Friday, July 10, 2015

NBA Orlando Summer League Day 6: Mighty Joe Young had Another OffensiveExplosion

Mighty Joe Young 
Image Source: http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/pacers/sites/default/files/styles/stream/public/150708-760.jpg?itok=PDb_OwOB

As Expected, Cuban and Company were not at all delighted with DJ's Actions

Mark Cuban and the Mavs got spurned by a player they thought would be their future franchise player.
Image Source: http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20110227-mark_cuban_insider_trading_basketball.jpg.ece/BINARY/original/Mark_Cuban_Insider_Trading_Basketball.jpg

Thursday, July 09, 2015

The Love Triangle Between DJ, LAC and Big D: An Epic Love Story for the Ages

DeAndre Jordan became the talk of the NBA when he, all of a sudden, had a change of heart.
Source: https://thenypost.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/jordan3.jpg?w=720&h=480&crop=1

A Tentative Summary of the 2015 NBA Free Agency Frenzy

LaMarcus Aldridge was the Big One in this year's frenzy
Source: https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B2JRP_PRM0OGCXFUok_Uu26wc3k=/0x0:4266x2844/730x487/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45516424/usa-today-7914620.0.jpg

NBA Orlando Summer League Day 5: Branden Dawson was Electric

Branden Dawson exploded again.
Sources: http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/clippers/sites/default/files/gettyimages-479827366_master.jpg

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

NBA Utah Summer League Day 2: Kyle Anderson's Impressive Bounce Back Game

Kyle Anderson played extremely well
Source: http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/143/113/hi-res-3abb802f80cd42d4a5ccbf3e900a2da4_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

NBA Orlando Summer League Day 4: Aaron Gordon Solidified His S.L. MVP Bid

Aaron Gordon will be a Superstar.
Source: http://www.trbimg.com/img-5418a839/turbine/os-magic-aaron-gordon-birthday-20140916

Black Mamba: The Last Stand


Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant will go down as one of the greatest ballers of all time.
Source: http://www.trbimg.com/img-5450096b/turbine/la-sp-ln-lakers-byron-scott-kobe-bryant-20141028

    Somoene once told me a quotation from the movie The Amazing Spiderman 2 (Lead Stars: Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone) that for some reason has really stayed in my head until now. The quote, mentioned by Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) in her graduation speech, went this way, "What makes life special is that it doesn't last forever. What makes it precious is that it ends." 

   In all honesty, it was a tough quote to digest. It talked about the inevitability of how things eventually come to an end, no matter what. Even the best things and moments in life come to an end. Of course, it is not an easy thing to accept but in reality, it is the actual truth. I guess, I have come to realize that the faster we accept things, the faster we also get to move on and actually, appreciate the moment/s more while we still can. The moment/s may end but the memories will surely last forever. 

    Kobe Bryant's playing career is nearing its end but his legacy and his greatness will remain forever. No one will ever forget the Mamba's dominance, swagger, innate love for the game, will to win and most importantly, competitive drive that separated him from the rest. Let us savor this upcoming season because The Black Mamba is about to make his last stand. If there is one thing that I am pretty sure of is that there will never, ever be another Kobe Bryant.

Monday, July 06, 2015

NBA Utah Summer League Day 1: Jahlil Okafor's Debut plus Dante Exumversus Marcus Smart

Jahlil Okafor had an impressive debut.
Source: http://media.philly.com/images/070615-okafor-jahlil-600.jpg

NBA Orlando Summer League Day 3

Myles Turner is balling.
Source: http://ht.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/video/teams/pacers/2015/06/14/Turner150614f4v-3621659-7.576x324.jpg

How Penny Made the Most of What Was Left

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway
Source: http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.69772.1325092535!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/gallery_1200/gal-uniforms-19.jpg

     At one point in time, back in the mid-90's, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway was the face of the NBA. He was on his way to a First Ballot Hall of Fame Career when tragedy struck and derailed everything. Check out the two videos below by clicking on the links to see how Penny Hardaway responded and made the most of what was left.

The Draft will always be a Big Guessing Game

Sam Hinkie can forever ask Sixers fans to trust the process. But, until when?
Source: https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sxyS14rWnfx9pFHMJStUIG5agxg=/133x0:570x291/730x487/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46087720/CCLLD0oUkAAMu-N.0.0.jpg


Consider these names: LeBron James, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, Yao Ming, Dwight Howard, Derrick Rose, John Wall, Kyrie Irving and even, Andrew Wiggins. What is the common denominator among these players? They were all number 1 picks who turned out to be franchise players and faces of the NBA.

On the other hand, consider these names: Michael Olowokandi, Kwame Brown, Anthony Bennett, Greg Oden, Andrea Bargani, Andrew Bogut and Joe Smith. Common Denominator? Well, they were also number 1 picks like the first group. Unfortunately, they did not necessarily pan out the way the teams that drafted them hoped they would. 

So, what am I really trying to drive at? Simple. No matter what scouts, executives, coaches and even, analysts do, there is really just no way that a group or a person can determine or even differentiate who among potential prospects will live up to expectations from those who will turn out as disappointments. 

Sunday, July 05, 2015

NBA Orlando Summer League Day 2

Stanley Johnson Showed His Offensive Prowess
Source: http://i.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/pistons/sites/default/files/styles/story_main_photo/public/johnson_800_150705.jpg?itok=JBzyg4l1