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NBA Loud - by Travis

Chicago Bulls - NBA Loud

The 2008 NBA Draft

July 1st 2008 03:49
I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.


Derrick Rose #1 NBA Pick 2008
This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.




# 2
Michael Beasley #2 NBA Pick 2008
Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.





# 3
OJ Mayo #3 NBA Pick 2008
Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.





# 4
Russell Westbrook #4 NBA Pick 2008
Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.




# 5
Kevin Love #5 NBA Pick 2008
Care of NBADraft.net
Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.
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The Year of the Head Coach

May 3rd 2008 20:01
This season/postseason has seen some of the most prominent head coaching drama I have ever witnessed during my years as a basketball fan. We may have more head coaches changing teams than players this offseason. Regardless, it should turn out to be an interesting flow of events.

Isiah Thomas
A few weeks back, Isiah Thomas was booted as the Knicks' head coach, and rather violently too if you ask me. It was expected, but the drama surrounding it wasn't. He was kept in the organization as a personal adviser (with no authority) and is banned from having ANY contact with the Knicks' players. Couldn't really get anymore embarrassing, could it? We've been hearing whispers about Marc Jackson taking over the vacant coaching job, but there hasn't been much to report on that front.


We've also got Don Nelson, who's taking his sweet time deciding whether or not he wants to remain as Golden State's head coach. This really shouldn't be a story... a coach should take a few days to decide this stuff, but Nelson wants a month or two to decide. Golden State doesn't want to lose him, so for now, they are abiding by Nellie's "rules". Dallas is also going after Nellie, but I guess he wants them to wait on him as well, which they probably won't do. Did I mention that Nellie's son is the GM and President of the Mavs? Small world, isn't it?

Avery Johnson
Why is Dallas interested in Don Nelson? Because they fired former Coach of the Year, Avery Johnson. He got them to the Finals a few years ago and that didn't go too well. He got them 67 regular season wins the next season and was dropped in the first round by Nellie's Warriors. This past season, they got the seventh seed in the playoffs and got handled by the Hornets. I agreed with this firing. I don't know how good Avery is as a coach because he's been blessed with a solid team his entire career. He may be a good coach, maybe even great, but one thing I do know is that he is being out coached in the playoffs. They shouldn't have lost to GS last season and they should have put up more of a fight this season. Maybe he can go to Chi-town or the Knicks... I hear they're hiring.

Former Indiana coach Rick Carlisle seems to be the top candidate for the Dallas job. He's already completed one interview and word on the street is that he's going in for a second. I guess we'll see if he can do something with this Dallas squad. Maybe they just need a change of scenery and someone new to call the shots. He has a decent resume, so I think he'll excel if given a solid roster to work with.

Cuban is also interested in Phoenix head coach Mike D'antoni. D'antoni is expected to be relieved of his duty as Phoenix's bench boss, but we've heard nothing confirming this. Phoenix has been a top team in the West for the past four seasons but have failed to make anything happen during that time. Management probably isn't too happy because their Hall of Fame PG and big man are getting old, which will leave Amare all alone in the upcoming years.

In addition to the major things, a few other teams have made coaching changes/decisions. Pat Riley of the Miami Heat resigned as head coach and gave the job to former assistant coach Erik Spoelstra. Chicago got rid of Scott Skiles and then he went running to the Bucks organization and is now their new head coach. Larry Brown took over the head job in Charlotte, which is a decision I did not agree with. Its been a big postseason thus far for many reasons; can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds.
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Bulls Teammates, Joakim Noah and Ben Wallace Join Fight Club.

January 17th 2008 08:33
Like a good barbequed meat, we should wait for it to marinate before passing judgement on the taste. The Chicago Bulls who have been the most disappointing team this season, suspended rookie, Joakim Noah for his apparent insubordination towards Bulls assistant coach, Ron Adams. Initially this story seemed straightforward: rookie messes up. Gets canned. However, just like the marinade, wait for it to settle before the final verdict.
Joakim Noah dunk.
Joakim Noah directs his intensity towards the hoop. (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)


In scenes that mirrored the New York Knicks locker a couple months ago where the players unanimously voted to suspend Stephon Marbury due to quitting on the team, Chicago’s players also did the same, voting to ditch Noah for two games. Ben Wallace was the instigator of the proceedings and his teammates suitably backed the big fella.

Writers and bloggers were up in arms about the insolence shown by a first year player who dared to disrespect a senior authority. Tales started being spun of an immature brat, whose fiery competitiveness is both a blessing and a curse.

Then, the facts slowly started to emerge.

Yes, Noah confronted Adams in a testy exchange, but the rookie was peeved that some of his veteran teammates were quitting on the season. During Michael Jordan’s reign in Chi-Town, punking out of a contest amounted to high treason, punishable by death. MJ would have glassed the player(s) in question.

Now, quitting is seen as a characteristic of valour.

What irked, Noah, in their blowout loss to Orlando yesterday was the sight of players on the bench, led by Ben Wallace, laughing and yukking it up while the team stunk up Disney World. Joakim, according to witnesses, confronted Big Ben (brave man) and told him what he really thought of his efforts. It got so heated that Luol Deng had to come between the two to separate the basketball gladiators.

Ben Wallace has lost a step or two on the basketball court and isn’t nearly as imposing as he once was. What is surprising though is the apathetic attitude of the man in recent times. The intensity he displayed when he played for the Detroit Pistons would make Batman wet his underwear. Nowadays, he just undermines coaches he doesn’t like.

In a somewhat happy ending though, Chicago slaughtered the equally hapless Miami Heat today.

Today’s video is of the police video when LeBron James was stopped for speeding.


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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Team News, Chicago Bulls, Lebron James
   


Scottie Pippen Makes His Basketball Comeback... in Finland.

January 7th 2008 08:55
Wow, basketball truly is an international game. If you want proof in
Scottie Pippen playing for Torpan Pojat.
There probably aren't Michael Jordan-esque players in Finland. (Kimmo Mntyl / AP)
regards to the introductory sentence, look no further than Finland where former NBA All-Star, Scottie Pippen has been making a comeback of sorts.

Pippen suited up with Finnish League leaders, Torpan Pojat for two games, with a third, in Sundsvall, Sweden.

During the weekend, Pippen scored nine points, grabbed nine rebounds to help Torpan beat Honka, 98-85. Showing signs of rust after three years away from professional basketball, Scottie found his groove in the second half, making some impressive plays along the way.

“It was great, I did not know what to anticipate without a game for the last three years," the 42-year-old Pippen said. "My conditioning is not at the top level but I played with a great team and had a lot of fun.” (AP, 2008)

In Pip’s first game he scored 12 in another Torpan victory.

The motivation for Pippen in his mini Nordic sojourn is to inspire young Scandinavians to pick up the wonderful game.

Today’s video is highlights of Pippen’s time with Torpan. He actually looked very good.


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Scott Skiles gets Mauled by Da Bulls.

December 25th 2007 12:53
We here at NBALOUD trust that everyone had, or is having, a wonderful Festivus. However, there is one person in the Association who is probably experiencing a less rocking Festivus than he should be: Chicago Bulls coach, Scott Skiles who got the sack today from the team.
Scott Skiles.
Who in their right mind would want to be an NBA coach? (AP Photo/Paul Connors)


A season full of expectations has gone down in flames, and we aren’t even in the new year yet! Something had to give for Chicago, unfortunately it was Scott Skiles. The underwhelming Bulls are sitting on a 9-16 record and look to be going nowhere. It is a shame though that a savvy coach such as Skiles got canned, but, hey, the man not playing any minutes and wearing the suit on the sidelines is the easiest person to get rid of when the team is in stink-town.

"I felt like something was going to happen," said Luol Deng. "I didn't know whether it was players or coaches. But you could definitely feel there was something. It just didn't seem like we were on the same page." (Seligman, AP, 2007)

Skiles was handed control of the atrocious Bulls during 2003 and worked a minor miracle the next season when his team won a stunning 47 games. With smart recruiting and drafting, Chicago was on its way to becoming a force in the league again.

It got better the following season when they freed cap room and gained the services of defensive monster, Ben Wallace. The Bulls started off slowly, losing the first nine games, but came storming back into playoff contention with 49 wins. Even though their low-post offensive problems weren’t solved with Big Ben’s arrival in Chi-Town, they were no longer soft defensively though.

Snuffing out the Miami Heat in the first round, they faced a battle hardened Detroit Piston team and lost. But the future looked bright. Luol Deng was going to breakout in a big way; Captain Kirk was a steady presence, while Ben Gordon was an offensive freak.

Sadly, it went pear shaped. A season that started so promisingly now has as much potential as a Britney Spears album.

A huge shadow still remains over the team that Michael Jordan built.

Today’s video is of a young Scott Skiles in college playing fantastic hoops. The man had skillz.


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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Team News, Chicago Bulls
   


Former NBA Bad Boy, Dennis Rodman Likes to Slap Buttocks and Rub Dice on People's Genitals.

November 25th 2007 00:24
Ah, the joys of end of year exams, moving houses and going back home interstate for the summer, makes it hard to find the time to pen a post here. However, a big thanks must go out to Sports Insider who has more than ably filled in for this writer.

So, now that the19, 838374 apology to loyal NBALOUD readers has come to pass, onto the basketball news!

Some mammoth performances have occurred the past few days, including triple-double performances from Baron Davis and LeBron James, have put a nice golden sheen in regards to the on-court action. Unfortunately, some off-court news has garnered more negative attention for the Association.

It has been reported that former Detroit Piston and Chicago Bull fruit loop, Dennis Rodman is in
Dennis Rodman
The Worm likes to go around happy slapping women - allegedly. (Image from wikipedia)
legal trouble for an alleged assault that occurred a year ago. In a federal lawsuit lodged last week, a former beverage manager at the Hard Rock Café in Las Vegas has sued the bad boy for allegedly rubbing up against her and slapping her buttocks.

Sara Robinson, the woman behind the complaint, in her suit stated that the Worm began making a scene behind the bar when she wouldn’t give the man any attention. "As Robinson stepped around the bar, Rodman grabbed her, pulled her towards him and rubbed his body against hers," the lawsuit alleges. "Robinson tried to get free from Rodman's grasp at which time he assaulted her by reaching down and slapping her open-handed on the bottom." (AP, 2007)

Adding further spice to the lawsuit, Robinson alleges that the Hard Rock Café fired her immediately after she made a complaint, and is now seeking unspecified damages.

Sadly, this isn’t the first complaint levelled at the Worm for sexual assault, it isn’t even the second! In fact this is the fourth time he has been in legal trouble for grabbing the more private parts of females.

Rodman also has a history of making payouts for humiliating strangers in Vegas, also, having to make an $80, 000 payout to craps dealer, James Braisch. The Worm humiliated, James when he began rubbing dice on his head, chest, stomach, and finally, the genitals.

One does wonder though: Does rubbing dice on the genitals of craps dealers bring about good luck?

Today’s video displays, Rodman at his eccentric best when he was involved in a pro-wrestling match against NBA legend, Karl Malone.


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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Misc, Chicago Bulls
   


Ben Gordon the Bull.

October 23rd 2007 06:19
In our continuing efforts to publicise, and educate underrated NBA players, such as Chauncey Billups, we’d like to introduce readers of this space to another baller who might not be getting as much love as he should. Everybody, make welcome, Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls!

Date of Birth: 4th April, 1983.
Height: 6’3” (191cm)
College: Connecticut
Draft: Third overall pick in the 2004 Draft by the Chicago Bulls.
Average Points per Game: 17.8
Average Assists per Game: 2.9
Average Rebounds per Game: 2.8
Honours: 2005 Sixth Man of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Ben Gordon is the man! Don’t believe me? Well, you can’t be doing too badly as a player if you win the Sixth Man of the Year award as a rookie! Yes, Gordon won a major award in his first year in the NBA becoming the first rookie to capture the title.

Born in London and raised in New York, Ben has had a storied basketball career in each
Ben Gordon
Ben Gordon is 'money'. (Image from nba.com)
phase of his life, winning a national title in college, and being an NBA gun with the Baby Bulls.

Outwardly, Ben’s numbers don’t seem to be very impressive to the casual fan. ‘What’s so special about Ben Gordon?’ I hear some of you ask. Good question and here is the answer: Gordon’s number become more impressive when you consider he does his work as a bench player, whilst, being the Bulls clutch option when the game is on the line.

The many fourth quarter heroics that Gordon has shown in his short career with the Bulls have been nothing short of extraordinary. Watching him play and shoot is a great joy. So, impressive is Gordon in the fourth quarter, in his rookie season, Ben had the second highest double-digit scoring performances after LeBron James. Give, Ben the ball and get out of his way one might say.

Gordon’s amazing play isn’t just relegated to the fourth quarter. The past season saw Ben light up the Washington Wizards when he hit a record tying, nine consecutive 3-pointers without a miss, whilst dropping over 40 points in a game on more than one occasion. Let’s not forget he comes off the bench!

Although, Ben does impressive work on court, he also has an altruistic side donating his time and money to a number of very worthy causes, such as the NBA literacy program. It doesn’t end there though, Gordon has followed in the footsteps of 50 Cent in releasing his own energy drink called ‘BG7’.

Keep a look out for Ben and the Bulls because they’re the future champions of the NBA.

Today’s video is of Ben Gordon in action. Enjoy.



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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Player News, Chicago Bulls
   


Magical Michael Jordan Moments: 'Payback is a Bitch!'

October 21st 2007 03:13
It’s been awhile since we’ve posted stuff on great Michael Jordan moments, so, what better time than now to write about another legendary tale in regards to MJ.

Now, the moments that have been covered so far are easily the more recognisable ones, but one favourite tale of this writer is little known outside the fanatical basketball world. Yes, we’re speaking in relative terms because this concerns His Airness, but generally speaking, this one is gold!

Has anyone ever heard of a former Washington Bullets player named LaBradford Smith? Hands up, any readers out there? Oh, put your hands down if you’re related to Smith, or are friends of the former Washington player. No?

Well, allow this writer to relate a tale involving MJ and Smith which is both hilarious and illustrative of the almost fanatical will to win from Jordan.

During the 1993 season, the Bulls were playing against the Bullets and Mike was guarding a
LaBradford Smith
The face of the man who for one night was greater than, Michael Jordan. (Image from hooppedia.com)
little known player called LaBradford Smith. This young upstart managed to drop 37 on Jordan and one could easily assume that His Airness was taking a night off defensively because he was a monster at stopping opposing players. Or, maybe Smith was just greater than Jordan, depends how you want to look at it.

The game is close and the Bulls won, but Jordan is furious that Smith had the temerity to embarrass the greatest like that. Even the win wasn’t enough to appease Jordan’s fury, and by a quirk of the scheduling the two teams would meet again the next night!

After the game MJ vowed to teammates that he was going to get back all 37 points Smith dropped on him by the first half!

Adding a further flapping red cape in front of the angry Bull, Jordan claimed that Smith also taunted him after his seminal performance with the words: “Nice game, Mike.” Telling all who would listen that LaBradford trashed him.

Everybody believed Jordan, the Bullets and Bulls players, while Smith never denied the fact that he taunted him. The legend grew with Washington players passing on the tale at how LaBradford zinged the greatest basketball player of all time.

So, the scene was set the next night when the two combatants would face each other again and Jordan was almost true to his word – he ‘only’ scored 36 points in the first half, with a jumper rimming out as the second quarter came to an end.

Want to know the best part of this tale? Are you ready for the twist at the end of the story? Jordan made up the fact that Smith had trashed him, in fact Smith never said a word, but MJ needed further inspiration to school LaBradford so told everyone that he was disrespected. Amazing.

Today’s video is of MJ lighting up Smith for 36 in the first half.
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A Hippie that Advocates LSD Consumption Makes his Mark in the NBA.

September 12th 2007 06:09
Light up your bongs, get out the tofu, and start making love, man! A
Phil Jackson 1970s basketball card.
Whoa! Look at the trippy colours in the Phil Jackson basketball card. (Image from ESPN.com)
hippie has now been immortalised in the Basketball Hall of Fame and every straight laced, starched shirted coach will always be measured against this 70s lovechild, Buddhist, that preaches a Zen philosophy to his players.

Well, for any basketball fan out there it should be bleeding obvious who we are talking about: why, Phil Jackson of course!

Moonbeam Jackson was always going to be a shoo-in for a Hall of Fame nod with an almost unparalleled coaching record, and not forgetting the nine NBA titles! Legendary Boston coach, Red Auerbach, also has nine titles, but the old Celtics strongman never considered Phil is equal. To be honest, Red thought Jackson was a ‘lucky’ Phil for going into situations with ready made dynasties, never having to build a team from the bottom up.

Well, Auerbach would be rolling in his grave now that Jackson’s bust joins his in Springfield, and that many consider Jackson his equal, if not his superior.

Jackson’s journey to the Hall of Fame was almost as eccentric as his coaching methods.

The odyssey began in the early 80s when Jackson took up the CBA coaching position with the Albany Patroons in Woodstock of all places. From the very outset the Zen-Master was different in his coaching methodology, leading the bottom of the barrel Patroons to unimaginable heights. The butt end of the standings, Albany team within weeks showed drastic improvements, eventually beating the CBA All-Stars in a game.

Within a year he had them carrying the championship trophy.

In that time, he got his players to buy into his mind expanding system in which he had minimal input, insisting his guys figure out their own way to basketball nirvana, in getting their butts back into the game if they were getting the crapped beaten out of them on the basketball court. In another coup for his coaching brilliance he got his players to share playing time and even wages amongst themselves!

It would be safe to call him the Rasputin of the basketball world as well!

Chicago came calling in 1987 and Moonbeam Jackson joined the Bulls as an assistant, seeing
Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan.
Moonbeam Jackson and His Airness got along like tofu and mungbeans. (Image from ESPN.com)
out that role for two years, before landing the job in ’89 when Doug Collins got canned.

What came out of his time with the Bulls? Oh, try six titles in eight years, with a further three more with the Lake Show for good measure.

Don’t even for moment think that this hippie coach doesn’t have a massive ego – he does. However, what distinguishes him from the rest of the coaching fraternity is that he relinquishes control over to his players, appealing to their intellects. Yes, many players might not be ‘book smart’, but when it comes to basketball and athletics, they’re the sporting equivalent to Einstein. Genius can be measure in more than one way.

Even when his squad is getting killed out there, Moonbeam can be found sitting on the sidelines as serene as Buddha himself. That’s what makes him special.

Need further proof of how out there Jackson is? Well, now that you’re all there sitting in a purple haze, here is what Library Journal said about Moonbeam’s book about his coaching days with the Bulls in Sacred Hoops: “Jackson demonstrates how he adapts the precepts of Zen Buddhism, the ways of the Lakota Sioux, and other alternative styles to the task of coaching. They range from group meditation sessions, to hanging Lakota warrior items on the locker room shelf, to splicing segments of the movie 'Wizard of Oz' into game films to make a point.” (ESPN.com, 2007)

Or in his 1975 tome, Maverick, Jackson, wrote of gaining basketball insight by consuming LSD.

Wow, wow, wow, once I stopped being distracted by the shiny tin foil in front of me, and after I go to 7-Eleven and get my hot pocket, I am getting those books!

Today’s video is a very funny one of NBA player Jalen Rose visiting the Lakers back in the day when Kobe and Shaq were on the same team, but not necessarily on the same page. Let’s reminisce while we play the bongos.


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Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins Face Off in the Greatest Dunk Contest Ever!

July 19th 2007 13:52
Michael Jordan free throw line dunk.
Flight 23 takes off. (Image from nba.com)


It’s hard to believe now that the best part of the NBA All-Star weekend back in the day wasn’t the groupies, or partying it up in the VIP section of the hottest nightclubs in town – it was the slam dunk contest. In our recent nostalgia for the days of yore in the Association it is perhaps appropriate to look back at what generally was considered the greatest dunk contest in history back in 1988.

Vince Carter in 2000 may have put on the best individual show, but it was Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan who gave the fans the most breathtaking competitive display of dunking artistry.

Back in the 80s all the big names who had mad hops made the dunk contest the jewel in the All-Star weekend crown. Being the king of jams was a title with honour, and the ballers fought hard to be seen as the man with the maddest hops, with 1988 being no exception.

The marquee players were of course ‘Nique and MJ, but Clyde ‘The Glide’ Drexler and former champion Spud Webb also featured in this contest.

The setting could not have been anymore perfect for His Airness to claim the dunking crown – it was in his hometown of Chicago, he was having perhaps the best season ever as a pro, and he was about to put on a show that would go down in the annals of basketball folklore.

In the first round The Human Highlight Film came out elevating like he has never elevated before with a close to perfect score of 49 out of 50, while MJ was slightly less spectacular with a 47 point dunk.

Clyde ‘The Glide’ and Otis Smith made it into the second round but were subsequently eliminated, leaving the dream final of Wilkins and Jordan. Just imagine a jelly wrestling final involving Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel in bikinis and you’d get the picture at how pumped the
Dominique Wilkins dunk.
The Human Highlight Film flying through the air in 1988. (Image from newsday)
crowd was for this match-up.

‘Nique set the pace with his first dunk scoring a jaw dropping 50 with an out of this world jam. Mike followed suit and ‘bam’ he also achieved perfection.

Wilkins next dunk was a tomahawk jam that rocked the rim so hard that it shook the stadium, scoring yet another 50 point slam. The Human Highlight film lived up to his moniker and it was on like Donkey Kong. MJ tried to follow suit with a reverse dunk that only netted 47.

Mike was being upstaged in his own house by a man that was on fire. Something had to be done.

There was one dunk left and all ‘Nique needed was a 48 and he would be crowned the champ. But this was Chi-Town and Jordan owned this city.

The Human Highlight Film set up for another power jam that shook the rim, it was nice, it deserved more, but it only scored a 45. Credit to Wilkins who just shrugged it off, while hoping for a higher score.

You could feel the anticipation from the crowd as they came to the realisation what dunk MJ was attempting.

Jordan began measuring his steps and mentally trying to figure out where he should start his run up. His Airness was about to defy the laws of gravity and jam it from the free throw line!

Flight 23 ready for take off! This dunk had only been accomplished once before by the great Julius Erving in 1976! Was MJ capable of pulling off such a feat? The crowd held its breath.

Jordan was building momentum, he took flight, and…he missed! Ouch! The crowd were stunned: ‘Was this the end?’ They all seemed to be asking.

Not a chance. The rules stated that Jordan was allowed one last attempt.

His Airness was rattled and then he got some inspiration from Dr. J who as legend would have it yelled at Jordan to attempt the dunk again.

Inspired, Jordan went back to the middle of the court and took flight, and this time it was majestic. It seemed like an eternity he was up in the air and it was a sight to behold. It was beautiful.

50 points.

Perfection.

Today’s video is of the contest. Enjoy.
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Magical Michael Jordan Moments: 'The Pose'.

July 13th 2007 07:58
Michael Jordan is God! Don’t believe me? Ask Larry Bird circa 1986.
Michael Jordan championship basket.
Everybody wants to be like Mike.


There have been a multitude of memorable MJ moments and during this offseason we’ll go through some of them here in NBALOUD.

Moment number one is pretty much the last significant imagery of Jordan playing basketball because let’s face it – no one wants to recall his time in Washington. Michael will always be a Bull.

So, what is the Jordan memory that will be recalled today? Well, try Game 6 of the NBA Finals in 1998 and the Bulls are facing the Jazz. With the clock ticking down on another Chicago run at a three-peat and playing in the Delta Centre in Utah, the game is on the line so who are you going to call? No, not the Ghostbusters but His Airness, because no one in the history of the game has been as clutch as Jordan.

The Jazz players and coaches knew who was going to get the ball, the crowd at the Delta Centre had no arguments at who was going to take the game winning shot, hell, just about everyone in the whole damn universe watching the game wouldn’t get any psychic brownie points in this instance because Jordan was always going to take the game winning attempt. It wasn’t just Game 6 that was on the line but a legacy.

After his first retirement and comeback the detractors came out into the fore calling MJ a spent force, he wasn’t the same cat. Two championships later everyone pretty much shut up but this was the icing on the cake. After accomplishing the impossible once already by winning three titles in a row, Mike and the Bulls were going to repeat the improbable once again.

Adidas’ slogan of ‘impossible is nothing’ should have been bestowed on Jordan and the Bulls because he made dreams come true. Too bad for Michael he is a Nike man.

With a minute left in the contest and the Bulls trailing by three Jordan strapped on his Superman cape and went to work.

Michael Jordan championship shot against the Jazz.
To appreciate true artistry you have to see the masterpiece through various angles.
First, he drove the lane and scored in a lay-up. No one in the Jazz was going to stop him and it ended up being the ‘smart’ play because they didn’t want the most hardcore baller on the planet making a 3-point play.

Utah found themselves on offense and handed the ball to their own superstar in Karl Malone, who had the ball down the baseline and was about to muscle in for an easy basketball. Wrong! Jordan and his defensive skills stripped the ball from the Mailman and was about to create history – again.

The ball was in the hands of God and there was going to be only one outcome – the stadium is hushed. MJ takes the ball down to the Bulls end and watches the clock tick down then makes his move.

With 10 seconds left on the clock and Bryon Russell of the Jazz checking Jordan tightly MJ was about to conjure up magic. His Airness fakes, does a little crossover dribble that shakes the earth from under Russell causing the Jazz player to fall ass first onto the ground, then came the shot.

It was beautiful to watch. The ball came out of Jordan’s hand in perfect fashion and with a pose to behold the ball fell through the hoop with a deafening swish sound.

Game over. Chicago wins 87-86 notching up their sixth title during the Jordan era. MJ finishes off with 45 points and the final pose etched in the memories of basketball fans forever more.

Poetry in motion. God was at work and the ironic thing is that I am an atheist.

Today’s video is obviously of this moment. Enjoy.



* All Images in this post are from NBA.com
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Pistons Going to the Eastern Conference Finals, Again!

May 18th 2007 04:56
When the Chicago Bulls knocked off the defending champion Miami Heat, they showed their potential for a championship run, but they would have to get past the more experienced Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have been to the Eastern Conference Finals for four straight years making them the toughest team in the East every year, with a starting five that is absolutely sold at every position.

Chauncey Billups, PG, former NBA Finals MVP, has to be the most patient player to play the point in a long time. Billups rarely makes mistakes and is one the best free throw and clutch shooters in the NBA. Richard "Rip" Hamilton, SG, a very consistent shooter who can score up 30 points on any given night, at his best when coming off screens and popping. Tashawn Prince, SF, the league's most underrated player, the guy can score from anywhere, post, outside, off the dribble and he is awesome defender. Rasheed Wallace, F/C, biggest mouth in the league, but he backs it up with his play, good inside post player and can get 10 boards a game if needed, pretty good three pointer shooter as well. Finally, Chris Webber, C/F, the best passer on the Pistons and has good mid-range shot when needed.

Those guys were just too much for Ben Gordon and the Bulls to handle Thursday night in Chicago. The Pistons were lead by Rip Hamilton's 23 points, shooting 9 for 18. Chauncey Billups added with 21 points and 7 assists, going 14-14 at the free throw line. Rasheed Wallace was up to his usual antics recieving a technical foul in the fourth, but had a solid game other wise with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Bulls on the other hand shot a horrible 37% for the floor and 68% at the free throw line, no thanks to former Piston Ben Wallace's 2-8 free throw shooting. All and all, the Bulls put up a valiant effort, when everyone thought they were down and out, they came back and won two straight to get back into the series, even though it was not enough to beat the power house Pistons it still shows a promise for the future and to keep a lookout because we may see this match up in the playoff a few more times.

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