Featured Post

Time to Say Good Bye

We've have a great run. But now it's time to say goodbye.

Slider

Featured Posts

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Video: Gary Neal and Tiago Splitter Ad Spots



Gary Neal and Tiago Splitter take a moment to have some fun supporting Northside Ford in these series of ads.

Seems like Gary Neal gets show a little more love from the folks at Northside than Tiago and does Gary have all the food in his fridge?




The two even pack up a girls basketball squad in another ad during the campaign.



And of course they had to throw in a trip to the rodeo.



Just NBA players hanging out when they have the free time. The Spurs have won nine out of their last ten games and currently sit second in the Western Conference. At that rate the Spurs have been playing it looks like they are planning on not having too much free time until after June and would love to drive those Ford's during a championship parade.

Till 4 In The Morning...


Sources say numerous Orlando Magic players were partying Tuesday night till the early morning Wednesday in NYC. The Knicks crushed the Magic by 22 points in MSG in a nationally televised game on ESPN later that day. Dwight Howard, one of the players who was partying that night, finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds, well under his averages of 20 and 15.

During one timeout, Howard and Jameer Nelson were taken out of the game but did not join the huddle with the rest of the team. Can you say hungover! Jeff Van Gundy, the former NBA coach and now announcer for ESPN ripped Howard and Nelson for their behavior.

Check the story HERE

- Genovese

Friday, March 30, 2012

D.Wade Writes a Book on Fatherhood

Wednesday, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, announced plans to release Dwyane Wade's book, "A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger than Basketball" in Septmber. Wade's book covers some of his childhood struggles in Chicago and how he uses those lessons when raising his boys.


D. Wade and his boys.
"For me, it was therapeutic to do this," Wade told The Associated Press.
After finally winning a long custody battle with his ex-wife a year ago, Wade felt like his story of basketball and fatherhood could show others a different side of him and help them with their own families. 


"I don't have to share it with people," Wade said. "But I felt there was a need. So many people came up to me in this process, so many fathers, so many men came up to me to congratulate me and to ask me how, how I did it and why I believed I could do it."
Wade spent most of this past offseason working on his book. Pulling from his younger years as well as his most recent. He has included some stories in his book that even people closest to him have no clue about.


 "We are thrilled and honored to publish Dwyane's book," Henry Ferris, a vice president and executive editor at William Morrow, said in a statement. "He has an extremely important story and message about the role of fathers in children's lives. And his career in the NBA is also a phenomenal and exciting story."
Wade was honored by the National Fatherhood Initiative last year for his dedication to his sons as a single father while still successfully managing his NBA career. During All-Star weekend in Orlando, Wade headlined a roundtable discussion for President Obama's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative.


While a book may seem like a new thing for Wade, he has actually had a fascination with writing for years, stretching back to high school where he considered a career in journalism. He was also a sports writer for his school paper. During his days at Marquette he wrote an ode to basketball which was later turned into an advertising campaign.


"I think the biggest thing when I set out to write a book was just to share my experiences, from when I was a kid, my upbringing, my struggles, my joyous times, to becoming a father," Wade said. "I'm trying to compare them, how they've been the same in a sense, even though my worlds are totally different. But we're still dealing with the same things. From rags to riches, it really doesn't matter."


Since Wade's book is not set to release until September, the details aren't being disclosed, but there were some painful memories involved in the writing process.


"People will get a better understanding of me as a person," Wade said. "Even people who might think they know all there is, there's things you can learn about me that you don't know. People know that in 2008 I had one of my best seasons, averaged 30 points a game, had some of my best games. But they don't know what I had to deal with before tip-off or right after the game. It's not focused on basketball, but it all wraps together and tells a story."




To see the video of Wade at the roundtable discussion click on the link below. 
D. Wade in Orlando






Source

Charles Barkley Wears Dress; Viewer Discretion is Advised

It is the moment we have all not really been waiting for: seeing TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley in a black dress and heels. But the moment is here, or at least will be on April 8 when his next Weight Watchers commercial airs on national television.

Charles Barkley in his next Weight Watchers TV spot

Now I don't want to hate on Barkley. He's a funny guy who, might I add, has lost a good deal of weight since joining with Weight Watchers. It seems the endorsement has worked out for both parties, and the tv spot is sure to garner a few laughs. But seriously, isn't there a line?

From Deadspin

Zachey, Charles Barkley, Dress

Dennis Rodman Is Broke

Alongside Jordan and Pippen, Dennis Rodman once stood on the pinnacle of the basketball world. He was a star both on and off the court, with a flair for the dramatic. But Rodman's life has taken a turn for the worse in recent years. Today, he faces more than $800,000 in owed child support payments to his ex-wife and is facing four counts of contempt of court.

Dennis Rodman is in a financial crisis. FilmMagic


On Tuesday, the commissioner overseeing Rodman's case spared him of any jail time, but is mandating some stretch of community service. Still, the case is a strong reminder for athletes and people everywhere of what can happen when you are not careful with money. By some estimates Rodman earned roughly $27 million during his career, enough to last most people a lifetime. Today, he brings in about $50,000 a year.

From Deadspin

Zachey, Dennis Rodman, Bankrupt

Jeremy Lin Dance Draws Praise on Foreign TV











While much of the Jeremy Lin hype has died down over the past several weeks, Linsanity is as fervent as ever in Asian countries around the world. If anything, this video from a foreign TV show (from either China or Taiwan, though it's unclear) serves as an indication of just that:
















There are a lot of moving pieces there, and I'm not really sure what they all mean. But there's one thing for sure: Lin fever is still going strong in many parts across the world.

From Yahoo! Sports

Zachey, Jeremy Lin, Dance

Kevin Durant Chats It Up With Jimmy Kimmel



While on in Los Angeles Kevin Durant stopped by The Jimmy Kimmel Show and talked about everything from hoops to flag football to backpacks.



At the end of the day yea Kevin Durant is pretty cool!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Big 3 of Miami Jam Out

At Chris Bosh's 28th birthday celebration in Miami with family and friends, Bosh, LeBron and D.Wade got up on stage and jammed out.

The Big 3 are true rockstars.


Source

SPOTTED: LeBron with Soldiers and Adrienne Bosh's Baby Shower

LeBron can be a stand-up guy.

Our first photo is of Miami Heat's LeBron James as he and other teammates shook hands and took photos with some military pilots and crewmen.

The story is, three weeks ago while on a refueling stop on the way to play the Oklahoma City Thunder, a group of over 50 pilots and crewmen were refueling at the same location as the Heat and they wanted pictures with the team. As the men approached security they were not granted access to the team, but LeBron told security to let them through and told all his teammates to stand to their feet for the military personnel. Everyone who wanted a picture with the team got one.

Source

Our second spotted story is of Adrienne Bosh, Chris Bosh's wife, and her baby shower guests. Adrienne's baby shower was held a couple days ago at the Coral Gables Country Club in Florida. The baby shower had a country-chic theme inspired by Adrienne's hometown in Indiana. The happy mother-to-be celebrated the impending arrival of her "little gentleman" with other basketball wives, family and friends.

Mother-to-be and the baby cakes.
Looking lovely...
 
Deborah Cox and Savannah Brinson...

Cute little apron...

Pearl White...

Group photo...

Baby Bosh...


Blinged out Binkies...

Sweet Treats...

More sweets.


Source

Video: Adidas Latest Running Shoe Ad Features Derrick Rose



Derrick Rose teams up with David Beckham, Katy Perry and Lionel Messi in the latest ad campaign featuring Adidas new ClimaCool Seduction running shoe which features 360-degree ventilation.



With that nice new contract from Adidas it's not only basketball kicks that Rose is endorsing.

NBA FP TV Weekly: 3/29/12




A jammed packed edition of NBA FP TV Weekly comes at you with history of record proportions, innovation from the fans, a WAG report of sorts and tea parties. That and much more this week on NBA FP TV.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Play Ball! Magic Johnson To Own A Stake Of The LA Dodgers



Reports out of Los Angeles from Jim Hill of CBS2/KCAL9 is that former Lakers guard and Hall Of Famer Magic Johnson will win the bid to own/have a serious stake in the boys in blue on the diamond.

Magic told Hill...

“He’s thrilled, honored but mostly happy for the fans of the Los Angeles.”

The deal did not come on the cheap as Magic led a group of partners including Peter Guber, Stan Kasten, Bobby Patton and Todd Boehly. The group landed the Dodgers, a storied franchise in Major League Baseball, for $2.15 billon which equals more than a 30 point beatdown of an opponent on the hardwood in a playoff series. It's $.14 million more than Steve Ross's purchase of the Miami Dolphins for $1.1 billion in 2009.

Can't wait to see Magic throw out the first pitch in a Dodger Blue number 32 jersey.

Luol Deng's Favorite Food Is...



FuFu. The Chicago Bull forward and native of the now South Sudan responded to the question from a follower on Twitter.



FuFu is a food with it's roots in Ghana. It is eaten with a pinch of tomato soup, palm nut soup, peanut or groundnut-abenkwan which is a palm nut soup or other types of soups with vegetables such as nkontomire also known as cocoyam leaves. The soups can be made with many different kinds of meat and fish and can be served either fresh or smoked. What about grilled?



Eat up! May have to put that on the bucket list.

Video: Fun and Long Buzzer Beating Shots


Marcus Camby excited the crowd when he nailed a near full court shot. One problem it came after the buzzer and did not count but as it's fun to see a shot made like this. Even better the nets got tangled up.



And Paul George excited the crowd with his long almost three-quarter court buzzer beating shot. George got his off before the buzzer so it counted. What a way to send the fans to the concession stands for halftime.


No matter what it's always fun seeing crazy long shot go in, whether they count or not although counting is even better.


And even a third grader from Oklahoma got in on the buzzer beating act.

Amare Stoudemire Update




Sources say Amare Stoudemire will know as early as Tuesday if he needs season ending back surgery. Stat was diagnosed with a bulging disc after the Knicks win against the Pistons on Saturday. In the last week Amare's hops were back and it really looked like he was turning the corner. This would be a big setback to the up and down Knicks, who are 7-1 under interim head coach Mike Woodson. Even if it's not season ending, the injury will most likely have Amare sidelined till the playoffs.

Knicks are 2.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for the 8th playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. New York is 6-1 without Stoudemire in the lineup.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points Monday against the Bucks in a very important game for both teams. Melo tweaked his groin in the third quarter, he is officially day to day. Knicks will need Jeremy Lin, who was out Monday with a sore knee to get back to his "Linsanity" role and be more of a scorer like he was in his amazing run.

For a 29 year old and over 60+ million owed to Amare, this isn't looking good for NY.

Fingers crossed in MSG...

- Genovese

Monday, March 26, 2012

Dan Graca Feels Miami Heat Pulled Publicity Stunt


In light of the Trayvon Martin case that has drawn national attention, the Miami Heat took the above picture as a show of solidarity . This picture however has not come without some form of backlash from those in the media.

Dan Graca said on his Sirrus radio show that the Miami Heat showed their solidarity as a publicity stunt.


Kobe's New Wheels



Well Kobe had plenty of time to think about what he'll be driving to Laker games in the future with his time spent on the bench during the fourth quarter in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend.

The superstar purchased a 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia over the weekend and paid $329,000 for it by simply writing a check for it according to TMZ.



Now you want to talk about speed, this is serious speed with a serious engine. Here's what Car and Driver says about this set of wheels...

Ferrari’s mid-engine supercar is powered by a direct-injected, 562-hp 4.5-liter V-8 that sounds like it should be on the grid at Le Mans. A lightweight aluminum structure hides under the sexy skin. Interior design is almost Pontiac-like in its excessiveness, but all is forgiven once rolling.




Just a sick sick ride all the way around and when your Kobe Bryant you can afford to overpay for it also. The based listed sticker price runs from anywhere from $230k to $258k so maybe Kobe got it souped up a bit.

LeBron Practices his Dunks

He thinks he's a king...
During Saturday's off day practice, LeBron was working on some competition style dunks. Courtesy of Brian Windhurst of ESPN Heat Index, we have a video.




Nothing special. Especially since he missed the first attempt. And they call him "King". Not quite.


Source

Spotted: Memphis Grizzlies Have A Tea Party



Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies recently spent held a tea party at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis







Good to see that Marc and Rudy have no problem channeling the inner kid in themselves. The kids look like they had a ball.

Gilbert Arenas to the Grizzlies and his fiancé is NOT happy

Laura Govan, fiancé of Gilbert Arenas, was seen at the Grizzlies' game last night. She was sporting a rather displeased face. I guess she doesn't like that her man's paycheck won't be as fat these days. That can't be it because Arenas will still get the salary from Orlando as scheduled.

Put a smile on.
Maybe she's frowning because she's on the Grizzlies' side at a Lakers game. Not the best look since she came from Basketball Wives: LA.

Oh well, she'll live.



Source

Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Timberwolves sing Baby One More Time



Some of the guys seem to really get into it, others pretend like they don't know the lyrics.

Nice try Rubio.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Miami Heat Wear Hoodies In Show Of Support



Lebron James posted this picture via Twitter of the Miami Heat wearing hoodies in a show of support for Trayvon Martin a 17-year old Sanford, Florida high school student who was gunned down in late February.

Martin was wearing a hoodie with the hood up, had a pack of Skittles an ice tea with him as he returned from the store at time of the shooting and his death. Martin, an African-American male, was gunned down by 28-year old George Zimmerman, a Hispanic male and neighborhood watch captain.

Zimmerman claimed the shooting was in self-defense and has not been charged. Martin was found to be unarmed. The events surrounding Martin's death and the manner in which Sanford law enforcement have handled the case have drawn national attention.

The Verdict On Samuel L. Jackson's Game Intros



Samuel L. Jackson handled the PA assignments of introducing the staring lineups in New Orleans for the Hornets and Clippers tilt which also featured the return of Chris Paul.

All in all we expected better but you can judge for yourself.




Aside from his intro of Chris Paul, which wasn't all that stunning and his Pulp Fiction reference before introducing the Hornets there really isn't anything that made you laugh or get excited that Samuel Jackson was introducing starting lineups at an NBA game.

The irony is how the Hornets did go on to win the contest and spoil CP3's return to the Big Easy after Jackson really stood up for the Hornets saying "...you will know their name is the Hornets when they lay their vengeance upon you".

Well the Clippers felt that vengeance for sure in what was a physical contest from the opening tip.

Darko Milicic Dishes out Some Music Criticism

Ever since his emergence in the NBA, Darko Milicic has taken a good amount of criticism. The timberwolves forward has had an up-and-down stint in the league, to say the least. But if Darko's basketball career doesn't work out, he may have more time to fulfill other passions, like say critiquing pop songs like LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem." 
















Interesting take, Darko. 


Zachey Kliger, Darko Milicic, Timberwolves

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Jeremy Lin & Landry Fields break down "Secret" Handshake

Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields have become quite the "bromance".  
It is no secret that Knicks guards Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields have developed a close friendship this season. What has been kept under wraps is an intricate handshake that the two have shared prior to every game this season- until now that is.














Both Fields and Lin are Ivy-educated, from Stanford and Princeton, respectively. Fields warns that not everyone can do the handshake, and that it is only for "basically geniuses."

I don't know Landry, I think we can handle it.

From Dime Magazine

Zachey Kliger, Jeremy Lin, Landry Fields

NBA FP TV Weekly: 3/22/12




The latest NBA FP TV Weekly flys high above and is jammed packed.

Chris Paul Returns To New Orleans

The timing of Chris Paul's return to New Orleans may not be the best for a city still feeling the aftershock of their beloved football team being hammered with historic suspensions and fines. Nonetheless Chris Paul will step on the New Orleans Arena floor tonight as the opponent for the first time in his career. How will he be treated by the fans and the city on his return?

Paul as you recall chose not to pick up the option on his contract for next season meaning the Hornets had to trade him. Even trying to trade him because a chore as the original deal was to send him to the Lakers but after that trade was voided he landed with the Clippers. The Hornets made three playoff appearances in Paul's six seasons and his first two seasons in New Orleans came while the Hornets were splitting time in Oklahoma City during everything that surrounded the city during post Katrina. Now the Hornets are at the bottom of the standings and are rebuilding in so many ways.



How is Paul feeling about the return, he told Art Thompson III of nola.com

"It's going to be odd to see if they still give me that little 'Wooo,'" said Paul of the exclamation popularized by pro wrestler Ric Flair. "It's going to be mixed emotions returning."

“It’s going to be a little bit different,’’ Paul said, “because I still watch them play all the time. I loved Monty Williams. I loved the entire coaching staff. I still root for them. I talk to Trevor Ariza all the time. I talked with Marco Belinelli ... and obviously, Jarrett Jack is one of my best friends.’’

This will be the second time this season the Hornets will welcome back a key player that began their career in the Big Easy. David West signed with the Indiana Pacers over the off-season after opting out of the final year of his contract. He was welcomed back wit open arms and even received a video tribute during a timeout.

Chris Paul may have mixed emotions but one thing is for sure, the Hornets fans and the city need to embrace him and show him the love he showed them during his time in there. Paul is connected to the city and you can believe that. Through his partnership with Chase bank, Paul donated $1 million to fund an after school program. He's played ball with the kids, rolled up sushi rolls helped with a lemonade stand and much more.



Hopefully with all Chris Paul did for the city and the Hornets while he was there the reception he will get will be warm.

Linsanity to Woodsanity in NY

Just when everybody thought Linsanity was dead, Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks have won 5 in a row. Since the resignation of former coach Mike D'Antoni, new skipper Mike Woodson has the Knicks Bal-Lin. In 5 games with Woodson, NY is pounding opponents by 18.6 points per game.

Lin has thrived in the fourth quarter, Amare has found his explosiveness, and Melo has bought into the team. With the win Wednesday night in Philadelphia, NY is only 3 games back of the Sixers in the Atlantic division. First place for the Knicks is huge, they would avoid the Heat and Bulls in the first round of playoffs.

Mike Woodson has been vocal, holding players accountable, and preaching defense. I have never seen the Knicks play with this much passion on D since the 90's. With a great finish and a nice run in the playoffs, Woodson could ink a nice extension in New York. Woodsanity!

Back to Linsanity, Jeremy was touted by Volvo to be their brand ambassador. This is a global sponsorship for Lin, Volvo is based in China and feels he can reach younger people to buy their cars. Lin's deal is for two years and the first commercials featuring him should debut this summer.

"The thing that attracts us to him are his qualities as a person. It's terrific what he's doing on the court, but he is also the first NBA player in 57 years with a Harvard degree, and he's the most searched athlete in China. It's this star power and personality which is the reason we wanted to partner with him and tell the story." - John Maloney, President and CEO of Volvo Cars North America.

- Genovese

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Spotted: Snoop Dogg and James Harden; Dennis Rodman



We all know Snoop Dogg loves the NBA and in more specific the Los Angeles Lakers. Recently he and ran into James Harden and Harden shared the moment with this Intsagram photo.

There is Dennis Rodman with of course and rather outrageous outfit to use but it's rather normal for Dennis. Dennis was hosting a St. Patrick's Day Party at TABU Lounge inside The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.



Rodman was also in Chicago last week for a Bulls game and told the Bulls TV broadcast crew that it was only his second trip to Chicago since his playing days ended in 1998. Rodman also said that Joakim Noah reminds him a lot of himself with his nit and grit play but that their team is still better than this years version of the Bulls. Either way being compared to Rodman on the court isn't so bad and in some ways Joakim has his own "Rodman-like" ways off the court.

Security Escorts Hoopz out of Shaq's house

After being engaged, Shaq decided he was ready to end the relationship. He told Hoopz of his decision and she wasn't exactly excited about the news.

“Hoopz got emotional, and Shaq had to protect himself [from a lawsuit] . . . so he left the house and had [his security] help Hoopz gather her things and leave.”


Aww, they smoked together...gross!!
A good decision if you ask me. She definitely didn't seem like the wifey type.




Source

Dwyane Wade, the Trendsetter

During Monday's game, Dwyane Wade decided to sport a part on the right side of his head.

That's some part.
D. Wade has always been a trendsetter, from being best dressed off the court to band aids under his eyes on the court.

E.W. Freeman of The Sports Brothers in Miami caught up with D. Wade in the locker room to ask about his new trend.






Source

New Yorkers Letter To Carmelo Anthony




Adena Andrews is fierce, confident (some would say cocky) and oh well she's all New York as most New Yorkers are. I've kicked it a time or two with Adena and she was still true to her New York ways, brought scout mob along as if I'd have an issue with using a discount/coupon at a local sports bar and eatery. Ok I digress.

With Mike D'Antoni stepping down after reportedly going to Knicks brass with the idea of trading Melo to the Jay-Z/Russian owned Nets was shot down, everything fell on Melo. Naturally right, he held Denver hostage until the very end and the Knicks brass gave up a lot to bring him home to Brooklyn, his birthplace and to a state where it's last major championship was won with Melo having much to do with that also.

Well in New York it's a lot different and they still care as Adena of ESPNW points out in her letter to Carmelo.

Oh wait something happen along the way. Some kid outta Harvard stole the show while Melo rested more than any players share of nagging injuries in a condensed NBA season. Upon his return it wasn't all good which led to the coach walking out. With that however another person looking for another chance to show he knew what he was doing entered the picture. Mike Woodson, who was shafted in Atlanta to put it lightly. In Atlanta is was the 'Iso Joe' offense, well in New York it may not be an All-'Iso Melo' offense but it'll be embraced along with the defensive principles that Woodson brings should make it all the better (Undefeated at 4-0 under Woodosn at the time of this post).

Winning it what New Yorkers love and yearn for since Willis Reed isn't hobbling through that door anytime soon, yet winning in New York and being from New York oh they'll eat that up. Let's just hope they eat it up with a championship ring and banner in the Carmelo Era and they may even name a pizza after him...

In the end Andrews sums it up best...

Anyway, did we mention how awesome you look in blue and orange and how that attractive wife of yours makes celebrity row sparkle? Spike who? It is all about Mrs. La La now. Thank you for returning home to New York and blessing us with your presence. If you need help navigating the subways or if those pesky bridges get in the way, let us know. We know you're probably busy getting settled, looking for a home and adjusting to your new teammates but, when you get the time, let's grab a bite to eat. We do pizza pretty well here. First slice is on us.