unique mixture of lightweight synthetics, durability and
explosiveness to coincide with Flash’s aggressive style of play. Usually, extremely
lightweight sneakers are built for finesse and a perimeter-oriented game. Yet, the
Jordan Fly Wade’s combination of a Nike Zoom unit in the forefoot and a Max Air
unit in the heel provides the wearer with unmatched responsiveness and impact
protection. When lacing this shoe up, one will immediately notice the springy
footbed surface in addition to the almost weightless construction this shoe owns.
These aspects, along with the close-to-the-foot attribute, make this shoe feel as if
nothing is covering you foot. Basketball has evolved into a more athletic, speedy
competition, so it is very important to not lose seconds if possible. The Jordan Fly
Wade’s uncanny ability to provide a weightless feel with an encapsulating grip of
the foot definitely aids those who rely on their athleticism as an advantage.
The Jordan Fly Wade has a very slim, confined construction, which can be a
positive or negative depending on the wearer’s foot shape. Therefore, versatility
from a position standpoint can be a bit of a concern. It seems more guard-ready
than any other position.
The upgraded herringbone traction element proves more to the fact that this
shoe is designed for the quicker athletes that rely on speed and deception on
the perimeter. Jordan Brand also added an aesthetic side to the traction by
incorporating an elephant print design throughout the outsole.
The overall construction of the shoe will not grab your attention instantly. At a
first glance, it seems to borrow a few characteristics we have seen on past team
Jordan models, but, as stated earlier, the Jordan Fly Wade is one of the better
performing sneakers on the market currently, even at $140.—#15
+223�����*HDU�LQGG����� ���������������30
wear
Kidrobot $40
Nike $25
Nike $25
LRG $28
Sportiqe $28
Sportiqe $28
Nike $25
HOOP058
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 58 6/23/11 3:03 PM
Jordan $32
Junk Food $32
Nike $25
Reebok $30
Jordan $32
Nike $25
Kidrobot $40
HOOP 059
CHeCK IT
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 59 6/23/11 3:03 PM
wear
Nike $25
Junk Food $32
We Are The Process $25
LRG $28
adidas Originals $35
We Are The Process $25
HOOP060
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 60 6/23/11 3:03 PM
Jordan $32
Converse $48
Kidrobot $40
Sportiqe $28
Nike $25
Converse $48
HOOP 061
CHeCK IT
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 61 6/23/11 3:03 PM
(Clockwise from top) Reebok RealFlex
Run, $89.98; Reebok x Swizz Beatz
Kamikaze III, $99.99; Rockport,
Berkeley Place Boat, $140; Modus
Optimus, $295; LRG Clear Cut
Woven, $56
wear
HOOP062
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 62 6/23/11 3:04 PM
(Clockwise from top) Vans Thurso, $65;
Reebok CL Leather Ultralite Packable,
$80; adidas Originals Azzie Lo Textile,
$75; New Balance Custom 574, $114.95
HOOP 063
CHeCK IT
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 63 6/23/11 3:04 PM
(Clockwise from top) Converse Chuck
Taylor All-Star Premium, $110; Vans
Rata Vulc, $40; LRG, Trees Company
Woven, $56; Nike Sportswear, Dunk
Hi $82
wear
HOOP064
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 64 6/23/11 3:04 PM
(Clockwise from top) Reebok
CL Leather Ultralite, $69.99;
New Era 9FIFTY Snapbacks,
$24.99; Nike Sportswear
Dunk Hi Hyperfuse, $150; Nike
Sportswear Air Force 1, $88
Where to Buy:
adidas Originals: shoporiginals.com; Converse: converse.com; Jordan:
jumpman23.com; Junk Food: junkfoodclothing.com; Kidrobot: kidrobot.
com; LRG: l-r-g.com; Modus: moduswatch.com; New Balance:
shopnewbalance.com; New Era: neweracap.com; Nike: nikestore.com;
Reebok: reebok.com; Rockport: rockport.com; Sportiqe: sportiqe.com; Vans:
vans.com; We Are The Process: wearetheprocess.com;
HOOP 065
CHeCK IT
HOOP0506-Wear.indd 65 6/23/11 3:05 PM
HOOP066
STEP BACK BY JERAMIE MCPEEK #4
AND
REW
D. B
ERNSTEIN
/NBAE/G
ETTY IMAG
ES
June 7, 1995: HOUSTON ROCKETS vs. ORLANDO MAGIC, 1995 Finals, Game 1
After winning the 1994 NBA Championship, the Houston Rockets won just 47 games in 1994-95 and entered the playoffs as the sixth seed.
Despite their playoff position, the Rockets defeated the 60-win Utah Jazz, 59-win Phoenix Suns and the 62-win San Antonio Spurs, who were led by the 1995 MVP David Robinson, to return to the Finals.
The Rockets acquired a tag-team partner for their All-NBA center midway through the season when they traded for All-Star guard Clyde Drexler, Olajuwon’s former “Phi Slama Jama” teammate from the University of Houston.
Shortly after the 1995 Finals, Olajuwon and O’Neal were featured in an advertising campaign for Taco Bell. In the commercials, produced by Spike Lee, the two All-Star centers rode a tandem bike together.
The Orlando Magic defeated Boston (3-1), Chicago (4-2), which had recently welcomed back Michael Jordan out of retirement, and Indiana (4-3) to reach the Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Houston had averaged 86 points a game in the 1994 NBA Finals to defeat the Knicks, but put up 114 a game in the ’95 Finals vs. Orlando.
The Rockets defeated the teams with the four best records in the NBA in ’94-95.
Hakeem Olajuwon recorded 35 points and 15 boards in Game 4, and was unanimously named the Finals MVP, joining Jordan as the only person to have earned the honor in back-to-back years.
Houston also took Game 2 in Orlando, the Rockets’ seventh straight road win of the postseason and ninth overall, both new NBA Playoff records.
Games 3 and 4 of the Finals were held in Houston at The Summit, which today is known as Lakewood Church. The Rockets played in the building from 1975 to 2003, before moving into the Toyota Center.
The Rockets became the lowest seeded team in NBA history to win a championship and did so in dramatic fashion by sweeping the Magic.
The Magic also boasted second-year guard Penny Hardaway, who contributed 20.7 points, 7.2 assists and 4.4 boards a game in ’94-95.
The 1995 Finals tipped off at the Orlando Arena, where the Magic ran out to an early 20-point, second-quarter lead. The Rockets showed the heart of champions, however, and fought back to force overtime and pull out a 120-118 road victory.
Rockets guard Kenny Smith hit a Finals-record seven three-pointers in the Game 1 win, including the three that forced OT with 1.6 seconds left.
The NBA’s senior photographer, Andrew D. Bernstein, joined the League in 1983 and has his images featured in thousands of magazines, as well as a number of books. He is also one of only four photographers whose work is on permanent exhibit in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
The NBA’s highest-scoring team, Orlando (110.9 ppg), was led by Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA’s scoring champion, who averaged 29.3 points along with 11.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his third pro season.
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HBO .indd 1 HBO.indd 1 10/21/10 9 :43 AM 10/21/10 9:43 AM
DOES DWIGHT HOWARD MAKE THE GRADE?
NAT
HAN
IEL S
. BUTLER/N
BAE/G
ETTY IM
AG
ES
HOOP068
FINAL EXAM
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Untitled-2 3Untitled-2 3 5/18/11 9 :23 AM 5/18/11 9:23 AM