2009 NBA Playoffs

Off Topic
301

The NBA hates the Lakers? Please. The NBA loves the Lakers. Kobe doesn’t get the fouls because he doesn’t drive to the basket as often as LeBron. Having sat and watched numerous Lakers-Spurs series in the playoffs during the last decade, believe me, the Lakers always were the “fair hair child” of the NBA. The calls usually went their way more often than not. So no I don’t buy that the NBA hates the Lakers. Does LeBron get the benefit of the doubt? Absolutely.

What’s up with the Dallas fans? Talk about no class – I guess the owner sets the tone. I hope Denver finishes them off big time tonight!

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Xen, great pics as usual. Hope you are not working too hard.

303

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
nomorewar wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

Side story: About a year ago I was at a mexican restaurant sitting at the bar with some buddies When Orlando Woolridge sat down next to me. I recognized him and said hello.

You hang out at the right bars…

Ha. He was in town for a coaching clinic and was with one of his old Notre Dame buddies who played football and runs a sports talk radio program here in Houston. My buddies had no idea who he was. I’ve played in a few pro-ams and have played with and met some pretty well known ball players, but this was the only time I was giddy. I mean, he was the man sittin’ next to the man! I was trying to play it cool but I’m pretty sure my shit eating grin gave me away. He was a really cool guy.

any other cool stories???

Ha, yeah I’ve got a few. One that I wasn’t there for is in early '05 the girl I was dating at the time bartened at a place called “Joia”, which was the new hot club at the time [no longer there]. Dennis Rodman came in, ordered over 8 grand in bottles and tried to walk his tab. One of the managers chased him outside and asked where he was going. Rodman flipped out and started yelling “These people are here for me! No one would be here if I wasn’t! YADAYADAYADA!” To which the manager replied “Maybe five years ago bud, now pay your tab or your has-been ass is going to jail.” Rodman paid.

Was playing at 24hr fitness off of Voss and San Felipe when Shawn Kemp came in. This was 4-5 years ago, so he was pretty hefty [at least 350] and out of shape, but he was raining 25 footers like they were freethrows in an open gym, crossing people over and throwing no-look passes all over the place. He could also move way quicker than anyone that size should be able to. I caught a dunk on the break and he told me I had hops. I said thanks and as I walked away some kid asked him what his vert was, to which Kemp replied “54”! Now, Shawn Kemp could get up, but no one in the history of the universe has a 54" vert! I’ll never understand why the Reignman felt the need to lie like that to that kid.

I dunked on Taliek Brown, former starting point guard for UCONN. Not really on him I guess, but was trailing on the break when I caught the ball and went up with two-hands. He started to jump but I was already in the air. It totally caught him by surprise 'cause I know he wasn’t expecting it/didn’t think I could do it. That’s by far my favorite personal basketball moment.[/quote]

Pics or it didn’t happen.

Kidding.

That sucks about Shawn Kemp lying to the kid. Maybe he was just trying to impress the kid, because maybe the kid wouldn’t know any better. Nice job of the dunk with Brown close behind. And Rodman being Rodman, I guess.

304

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Nice comeback by the C’s yesterday (or bad job Orlando blowing a 14 point 4q lead, depending how you look at it). Marbury and Big Baby coming up huge in the fourth. And Rondo’s shot def hit the rim, you can tell in real time by the angle of the way the ball came down after it hit the rim.

And the Lakers showing the Rockets no mercy last night.[/quote]

Probably a little bit of both(good Cs/bad Magic) but I’m leaning more towards Orlando collapsing. Barkley pointed out in the postgame that Howard touched the ball literally 1 time in that 13-0 run that put the C’s up 2, and then they gave him the inbound when they needed a 3 and Boston had already shown that their strategy was to foul before a shot could go up. Obviously Boston made some shots, and played some great D on those inbounds plays, and big baby had a game saving box out on Rashard Lewis after Howards purposefully missed the FT(if you watch it Lewis had position but Davis just willed him out of the lane). Still, not feeding the big man for easy buckets to finish out the game is just, awful, I don’t know if that’s the players getting tight and not risking the passes or Stan on the sidelines giving them some bad strategy.

305

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
nomorewar wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

Side story: About a year ago I was at a mexican restaurant sitting at the bar with some buddies When Orlando Woolridge sat down next to me. I recognized him and said hello.

You hang out at the right bars…

Ha. He was in town for a coaching clinic and was with one of his old Notre Dame buddies who played football and runs a sports talk radio program here in Houston. My buddies had no idea who he was. I’ve played in a few pro-ams and have played with and met some pretty well known ball players, but this was the only time I was giddy. I mean, he was the man sittin’ next to the man! I was trying to play it cool but I’m pretty sure my shit eating grin gave me away. He was a really cool guy.

any other cool stories???

Ha, yeah I’ve got a few. One that I wasn’t there for is in early '05 the girl I was dating at the time bartened at a place called “Joia”, which was the new hot club at the time [no longer there]. Dennis Rodman came in, ordered over 8 grand in bottles and tried to walk his tab. One of the managers chased him outside and asked where he was going. Rodman flipped out and started yelling “These people are here for me! No one would be here if I wasn’t! YADAYADAYADA!” To which the manager replied “Maybe five years ago bud, now pay your tab or your has-been ass is going to jail.” Rodman paid.

Was playing at 24hr fitness off of Voss and San Felipe when Shawn Kemp came in. This was 4-5 years ago, so he was pretty hefty [at least 350] and out of shape, but he was raining 25 footers like they were freethrows in an open gym, crossing people over and throwing no-look passes all over the place. He could also move way quicker than anyone that size should be able to. I caught a dunk on the break and he told me I had hops. I said thanks and as I walked away some kid asked him what his vert was, to which Kemp replied “54”! Now, Shawn Kemp could get up, but no one in the history of the universe has a 54" vert! I’ll never understand why the Reignman felt the need to lie like that to that kid.

I dunked on Taliek Brown, former starting point guard for UCONN. Not really on him I guess, but was trailing on the break when I caught the ball and went up with two-hands. He started to jump but I was already in the air. It totally caught him by surprise 'cause I know he wasn’t expecting it/didn’t think I could do it. That’s by far my favorite personal basketball moment.[/quote]

Awesome!!

Dennis Rodman.lol

306

[quote]Xeneize wrote:
And a last look at Atlanta’s finest.[/quote]

Damn

307

[quote]Xeneize wrote:
And a last look at Atlanta’s finest.[/quote]

308

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
nomorewar wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

That sucks about Shawn Kemp lying to the kid. Maybe he was just trying to impress the kid, because maybe the kid wouldn’t know any better. [/quote]

It might also be a case of telling them what they want to hear. I remember reading a similar story about John Daly (PGA golfer) who was known for his distance. He’d hit a shot and people from the crowd would ask him what club he just used. He said he’d fib sometimes (exaggerate by a club or two: he’d tell them he used an 8 iron, when he really used a 6) just to keep the myth going.

It could be a similar instance where Kemp was known for his dunking, so when people ask him what his vert was, he just gives a ridiculous number cause that’s what people expect to hear.

He could also be completely deluded. :slight_smile:

Great stories WF!

309

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
nomorewar wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

Side story: About a year ago I was at a mexican restaurant sitting at the bar with some buddies When Orlando Woolridge sat down next to me. I recognized him and said hello.

You hang out at the right bars…

Ha. He was in town for a coaching clinic and was with one of his old Notre Dame buddies who played football and runs a sports talk radio program here in Houston. My buddies had no idea who he was. I’ve played in a few pro-ams and have played with and met some pretty well known ball players, but this was the only time I was giddy. I mean, he was the man sittin’ next to the man! I was trying to play it cool but I’m pretty sure my shit eating grin gave me away. He was a really cool guy.

any other cool stories???

Ha, yeah I’ve got a few. One that I wasn’t there for is in early '05 the girl I was dating at the time bartened at a place called “Joia”, which was the new hot club at the time [no longer there]. Dennis Rodman came in, ordered over 8 grand in bottles and tried to walk his tab. One of the managers chased him outside and asked where he was going. Rodman flipped out and started yelling “These people are here for me! No one would be here if I wasn’t! YADAYADAYADA!” To which the manager replied “Maybe five years ago bud, now pay your tab or your has-been ass is going to jail.” Rodman paid.

Was playing at 24hr fitness off of Voss and San Felipe when Shawn Kemp came in. This was 4-5 years ago, so he was pretty hefty [at least 350] and out of shape, but he was raining 25 footers like they were freethrows in an open gym, crossing people over and throwing no-look passes all over the place. He could also move way quicker than anyone that size should be able to. I caught a dunk on the break and he told me I had hops. I said thanks and as I walked away some kid asked him what his vert was, to which Kemp replied “54”! Now, Shawn Kemp could get up, but no one in the history of the universe has a 54" vert! I’ll never understand why the Reignman felt the need to lie like that to that kid.

I dunked on Taliek Brown, former starting point guard for UCONN. Not really on him I guess, but was trailing on the break when I caught the ball and went up with two-hands. He started to jump but I was already in the air. It totally caught him by surprise 'cause I know he wasn’t expecting it/didn’t think I could do it. That’s by far my favorite personal basketball moment.

Pics or it didn’t happen.

Kidding.

That sucks about Shawn Kemp lying to the kid. Maybe he was just trying to impress the kid, because maybe the kid wouldn’t know any better. Nice job of the dunk with Brown close behind. And Rodman being Rodman, I guess.[/quote]

I figured kinda the same thing Vader said. He really didn’t know so he tossed some completely ridiculous number out there to sound cool. Still makes no sense though. Why lie Reignman, why ? Oh, Brown wasn’t behind me. Shoulda clarified, he was chasing the guy with the ball down and I was trailing the play. The dude up front dropped a behind-the-back bounce pass my way and as Brown turned and was about to jump, it was too late. He was a good sport about it though. He kinda chuckled and gave me props as we ran back down the floor. I don’t know where [or if] he’s playing now. His jumper was shaky and he wasn’t real quick, but he had a ridiculous handle. I mean RIDICULOUS. Sure he’s overseas somewhere.

Ha, thanks T, Nomore and Vader. I’ve also run into Bob Sura a few times. His girl is hands down one of the finest women I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s pretty cool too.

310

[quote]AngryVader wrote:
tmoney1 wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
nomorewar wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
Malevolence wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

That sucks about Shawn Kemp lying to the kid. Maybe he was just trying to impress the kid, because maybe the kid wouldn’t know any better.

It might also be a case of telling them what they want to hear. I remember reading a similar story about John Daly (PGA golfer) who was known for his distance. He’d hit a shot and people from the crowd would ask him what club he just used. He said he’d fib sometimes (exaggerate by a club or two: he’d tell them he used an 8 iron, when he really used a 6) just to keep the myth going.

It could be a similar instance where Kemp was known for his dunking, so when people ask him what his vert was, he just gives a ridiculous number cause that’s what people expect to hear.

He could also be completely deluded. :slight_smile:

Great stories WF![/quote]

Vader has spoken.

/discussion of this topic

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[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Ha, thanks T, Nomore and Vader. I’ve also run into Bob Sura a few times. His girl is hands down one of the finest women I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s pretty cool too.[/quote]

When he was with the Warriors, my friend used to cut Sura’s hair. She said he was a good tipper, but always hit on her (she was married).

Right after Derek Fisher got traded to the Jazz from the Warriors, he worked out at my local 24 Hour Fitness. I thought it was funny to see him at my gym since it’s pretty much the dumpiest 24 Hour in the area and there’s another one only 10 minutes away that has basketball courts. Anyway, I talked to him for a bit. Nice guy. He basically said that he was at the 24 Hour because after he was traded, he wasn’t allowed to workout at the Warriors’ facility anymore and needed a place to get a few workouts in before heading to Utah. I saw him a few more times after that. He was pretty nice to everyone that talked to him.

312

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:

I figured kinda the same thing Vader said. He really didn’t know so he tossed some completely ridiculous number out there to sound cool. Still makes no sense though. Why lie Reignman, why ? Oh, Brown wasn’t behind me. Shoulda clarified, he was chasing the guy with the ball down and I was trailing the play. The dude up front dropped a behind-the-back bounce pass my way and as Brown turned and was about to jump, it was too late. He was a good sport about it though. He kinda chuckled and gave me props as we ran back down the floor. I don’t know where [or if] he’s playing now. His jumper was shaky and he wasn’t real quick, but he had a ridiculous handle. I mean RIDICULOUS. Sure he’s overseas somewhere.

Ha, thanks T, Nomore and Vader. I’ve also run into Bob Sura a few times. His girl is hands down one of the finest women I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s pretty cool too.[/quote]

I guess since we’re on the topic of meeting NBA’ers, I’ve met Desmond Mason. Polite, friendly, well spoken, total class act. I had lunch with his neighbor the other day (who I didn’t know was his neighbor until then) and he said he was a really cool guy, and didn’t want any attention because he’s an NBA player. Just a neighbor like the rest of the people.

When I used to work at the mall, I met Marcus Fizer and Jamaal Tinsley when they both played at Iowa State. They were in town for a game vs. OU (Univ. of Oklahoma). Both were very nice and friendly, and Fizer is a TANK!!! Absolute brick of a man.

I’ve met Hakeem Olajuwon twice, really friendly guy, and always smiling. We were leaving prayer services, and everyone was asking for his autograph. He had a flight to catch to Dallas that he was already late for. He said ‘if I sign one autograph, I have to sign them all’ and signed everyone’s stuff. Respect.

Flash: Brown is playing in Macedonia

My stories aren’t as good as Flash’s, but feel free to share stories about NBA players you’ve met.

313

i have nothing to add i just wanted to say…

how about them lakers :slight_smile:

(ps, i love l.a.)

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[quote]AngryVader wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:
Ha, thanks T, Nomore and Vader. I’ve also run into Bob Sura a few times. His girl is hands down one of the finest women I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s pretty cool too.

When he was with the Warriors, my friend used to cut Sura’s hair. She said he was a good tipper, but always hit on her (she was married).

Right after Derek Fisher got traded to the Jazz from the Warriors, he worked out at my local 24 Hour Fitness. I thought it was funny to see him at my gym since it’s pretty much the dumpiest 24 Hour in the area and there’s another one only 10 minutes away that has basketball courts. Anyway, I talked to him for a bit. Nice guy. He basically said that he was at the 24 Hour because after he was traded, he wasn’t allowed to workout at the Warriors’ facility anymore and needed a place to get a few workouts in before heading to Utah. I saw him a few more times after that. He was pretty nice to everyone that talked to him.[/quote]

Yeah I’ve heard Fish is a real cool guy. Glad to hear this being verified.

315

[quote]Xen Nova wrote:
i have nothing to add i just wanted to say…

how about them lakers :slight_smile:

(ps, i love l.a.)[/quote]

OH SNAP!!! Xen has graced this thread with his presence.

Yeah, Lakers put a beatdown on the Rockets last night (sorry Flash). You must have taught Kobe some jiujitsu subs or something.

316

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
WhiteFlash wrote:

I figured kinda the same thing Vader said. He really didn’t know so he tossed some completely ridiculous number out there to sound cool. Still makes no sense though. Why lie Reignman, why ? Oh, Brown wasn’t behind me. Shoulda clarified, he was chasing the guy with the ball down and I was trailing the play. The dude up front dropped a behind-the-back bounce pass my way and as Brown turned and was about to jump, it was too late. He was a good sport about it though. He kinda chuckled and gave me props as we ran back down the floor. I don’t know where [or if] he’s playing now. His jumper was shaky and he wasn’t real quick, but he had a ridiculous handle. I mean RIDICULOUS. Sure he’s overseas somewhere.

Ha, thanks T, Nomore and Vader. I’ve also run into Bob Sura a few times. His girl is hands down one of the finest women I’ve ever seen in my life, and he’s pretty cool too.

I guess since we’re on the topic of meeting NBA’ers, I’ve met Desmond Mason. Polite, friendly, well spoken, total class act. I had lunch with his neighbor the other day (who I didn’t know was his neighbor until then) and he said he was a really cool guy, and didn’t want any attention because he’s an NBA player. Just a neighbor like the rest of the people.

When I used to work at the mall, I met Marcus Fizer and Jamaal Tinsley when they both played at Iowa State. They were in town for a game vs. OU (Univ. of Oklahoma). Both were very nice and friendly, and Fizer is a TANK!!! Absolute brick of a man.

I’ve met Hakeem Olajuwon twice, really friendly guy, and always smiling. We were leaving prayer services, and everyone was asking for his autograph. He had a flight to catch to Dallas that he was already late for. He said ‘if I sign one autograph, I have to sign them all’ and signed everyone’s stuff. Respect.

Flash: Brown is playing in Macedonia

My stories aren’t as good as Flash’s, but feel free to share stories about NBA players you’ve met.[/quote]

T, we ran into Olajuwon at the airport when I was a little guy. I had no idea who he was, and as we walked by my dad said “Give 'em hell Akeem”. My mom was terrified 'cause she thought he said “Go to hell Akeem”! Years later she saw him him at at a fabric store and said he was as nice as can be. Apperantly he makes his own clothes, or at least picks his own fabric. His brother owns a car wash right around the corner from me called, you guessed it, Dreams car wash. Never understood how/why Fizer never panned out. Was a beast with a jumper. I’ve always liked Desmond Mason. In interviews he always comes across as a personable guy. Good to know it’s not an act.

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Great stuff in here today. Good to see the Lakers show up. I hope they keep this momentum and play with purpose going forward.

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DEN on to the next round. They are looking better and better as the playoffs progress. LAL or HOU is in for a tough WCF.

319

Congrats to Denver! Predictions for tonight: LA closes out Houston in Houston. Orlando wins and forces a game 7 in Boston which Boston will win – we’ll see. Denver looks good but I still think it’s going to be LA vs. CLE.

320

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
DEN on to the next round. They are looking better and better as the playoffs progress. LAL or HOU is in for a tough WCF.[/quote]

I expect the LA/DEN WCF’s to be epic. I’d like to see my hometown Rockets extend this thing, but after last game doubt that’ll happen.