Jordan and Magic in Michael Jackson videos

It is with our deepest regret that Michael Jackson passed away recently. He was truly an amazing person, talented singer, and special dance artist. It seems necessary that we give him our second commemoration here at our site since news broke of his death.

As mentioned in a previous article, Michael Jackson, is easily the most famous individual to ever walk the planet. His name and his legend rides amongst political leaders and presidents from the past and from the future. Due to his strange remaining years it is understandable that some people have trouble recognizing his brilliance.

To put into perspective how amazing Michael Jackon was, Michael Jordan, admitted he was nervous upon meeting this pop star at a time when Jordan’s excellence himself was unprecedented.What happened was Jackson invited Jordan to be included in a music video for his most recent single at the time, Jam. Jordan of course excepted and was featured in a role shooting baskets with the pop star for that video. Besides Jordan, Magic Johnson and Eddie Murphy are among the list of many other famous individuals who accepted taking a part in Jackson’s music videos.

Recently there has been an abundance of media attention directed at the news of Jackson’s death. Some people understand why and some others don’t. For those who do not, I want to help you understand how great Jackson’s legacy is. This guy was yes: crazy, insane, and definitely troubled in his later years but if you can focus on how much he did when he was in his prime, then you should have no problem realizing why he commands so much attention. Watch this following video and leave comments if you feel that Lebron, Kobe, Dwight, Obama, or recently featured Adriana Lima commands this reaction or anything similar from people of different countries all over the world. In the following video citizens jump, dive, stab, cry, shout, lounge, faint, piss, and become hysteric at either the mention or sight of Michael Jackson.  I would like to advise, the following video is gnarly.

Adriana Lima and Marko Jaric

I’m sure I had heard Marko Jaric’s name called a dozen times while watching basketball over the past years but the first time I sub-consciously decided his name was worth remembering was when I caught news that he was dating and planning to marry super model Adriana Lima. That is old news now but what is recent is that Lima is now pregnant and is expecting her first child with Marko in December. Marko is a first name like Yao, that does well by itself and without the last name tagging along. Anyways  this past week Lima sat down with representatives from People magazine and told the story of how she first met the Memphis Grizzlies guard. If only Marko had stayed in Serbia…01124_adriana-lima-victorias-secret-01_122_533lo_122_533lo

Hedo Prefers Canada

ESPN’s Ric Bucher has got the scoop. According to Bucher’s unnamed source, Hedo has broken off talks with the Blazers and is now headed to Toronto.  This probably means that the Raptors are giving up on signing Marion.  It’s almost certain that Portland fans will gripe, especially considering that Toronto’s increased offer undoubtedly played into the decision.

Really though, there is no reason to fret if you’re a Blazer fan.  The Blazers are stacked at the 2 and 3 spots with young skill players.  Travis Outlaw was a legitimate contender for 6th man of the year, and is consistently improving his game.  Martell Webster at one point was considered the best pure shooter in the touted 2004 draft class.  Even though he was injured for the entirety of 08-09 season, he is still young and  a valuable prospect.  Nicolas Batum is only 20 and has shown the athletic ability to be a solid NBA player.  Already one of the Blazers’ best lockdown defenders, Batum only really needs polish.  And Rudy Fernandez proved he was an athletic slasher with the ability to shoot the 3 ball.

Quick tidbit: it looks like Avery Johnson is interviewing for the Piston’s head coaching job.

Have a great, hoops filled 4th of July weekend.  Here is NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, father of Stephen Curry, to help you with your game.

Handle of the Week- The No Look Pass

It is a sunny and warm Friday where I’m at and even better it is a 4th of July weekend. Celebrations are to come. Before then, we would like to give out another Handle of the Week Award. Not familiar with this award yet? No problem you will be soon. The Handle of the Week is an award given out every Friday to another site that did the best job handling anything basketball for the past week. Last week our award went to the Basketball Fiend, who displayed great enthusiasm towards his recognition for great work.

The winner this week goes to…The No Look Pass. Congrats to the crew over there.

General Commotion

Reports surfaced yesterday that Ron Artest is close to signing a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.  I guess that playoff friction between Kobe and Ron is a thing of the past.  Artest will likely take the starting spot vacated by Trevor Ariza, who is reportedly very close to becoming a Houston Rocket.  The Cavs will now have to look elsewhere to upgrade their backcourt size, as both Artest and Ariza were primary targets.  How this affects Lamar Odom is, as of yet, unclear; details of his negotiations have been sparse.  What is clear though, is that Lamar is seeking a contract in the $10 million a year range.  The Cavs could be looking in that direction, but Lamar’s salary would be more than what the Cavs would’ve likely paid either Artest or Ariza.mmmm grub

Hedo is no longer an option for the Cavs either.  Reports today claim that Hedo in Portland is a done deal. (Portland Dominos Pizza locations get ready.) Terms of the contract are unknown since the league has yet to announce the salary cap for the upcoming season.  Keep tabs on the situation in Portland, where rumors suggest Rudy Fernandez is unhappy with the possibility of diminished playing time.  The minutes were thin at the shooting guard and small forward positions last year, and that’s bound to be exacerbated by the addition of Turkoglu and return of Martell Webster.  Stay tuned.

The Lakers lose an A only to get an A+

10-year veteran Ron Artest is heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, and he will surely be paying some fees for his extra baggage. The move comes after Trevor Ariza, an important part of the Lakers championship run, turned down the team’s multi-year offer. In basically performing a trade without the trade, the two free agents will swap jerseys as Ariza has agreed in principle to a deal with Houston worth $5.8 million for next season, with long term talks on the table. So what does the Artest move mean for the defending champions, and which Artest will they be paying those millions to?

Coming to Hollywood with a shady and checkered past, Artest unfortunately will always be rememkobe_artest_400bered by his participation in the Auburn Hills brawl on November 19, 2004 when he played for the Indiana Pacers. However, I would like to argue that last year with the Rockets was a huge step forward in the maturation process of the forward, who meshed well with his teammates and showed leadership qualities as Houston pushed the Lakers to a game seven in the second round of the playoffs. The Lakers are not only getting the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year who, for his career, has averaged 2.1 steals per game, they are getting the “I have learned from my past mistakes Artest”.

In an interview with ESPN, Artest was asked about why he decided to take less money and play for the Lakers. His response: “I am playing to win; I am not playing for the money anymore”. If you just had a Karl Malone and Gary Payton flashback, you are not alone. However the difference here is that Artest is only 29 and coming off a stellar season. The next big question is what will happen to Lamar Odom? In an ESPN interview, expert NBA Analyst Ric Bucher reported the chances of Odom signing with the Lakers is “good”, stating that the two sides can focus on the contract now that Ariza is out, and that there are limited suitors for Odom around the league. If Odom stays on board, I’m putting my money on the Lakers for a repeat.

An article by David Peterson- our most recent addition to our committee will be found under the writing name: Davepete starting tomorrow

Old School Nike Basketball Commercial

Do you remember this Nike commerical from about 6 years back? Its the one with a bunch of free style dribbling in it and features a bunch of different NBA players including Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, and Jason Williams. Anyways I remember loving that commercial when it first came out but I would have to say the spoof is even better. Heres to a good laugh on a good friday.

Arizona sets a record with 31 draft picks since 1989

When Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill were called into the NBA this year they made the 30th and 31st players from Arizona to be drafted into the league since 1989. You see in 1989 the NBA draft was shortened into 2 rounds and since then only a few elite programs can say they have had over 20 of their players selected in the NBA draft. Those programs would be: Duke with 29, UCLA with 28, North Carolina with 25, Connecticut with 23, ancatsd Kansas with 22.

Arizona also has the longest current consecutive streak with an invitation to the NCAA tournament with 25. North Carolina holds the record with 27 straight appearances which began in 1975 and ended in 2001. Only 3 more years to go for the Cats which should be easier now considering Arizona’s new coach, Sean Miller, did a remarkable job recruiting this offseason and has the program commanding the 12th best recruiting class of 2009.

While we are on the subject of records and or awards, Playboy came out with their 2008- 2009 College Party School of the year award where Arizona ranked 5th. No wonder Sean Miller had such an easy time signing recruits, it’s a fun place to go to school.

Bron Bron and Artest?

The Cavaliers are stoked.  Not only did they land the giant Saguaro Shaquille O’Neal, but now Lebron is working his star power in an attempt to convince Mr. Ron Artest to join them in Cleveland.  Signing a guy like Artest would be huge, making them the unequivocal favorites to win the east, even if the Celtics are healthy.  Also, it’s rumored Trevor Ariza’s representation is making him available to the rest of the league.  It sounds like talks with the Lakers are breaking down and the Cavaliers are possible suitors.  Ariza probably wouldn’t have the immediate impact that Artest would, but he is also much younger and his game has consistently improved since leaving UCLA for the NBA.  Ariza could be a great long-term fit but the Cavs appear unwilling to wait for a title.  In either scenario however, the Cavs will be in great shape.

In other news, Detroit has made the first big moves in the free agent market.  With their seemingly endless cap space they were able to pursue and sign both Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon.  The reported deals have Ben Gordon earning $55 million over 5 years and Villanueva raking in $40 million over 4 years.  Now all they need is a coach.

(Also it’s rumored Rudy Fernandez is pissed about the possible Hedo deal.  Watch it closely, he is reportedly considering heading back to Europe.)

You know that Heinekan commercial where a group of women scream with the sight of their friend’s new walk in closet only to over hear their husbands screaming louder with the sight of a walk in closet filled with beer? Well imagine that with Shaq and Artest joining in. Confused? Watch below.

Jordan Hill gets off the ground fast but is down to earth

When Jordan Hill showed up at the University of Arizona as a freshman, he was just tall. After 3 years in Tucson playing under 3 different coaches he is now tall and NBA caliber talented. As you may know,  Hill was drafted 8th overall in this recent 2009 NBA draft by the New York Knicks for his ability to be a beast on the court. This past season at Arizona he averaged exactly 18.3 points a game and 11 rebounds every contest even with his consistent foul trouble. What you may not know about him is that he is actually a gentle giant off the court. He is basically Sanka from Cool Runnings mon. Hill looks Jamican, acts Jamican, and may be Jamican? No but Hill is the first NBA player to join our Facebook page which is awesome. He is such a relaxed person that it is rumored that he would roll into McCale center at Arizona blasting Bob Marley from his ride as his choice of pre-game pump up music. You New York fans out there, how do you boo a player that jams to Marley? Anyways here is a great interview with th 6’10” power forward just days before he was drafted.