Featuring for the 1st time - Levy Tran.
She's a model not your blog shop self proclaimed type. One with real ink and hot!
Here are she social media link if you liked what you see.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Featured Boobs - Levy Tran.
Although we call this blog the Boobs, Booze and Basketball, we have been talking about basketball all these while and I believe we must be disappointing some readers out there. Thus I've decided to start a lil on the boobs.
Featuring for the 1st time - Levy Tran.
She's a model not your blog shop self proclaimed type. One with real ink and hot!
Featuring for the 1st time - Levy Tran.
She's a model not your blog shop self proclaimed type. One with real ink and hot!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
IT'S OPENING NIGHT!
After months of talking and uncertainty during the off seasons, NBA IS BACK!
On opening night we have 3 games
ORL : IND
CHI : MIA
LAC : LAL
Frankly, I wasn't at all interested in the ORL vs IND game. All eyes on CHI vs MIA because of this man. All talks about him since he was out for 15 months and we want to watch how he will lead the bulls against our defending champion - Miami Heat. (I feel a sharp pain every time I say this.)
How did it go? CHI 95 MIA 107. The Heat's D was madness and the way they play as a team and moving the ball was beautiful. I know it's too early to say but these guys are in the zone.
Is there a better way to start the season than having a derby game? LAC vs LAL. We all know Kobe is still out, Steven Nash was more like Stiff Neck for now and the rest of the players are just the rest of the players. To make things worst, LAC has gotten Doc Rivers but guess what? Looks like Doc have to start the season with a L.
LAC 103 : LAL 116.
To be honest I didn't like how the starters were playing in the earlier part of the game. A lot of run and gun and we see players taking jump shot and Gasol taking 3s. And yes he did make it. But I don't believe that is the best for the team to have a 7ft shooting from outside instead of showing some paint presence. The ball movement was pretty good from the 2nd half onwards and players like Farmar, Hill, Henry and Meeks just started to light things up. The team ended the game with 5 bench players with double figures. I can't say I am all excited about this team and the coach as a Lakers fan but I must say they have given their very best on this opening night. It's too early to say anything more but I hope they keep it up. This is why I love sports, always expect the unexpected.
As for the ORL and IND game, I have to give it to Roy Hibbert and Paul George. These fellas are putting are big big numbers.
16 Rebound and 7 Blocks for Roy. and 6 rebound, 5 Ast and 24 Points for Paul.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aKWWulj8SJ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Very good opening night as a whole. I love this game!
On opening night we have 3 games
ORL : IND
CHI : MIA
LAC : LAL
Frankly, I wasn't at all interested in the ORL vs IND game. All eyes on CHI vs MIA because of this man. All talks about him since he was out for 15 months and we want to watch how he will lead the bulls against our defending champion - Miami Heat. (I feel a sharp pain every time I say this.)
 |
| D Rose #TheReturn |
Is there a better way to start the season than having a derby game? LAC vs LAL. We all know Kobe is still out, Steven Nash was more like Stiff Neck for now and the rest of the players are just the rest of the players. To make things worst, LAC has gotten Doc Rivers but guess what? Looks like Doc have to start the season with a L.
LAC 103 : LAL 116.
To be honest I didn't like how the starters were playing in the earlier part of the game. A lot of run and gun and we see players taking jump shot and Gasol taking 3s. And yes he did make it. But I don't believe that is the best for the team to have a 7ft shooting from outside instead of showing some paint presence. The ball movement was pretty good from the 2nd half onwards and players like Farmar, Hill, Henry and Meeks just started to light things up. The team ended the game with 5 bench players with double figures. I can't say I am all excited about this team and the coach as a Lakers fan but I must say they have given their very best on this opening night. It's too early to say anything more but I hope they keep it up. This is why I love sports, always expect the unexpected.
 |
| Image from LA Times.com |
16 Rebound and 7 Blocks for Roy. and 6 rebound, 5 Ast and 24 Points for Paul.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aKWWulj8SJ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Very good opening night as a whole. I love this game!
Monday, September 23, 2013
On the court I wasn't the best, but my kicks were like the pros :)
It's been a while since the last post (that goes for you too bruh +Smith Leong )
I guess we have been really busy as we are almost at the last quarter of the year and look on the bright side Christmas is coming!
A song I came across on YouTube triggered my thoughts to write this.
So this post is more about the sneaker game than about the game itself.
I have been shooting hoops since I was 12. (recreationally and started to play more competitively a couple of years later) That was when I started collecting sneakers. It was 1995. I was 14.
Til today, I am still looking for new kicks. But it's not entirely because of my blind faith or love for the brand. For me, each pair tells a story and here're my five most iconic ones in my kicksology.
Nike Air Max Sensation - Chris Webber
I guess we have been really busy as we are almost at the last quarter of the year and look on the bright side Christmas is coming!
A song I came across on YouTube triggered my thoughts to write this.
So this post is more about the sneaker game than about the game itself.
I have been shooting hoops since I was 12. (recreationally and started to play more competitively a couple of years later) That was when I started collecting sneakers. It was 1995. I was 14.
Til today, I am still looking for new kicks. But it's not entirely because of my blind faith or love for the brand. For me, each pair tells a story and here're my five most iconic ones in my kicksology.
Nike Air Max Sensation - Chris Webber
Well, these started my run into the sneaker world but that's not why they're special. I chose these instead of the originals AJ XI with Mike's #45 and bought these. I am still kicking myself to this very day. DAMN.
Nike Air Jordan XI
These are my favourite AJs. Maybe because I missed them once. (I have three pairs today :P ) But these signified Jordan's comeback and journey back to the top of the NBA.
Nike Air Jordan XIV
The last shot. The pose after.
The most magical 54 seconds by a player ever in the NBA.
The storybook ending by the greatest ever.
Nike Air Jordan I
I only managed to get a pair of these recently (thanks to an awesome friend! +Wei Jie Ng ) These marked the beginning of the Air Jordan legacy. These was what brought colour to the sneakers of the game. Nike paying five grand for every game Mike wore them was also the start of their advertising empire.
Nike Air Jodan III Backflip
The Slam Dunk contest, All Star MVP, All-Defensive First Team and Defensive Player of the Year. And my pair is even better. All black everything. Thanks to my lovely gf +gracie chua :)
That's my sneaker story. What's yours? Share!
36 days to tip-off. Hang in there y'all.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
HUSTLE! I LOVE THIS GAME!
Being inspired by an unexpected hero, I am excited to write again!
We are about six weeks away from the start of a new season and I MISS THE NBA!
As a hardcore basketball fan, my favourite parts of the game are teamwork, hustle and defense.
My inspiration today is all about hustle, its about giving your 1000% regardless of the odds.
It's true that us mortals have like a 0.01% chance of beating the ones with God given talent and even if we do take them on, we will lose 999 out of 1000 times. But hey, there's still a chance right?
I always try to pay attention to teams at certain points of the season as that's where the special ones come together, inspire each other and start forming their identity. These teams usually end up winning the chip. To me, the process is just fascinating. That's what greatness and legends are made of. The real fans appreciate this and they usually cheer louder than ever, because they know this is the difference.
Here're some recent clips that will of that awesome spirit.
I guess I feel close to this because this sums up my life and the way I have learnt to play.
I do not think I have any talent or can do anything well, but man.. I will hustle you to the death.
It's about who wants it most. Dive on the ground and in the dirt if you want it as bad, I will meet you down there. :)
Looking forward to get back to playing soon!
and lastly... LET'S GO LAKERS!
We are about six weeks away from the start of a new season and I MISS THE NBA!
As a hardcore basketball fan, my favourite parts of the game are teamwork, hustle and defense.
My inspiration today is all about hustle, its about giving your 1000% regardless of the odds.
It's true that us mortals have like a 0.01% chance of beating the ones with God given talent and even if we do take them on, we will lose 999 out of 1000 times. But hey, there's still a chance right?
I always try to pay attention to teams at certain points of the season as that's where the special ones come together, inspire each other and start forming their identity. These teams usually end up winning the chip. To me, the process is just fascinating. That's what greatness and legends are made of. The real fans appreciate this and they usually cheer louder than ever, because they know this is the difference.
Here're some recent clips that will of that awesome spirit.
I do not think I have any talent or can do anything well, but man.. I will hustle you to the death.
It's about who wants it most. Dive on the ground and in the dirt if you want it as bad, I will meet you down there. :)
Looking forward to get back to playing soon!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Game That Counts
It's been a while since I have last written which means life has been great and I have been busy with work and other stuff. And now I've got some time to blog and get a beer at the same time.. LIFE IS AWESOME.
I have been thinking about what to write and a story on ESPN caught my eye and gave me the inspiration. It was about John Wall signing his five year 80 million contract to stay with the Washington Wizards. And while he says that he hopes to win a championship with the Wizards before he retires, I wonder how much of that is actually real and if it really matters to him at all. Let's face it, the Wizards have been irrelevant for a long time (Yes, I do remember they played in the playoffs against Lebron's Cavs) and because of the trend of super teams in the league and other circumstances, I think they will remain as such for an even longer period of time.
There were quite a few articles this year on the NBA's worst contracts ever. Majority of them were done by a team who has money to spend to get enough hype to sell some tickets and players who generally take the money and could care less about how they play or if they even win at all. These players get paid a fortune (we're talking about 50-100 millions) for lazing, get into legal trouble and eventually passing their bad habits on to their younger team mates. (I keep thinking about Gilbert Arenas as the villain.. Sorry bro~)
On the other end of the spectrum, we have stars (like Ray Allen) who take a fifty percent salary pay cut so they can win another championship. Clearly, winning means more to them than dollars and cents. I am sure your reaction to this is "Well they're rich ain't he?" But aren't they all rich? Even though I am not a fan of stars teaming up to take a shortcut to success, I do appreciate those who sacrifice to win titles.
But don't get me wrong. I am old school. I am not entirely for the oldies jumping teams to chase rings. I love the players like Stockton and Miller who stuck it out with the teams who made them. And no matter how much money somebody else offers them, they won't go anywhere. I do wish for more of these players. But that's really hard to find in today's game.
And after the class of '03 retires ('03 is big because they are dominating, but they are that same pussy class that looks to form teams together), we will still be watching the game. How will the next generation of stars write the next chapter?
"After a certain point, money is meaningless. It ceases to be the goal. The game is what counts."
Aristotle Onassis
Okay, maybe I am biased. But here're my rules. If you are a player that could define and represent your generation like Kobe and Lebron, you should want to play against the other best players to prove that you are the best and not join forces with them. Give us fans something to be excited and be proud of! However, if you are a fading superstar or a role-player and you are chasing that elusive ring.. I will be more receptive...
I have been thinking about what to write and a story on ESPN caught my eye and gave me the inspiration. It was about John Wall signing his five year 80 million contract to stay with the Washington Wizards. And while he says that he hopes to win a championship with the Wizards before he retires, I wonder how much of that is actually real and if it really matters to him at all. Let's face it, the Wizards have been irrelevant for a long time (Yes, I do remember they played in the playoffs against Lebron's Cavs) and because of the trend of super teams in the league and other circumstances, I think they will remain as such for an even longer period of time.
There were quite a few articles this year on the NBA's worst contracts ever. Majority of them were done by a team who has money to spend to get enough hype to sell some tickets and players who generally take the money and could care less about how they play or if they even win at all. These players get paid a fortune (we're talking about 50-100 millions) for lazing, get into legal trouble and eventually passing their bad habits on to their younger team mates. (I keep thinking about Gilbert Arenas as the villain.. Sorry bro~)
On the other end of the spectrum, we have stars (like Ray Allen) who take a fifty percent salary pay cut so they can win another championship. Clearly, winning means more to them than dollars and cents. I am sure your reaction to this is "Well they're rich ain't he?" But aren't they all rich? Even though I am not a fan of stars teaming up to take a shortcut to success, I do appreciate those who sacrifice to win titles.
But don't get me wrong. I am old school. I am not entirely for the oldies jumping teams to chase rings. I love the players like Stockton and Miller who stuck it out with the teams who made them. And no matter how much money somebody else offers them, they won't go anywhere. I do wish for more of these players. But that's really hard to find in today's game.
And after the class of '03 retires ('03 is big because they are dominating, but they are that same pussy class that looks to form teams together), we will still be watching the game. How will the next generation of stars write the next chapter?
"After a certain point, money is meaningless. It ceases to be the goal. The game is what counts."
Aristotle Onassis
Okay, maybe I am biased. But here're my rules. If you are a player that could define and represent your generation like Kobe and Lebron, you should want to play against the other best players to prove that you are the best and not join forces with them. Give us fans something to be excited and be proud of! However, if you are a fading superstar or a role-player and you are chasing that elusive ring.. I will be more receptive...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Gilbert Arenas in Drew League
As a Gilbert Arenas fan, even a short highlight reel like this gets my blood pumping!
Seriously I can't tell if he is 100% but I do know that the friendship between him and Young is a great deal and I hope I can find more videos of them playing together, or better seeing him back in the NBA.
But my dream/hope was crushed and burnt when SLAM did an interview with him earlier this year about the possibility of him coming back to NBA.
Seriously I can't tell if he is 100% but I do know that the friendship between him and Young is a great deal and I hope I can find more videos of them playing together, or better seeing him back in the NBA.
But my dream/hope was crushed and burnt when SLAM did an interview with him earlier this year about the possibility of him coming back to NBA.
SLAM: So do you have long-term plans in China? What do you see for yourself in the future here?
GA: 32 games a year. Maximum 36 minutes. That’s all I need at this point in my career. So as long as China teams want me, I’ll be here.
SLAM: Do you have any plans or hopes to tryout with the NBA again?
GA: Nah! [Shakes head vehemently] Because after this season I can enjoy my family. You know my kids are getting older. Being in the NBA, you don’t really get to enjoy your family life because you’re always on the road, you’re always gone. So, no. After this season will be the first time I’ll get to be with my kids for a long period of time.
Damn it Gilbert. I hope some teams pick him up but I guess it's hard considering how young many young guards we get each year. I guess it's easier for a big man to come back but I wouldn't say the same for a point guard where a team needs his speed and stamina a lot more.
But one thing doesnt change for Glibert is that a joker will always be a joker. See how he tape up number 1 to be 0 again from his no.10 jersey?
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Basketball Never Stops
It's doesn't matter which player ends up where. One thing that will never change...
Monday, July 8, 2013
Good Bye Dwight and Hello Summer.
As a Lakers Fan, I am glad that the whole Dwightmare is over. I am just glad that all the silly media news about Kobe, Dwhine, MDA and what not. I just felt that sometimes players need to be given more space off the media space. They need to focus what they should be focusing on - playing the damn basketball.
If you have been following the news and rumors online, it seems pretty legit when someone stand up and pointed out at the fact that "Lakers always get the Yes." So what is the problem now? The whole social web knows that there are a few things that Dwight wanted.
- Firing of Mike D. (Is it me or Dwight really likes to get coach off their pay cheque?)
- Hiring ofStan VAN Gundy Phil Jackson.
- Be the main man of Lakers.
So the point here is that if Lakers really wanted Dwight as much as it seems, he would have easily make the 1st two points happen with a snap of fingers and giving $30 Million to make him feel like the main man should be enough and not by putting up all the banners and posters to fake it. So why didn't they do it? Simply because, the truth is that -
Enough of the whole Dwightmare Saga and HELLO SUMMER TIME!
Like many other NBA fans, I always enjoy watching a team getting big names like Howard or Nash but 1 thing I enjoy even more is talent scouting. It's never easy to look out for young stars especially when you are not located in the US where everything is happening there. We don't get that much information about NCAA or neither do we get to meet them in person or see them LIVE as compared to many other sports writer in the states. All we know is based on what we can read off the internet but thanks to NBATv I get to watch the whole Summer league for the 1st time!
Before I hit the sack last night, I managed to watch the match between Boston and Orlando. Other than watching the 2nd draft pick in action, someone else caught my attention.
From Wikipedia -
Kelly Olynyk (born April 19, 1991) is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was an NCAA All-American while playing for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
He moved to Kamloops, B.C. in grade 7.[1] He is currently studying for a Master of Business Administration at Gonzaga University, having earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in December 2012, and formerly played basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs before announcing on April 19, his 22nd birthday, that he will skip his senior year and declare for the NBA draft.[2] He also represents the Canadian national basketball team. Olynyk was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Celtics in the 2013 NBA Draft.
This 7ft caught my attention immediately because of hisugly hair height. He was standing above all and the next thing I saw was that he has the moves. He was quick, he has some sweet steps and RANGE!
I love a big man that hussle below the board grabbing rebound but a big man with range is always hard to stop. Big man like Dirk and Love are very good example.
I'm watching this young man and I hope the Celtics groom him up well. Give him some beef as well as some play time when the season starts. I believe I will see quite a bit of him since big ticket headed to Brooklyn.
The only problem I have with him from the game is that as a big man, I don't see a lot of work from him on the D and he might be a little soft for the NBA still. And also his hair. He needs a hair cut.
Enough of Dwightmare and let's watch Summer League!
 |
| And this post by "Meeks" is fake btw. |
- Firing of Mike D. (Is it me or Dwight really likes to get coach off their pay cheque?)
- Hiring of
- Be the main man of Lakers.
So the point here is that if Lakers really wanted Dwight as much as it seems, he would have easily make the 1st two points happen with a snap of fingers and giving $30 Million to make him feel like the main man should be enough and not by putting up all the banners and posters to fake it. So why didn't they do it? Simply because, the truth is that -
 |
| Hey Dwight, we just ain't that into you. I wish I had the time to put Dwight, MDA, Buss, Phil and Kobe's faces onto this poster. |
 |
| 1 of the reasons why I love summer. |
Before I hit the sack last night, I managed to watch the match between Boston and Orlando. Other than watching the 2nd draft pick in action, someone else caught my attention.
 |
| Wearing no.41 - Big KO - Kelly Olynyk. |
Kelly Olynyk (born April 19, 1991) is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was an NCAA All-American while playing for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
He moved to Kamloops, B.C. in grade 7.[1] He is currently studying for a Master of Business Administration at Gonzaga University, having earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in December 2012, and formerly played basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs before announcing on April 19, his 22nd birthday, that he will skip his senior year and declare for the NBA draft.[2] He also represents the Canadian national basketball team. Olynyk was selected with the 13th overall pick by the Celtics in the 2013 NBA Draft.
This 7ft caught my attention immediately because of his
I love a big man that hussle below the board grabbing rebound but a big man with range is always hard to stop. Big man like Dirk and Love are very good example.
I'm watching this young man and I hope the Celtics groom him up well. Give him some beef as well as some play time when the season starts. I believe I will see quite a bit of him since big ticket headed to Brooklyn.
The only problem I have with him from the game is that as a big man, I don't see a lot of work from him on the D and he might be a little soft for the NBA still. And also his hair. He needs a hair cut.
Enough of Dwightmare and let's watch Summer League!
Friday, July 5, 2013
The Greatest Assist From the Last Man Standing
We are a day from the announcement of the Dwight Howard Sweepstakes. This decision from Superman will undoubtedly change the fate of the Lakers for a while (a year max). But this post is not about Dwight. It's about the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant.
Basketball is the second longest standing relationship I have with anything close to my heart (My parents are #1). My NBA following started in 95-96 during the second Bulls Dynasty. Like all young fans, I was a fan of the star players and not particular franchises. I deeply loved some players and hated some as well (Sorry Grant Hill. I didn't know what you did but I did appreciate you more recently).Through the years, I grew from the blind media driven fan to the one who appreciates stars for the good character qualities that we can look up to and learn from. And then finally to one loves the game and its history, being able to pick a team team close to his heart and cheer for until he dies. So I have seen the game evolve and Kobe grow to be the man he is today.
I was never a Kobe fan until recent years. In fact, I hated him when he came into the league. Even after the Lakers won 3 straight titles, the hatred did not change. I always thought he was arrogant, selfish and childish. He was a player who would jeopardise the team's future for his own individual glory. I can't remember of how this turned around. But I guess the 04 season where he got into some trouble off the court was a slight nudge in the different direction. Because even though he was going through so much, he never gave up on the season and led the Lakers to the NBA Finals. After that, the Lakers broke up the team and went into a rebuilding process. Kobe never stopped fighting and kept going, and when the Lakers miraculously stole Pau Gasol (WORK YOUR MAGIC AGAIN MITCH!!). The Lakers became championship contenders again. They didn't win the gold easily, getting humiliated by the Celtics on their first trip back to the finals after the Shaq and Kobe era. That however, made them closer and forced Kobe to mix team ball together with hero ball, resulting in back to back titles shortly after.
I grew to like Kobe because this dude works his butt off everyday. Even if he just won the title, he would be back in the gym in next day. He wasn't as physically gifted as Jordan or Lebron, he had to work hard to be elite and yes he did.
However, the Black Mamba's career is coming to an end. Even though he said he wants to play another 2 years and the numbers he put up are the best in his career, he is no longer the Kobe Bryant of old. I remember watching a Kobe-Lebron christmas day matchup a fews back.. They went head to head in one possession and Lebron just blew by Kobe, sending him to the ground. That was when I knew he couldn't keep up with the younger elite player. He is still a great player, don't get me wrong. But we all know that he has time off playing defense to save his energy on offense. Basketball is a two way game.
Kobe is known as the player of his generation (along with Duncan and Shaq). He is the last man and also the last great Laker standing. Now we need him to pass the torch to the next Laker generation. Kobe has never been one to share the ball or the spotlight. Even if he shares, he has to be the lead in the cast. It's either he shoots, or he has to get the assist.
When Kobe got injured, there were talks of the Lakers possibly amnestying him to save money and building. I considered this being the greatest assist by the Laker star ever. But now that he seems firm on coming back next season, the game has changed slightly. Kobe's role on the team has to change. He has to be the mentor and a catalyst of this next Laker generation.
If the Lakers manage to sign Dwight, Kobe must be able to take a back seat at times for Dwight to shine. Having everything go through one player makes the team play predictable and easy to beat. This means that he has to be able to let Dwight play the way Dwight plays best. Whether the Lakers manage to get Dwight or not, they will have capabilities to sign two top players in 2014. But before that, they will probably not be able to contend with the top teams. There will be growing pains and this require patience, especially from Kobe himself. And finally when '14 finally comes, he will have to take on an even lesser role and focus on bringing the team together again to do it the Laker way, not the Kobe way. Playing it out for the team's future and putting his huge ego aside will be the greatest assist ever from the last man standing in Lakerland.
In a couple of years, the conclusion to the basketball legacy of the Kobe Bean Bryant will written but the one for the Lakers will continue. How will we be remembering them then?
Basketball is the second longest standing relationship I have with anything close to my heart (My parents are #1). My NBA following started in 95-96 during the second Bulls Dynasty. Like all young fans, I was a fan of the star players and not particular franchises. I deeply loved some players and hated some as well (Sorry Grant Hill. I didn't know what you did but I did appreciate you more recently).Through the years, I grew from the blind media driven fan to the one who appreciates stars for the good character qualities that we can look up to and learn from. And then finally to one loves the game and its history, being able to pick a team team close to his heart and cheer for until he dies. So I have seen the game evolve and Kobe grow to be the man he is today.
I was never a Kobe fan until recent years. In fact, I hated him when he came into the league. Even after the Lakers won 3 straight titles, the hatred did not change. I always thought he was arrogant, selfish and childish. He was a player who would jeopardise the team's future for his own individual glory. I can't remember of how this turned around. But I guess the 04 season where he got into some trouble off the court was a slight nudge in the different direction. Because even though he was going through so much, he never gave up on the season and led the Lakers to the NBA Finals. After that, the Lakers broke up the team and went into a rebuilding process. Kobe never stopped fighting and kept going, and when the Lakers miraculously stole Pau Gasol (WORK YOUR MAGIC AGAIN MITCH!!). The Lakers became championship contenders again. They didn't win the gold easily, getting humiliated by the Celtics on their first trip back to the finals after the Shaq and Kobe era. That however, made them closer and forced Kobe to mix team ball together with hero ball, resulting in back to back titles shortly after.
I grew to like Kobe because this dude works his butt off everyday. Even if he just won the title, he would be back in the gym in next day. He wasn't as physically gifted as Jordan or Lebron, he had to work hard to be elite and yes he did.
However, the Black Mamba's career is coming to an end. Even though he said he wants to play another 2 years and the numbers he put up are the best in his career, he is no longer the Kobe Bryant of old. I remember watching a Kobe-Lebron christmas day matchup a fews back.. They went head to head in one possession and Lebron just blew by Kobe, sending him to the ground. That was when I knew he couldn't keep up with the younger elite player. He is still a great player, don't get me wrong. But we all know that he has time off playing defense to save his energy on offense. Basketball is a two way game.
Kobe is known as the player of his generation (along with Duncan and Shaq). He is the last man and also the last great Laker standing. Now we need him to pass the torch to the next Laker generation. Kobe has never been one to share the ball or the spotlight. Even if he shares, he has to be the lead in the cast. It's either he shoots, or he has to get the assist.
When Kobe got injured, there were talks of the Lakers possibly amnestying him to save money and building. I considered this being the greatest assist by the Laker star ever. But now that he seems firm on coming back next season, the game has changed slightly. Kobe's role on the team has to change. He has to be the mentor and a catalyst of this next Laker generation.
If the Lakers manage to sign Dwight, Kobe must be able to take a back seat at times for Dwight to shine. Having everything go through one player makes the team play predictable and easy to beat. This means that he has to be able to let Dwight play the way Dwight plays best. Whether the Lakers manage to get Dwight or not, they will have capabilities to sign two top players in 2014. But before that, they will probably not be able to contend with the top teams. There will be growing pains and this require patience, especially from Kobe himself. And finally when '14 finally comes, he will have to take on an even lesser role and focus on bringing the team together again to do it the Laker way, not the Kobe way. Playing it out for the team's future and putting his huge ego aside will be the greatest assist ever from the last man standing in Lakerland.
In a couple of years, the conclusion to the basketball legacy of the Kobe Bean Bryant will written but the one for the Lakers will continue. How will we be remembering them then?
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The Perfect Team
As mentioned in our previous two posts, NBA free agency is upon us. With this topic as my main inspiration, I have decided to write a post about building the perfect team.
In life, we all are part of teams at work or in our daily life (no man is an island). We work as part of a team which is a part of a bigger organisation, we are members of of our families and we are in a relationship with another person. No matter how different our situations and circumstances are, we all hope for the best combo that fits.
As sports fans, we have fantasy leagues where we build our dream team by putting together the best players in the world. We love All-Star games because that's like a dream come true for fans as we get to watch these players actually play together for real. But in the sports world, like in real life... things are never so simple.
I think a friend of mine came up with the best line about putting together the perfect team. "The stars have to be aligned". In so many ways, it's extremely accurate. We need so many elements to fit together that makes it so hard to achieve.
The boss
In any business, the end result is making money. With that as the goal, we put together the most efficient team with whatever means we have to achieve it. Similarly in basketball, the management has to balance between making money and winning championships. With the salary cap in mind, they put together what they deem as the right team to entertain the fans and try to win the championship. It's not easy to get a boss who sticks to the long term plan, backs his crew and pays the high salaries willingly. Therefore, these championship teams are hard to come by and usually don't last very long together.
The coach
The boss is the guy who buys the ship and owns the fleet, the coach is the captain who steers the ship in the right direction. The coach's team philosophy and system determines the identity of the team and how well he manages the players to play within his system will equate to the success of the team. With this new generation of players who focus on individual achievements and personal glory, this is not an easy job. That's why we are all looking for a Phil jackson.
The players
In conclusion, its pretty damn obvious how tough it is to build a perfect team. I have been blessed to be a part of some great teams, both in and out of basketball... We should appreciate the great teams we are part of and those we actually get a chance to watch (whether we like them or not, like Miami Heat). A perfect team is like clockwork, working together seamlessly and yet look so effortless, an absolute beautiful thing to watch.
Today's my partner-in-crime's birthday! Happy birthday bruh!
Hope some of your birthday luck will help us sign Dwight and put us back in glory quickly.
In life, we all are part of teams at work or in our daily life (no man is an island). We work as part of a team which is a part of a bigger organisation, we are members of of our families and we are in a relationship with another person. No matter how different our situations and circumstances are, we all hope for the best combo that fits.
As sports fans, we have fantasy leagues where we build our dream team by putting together the best players in the world. We love All-Star games because that's like a dream come true for fans as we get to watch these players actually play together for real. But in the sports world, like in real life... things are never so simple.
I think a friend of mine came up with the best line about putting together the perfect team. "The stars have to be aligned". In so many ways, it's extremely accurate. We need so many elements to fit together that makes it so hard to achieve.
The boss
In any business, the end result is making money. With that as the goal, we put together the most efficient team with whatever means we have to achieve it. Similarly in basketball, the management has to balance between making money and winning championships. With the salary cap in mind, they put together what they deem as the right team to entertain the fans and try to win the championship. It's not easy to get a boss who sticks to the long term plan, backs his crew and pays the high salaries willingly. Therefore, these championship teams are hard to come by and usually don't last very long together.
The coach
The boss is the guy who buys the ship and owns the fleet, the coach is the captain who steers the ship in the right direction. The coach's team philosophy and system determines the identity of the team and how well he manages the players to play within his system will equate to the success of the team. With this new generation of players who focus on individual achievements and personal glory, this is not an easy job. That's why we are all looking for a Phil jackson.
The players
Michael Jordan once said "the organisation has to build the team, but its the players who win the championships". Putting together the key players who can play together and complement each other is already quite a tall order. Aside from them, you need to have role players who are willing to support them and come up big at certain key moments to be able to win. Like Rick Fox said "sometimes for a few minutes, a quarter or even a full game, you have to be as good as Shaq or Kobe"
If you are lucky enough to do all that and succeed, keeping the team together and prevent the egos from clashing will be even tougher. And simply putting star players together together doesn't equate success (just ask the '04 lakers). These players have to be able to sacrifice part of their individual game to play better together. A flush or straight beats an ace or two any day.
If you are lucky enough to do all that and succeed, keeping the team together and prevent the egos from clashing will be even tougher. And simply putting star players together together doesn't equate success (just ask the '04 lakers). These players have to be able to sacrifice part of their individual game to play better together. A flush or straight beats an ace or two any day.
In conclusion, its pretty damn obvious how tough it is to build a perfect team. I have been blessed to be a part of some great teams, both in and out of basketball... We should appreciate the great teams we are part of and those we actually get a chance to watch (whether we like them or not, like Miami Heat). A perfect team is like clockwork, working together seamlessly and yet look so effortless, an absolute beautiful thing to watch.
Today's my partner-in-crime's birthday! Happy birthday bruh!
Hope some of your birthday luck will help us sign Dwight and put us back in glory quickly.
The Original Dream Team. Widely known as the best sports team ever assembled.
The 96 Bulls team with the best record ever 72-10 and capping it with a championship.
01 Lakers team who almost went on a perfect playoff run.
Hi, my name is Smith, his name is Daniel and we are Basketballholics.
Basketballholic - that's the new term I just coined and that's us.
We spent too much time following, thinking, reading,arguing, discussing and watching NBA. We take it a level higher, we have decided to write about NBA.
I wouldn't call myself a hardcore fan as I am bad with the history of the game but there is one thing you can't scrutinize about us and basketball is the love for the game.
It's the off season and I ain't happy cause that means less real basketball action but lots of irrelevant PR and media talk about movement of players. The biggest talk in town of this off season has to be silly DH12 and how every team is trying to get him on board.
Don't get me wrong, I am no hater of Dwight. Like every other Lakers fan I was all thrilled when super team of Nash, Kobe, Gasol and Howard came together. No doubt he was battling injuries and adjusting to a new system/teammates and still managed to put up some numbers of 17.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG and 2.4 BPG. Argumentably still the best center in the league but are all these necessary?
I know we have all went through the pain of watching star players walking out of teams like Shaq or "The One" - LBJ but I really don't see the need of such campaigns. We ain't getting votes for president here and moreover it's LA we are talking about. We are winners and we are a team of high prestige and I really don't see how "lowering" ourselves for this is going to help the team. It seems like to me that we are begging players to play for us which is weird, we are talking about LA here and not (insert whichever team that you really hate.)
Also on free agency and also a center, we have Nikola Pekovic.
He is younger. His numbers are a little short as compared to Dwight but I think he is an amazing player. He has a team which spent most of their time on the injury list but yet his productivity is awesome! I don't see people doing campaigning for him and in fact because of all this campaign and "cheapening" our own franchise, I don't even think we can attract him to LA as a free agent. You can stand by Dwight and call me an "ungrateful" LA fan but I don't think he have met the basic requirement of a great big in LA. It's only 1st year no doubt but if he ain't giving himself a 2nd year to prove himself worthy, I will rather let him go and pick up players like Pekovic.
NBA is pretty much more of a sports entertainment these days than just being a sport. I am just glad we ain't heading to WWE's direction.
We spent too much time following, thinking, reading,
I wouldn't call myself a hardcore fan as I am bad with the history of the game but there is one thing you can't scrutinize about us and basketball is the love for the game.
It's the off season and I ain't happy cause that means less real basketball action but lots of irrelevant PR and media talk about movement of players. The biggest talk in town of this off season has to be silly DH12 and how every team is trying to get him on board.
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| Picture Credit: Ryan Hurst. |
I know we have all went through the pain of watching star players walking out of teams like Shaq or "The One" - LBJ but I really don't see the need of such campaigns. We ain't getting votes for president here and moreover it's LA we are talking about. We are winners and we are a team of high prestige and I really don't see how "lowering" ourselves for this is going to help the team. It seems like to me that we are begging players to play for us which is weird, we are talking about LA here and not (insert whichever team that you really hate.)
Also on free agency and also a center, we have Nikola Pekovic.
NBA is pretty much more of a sports entertainment these days than just being a sport. I am just glad we ain't heading to WWE's direction.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Hello world, we love basketball.
A philosopher once said "Find a place inside where
there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain." I have always said that
I am lucky to have found mine, which helps me to stay inspired and happy.
Throughout the years, I am also really glad I have been great friends (like my
co-writer Smith) who share this passion. This blog is a tribute to this game of
basketball that we love dearly and other parts of our life that are linked to
it.
The 2012-13 basketball season is officially over and I have
to say it's been an awesome year for the game. There were plenty of heartaches
due to freak injuries to many of the star players, but the playoff drama and
competition level kept getting higher with each round, resulting in one of the
best finals ever played.
This year's NBA Final, along with the upcoming free agency
inspired me to write this post. The idea of building super teams and superstars
playing together instead of competing against each other has been an extremely
hot topic throughout the years since Miami put together their Big 3. In a game that
legacies are built on championships and being the leading man behind the
system, we expect the game's superstars to be like Michael Jordan. And because
of that, a lot of fans like myself came down really hard on LeBron for choosing
to team up with Bosh and Wade which was seen as a shortcut to success. But on
the flip side, playing together to win championships and building dynasties by
sacrificing millions of dollars and part of their game to do so, does sound
like the actual sport (not the NBA) itself. I am not saying I love it, I am
just looking at this situation objectively. This is now becoming the trend in the NBA.
The top stories around the league now circle around Dwight
Howard's free agency.I saw an article about Dwight stating his intention of playing with not just
one, but TWO superstars. As an old school baller, I am finding it harder to
accept this trend and the weaker player mindset related to it. Competition is
beautiful to watch. Super teams are fun to watch, but we don't want to watch a
one sided All-Star games all the time. We want to love our stars like LeBron,
Dwight and Durant but we want to watch them go through adversity and grow to be
the heroes that we watch the game for. Isn't this why we follow the game, buy
sneakers and emulate their moves on the playground?
We all know that the game has changed a lot through the years. With David Stern putting up new rules and dictating games from time to time, weaker minded superstars playing in a softer league, the game being heavily influenced by the concept of "7 seconds of less" which believes in scoring and not in big players, defence or the fundamentals of basketball. Despite all this being said, I realised that we are still drawn towards this beautiful game that binds us. We love this game and will always do :)
We all know that the game has changed a lot through the years. With David Stern putting up new rules and dictating games from time to time, weaker minded superstars playing in a softer league, the game being heavily influenced by the concept of "7 seconds of less" which believes in scoring and not in big players, defence or the fundamentals of basketball. Despite all this being said, I realised that we are still drawn towards this beautiful game that binds us. We love this game and will always do :)
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